Buying a home and committing to many years of mortgage loan payments is a big responsibility for home owners. It pays to do one’s homework and know the ins and outs of how mortgages work. There are several top mortgage websites that offer helpful advice for those considering buying a home and taking out a home mortgage.
E-Loan
E-Loan is a financial services website with lots of helpful mortgage information resources. They also provide resources to lending partners where home buyers may be able to obtain a mortgage loan. In 2008, WebExcellence rated E-Loan as the #1 mortgage website. From the website, users can compare loan rates, apply for a loan; and use several helpful tools, including a mortgage loan calculator, a home valuation tool, an amortization calculator, a property preference checklist, and a home inspection checklist.
Bankrate.com
No list of top mortgage websites would be complete without mentioning the helpful services offered at bankrate.com. This website makes it easy to compare mortgage rates from different banks. With a few clicks of the mouse, the user will find the best mortgage interest rates in their local area. They also provide a mortgage calculator, a loan-to-value calculator, a mortgage annual percentage rate calculator, and an adjustable-rate mortgage calculator. Furthermore, t is helpful information available regarding interest rate trends and an analysis of the real estate market.
Lending Tree
Lendingtree.com provides access to a network of lenders where users can compare mortgage rates and apply for mortgage loans online. They offer advice on applying for a mortgage, mortgage rates; and also offer several helpful mortgage tools such as a mortgage payment calculator, a mortgage comparison calculator, and a home affordability calculator. After filling out the online application, home buyers receive up to four offers from mortgage lenders based upon the criteria entered for their desired loan. From these offers, borrowers can choose the mortgage loan that best fits their needs.
Mortgage101.com
This site includes helpful information, including tips for first-time home buyers, definitions of key mortgage terms, a mortgage FAQ, a mortgage calculator, amortization calculator, and the ability to check the latest local mortgage rates. The website is not affiliated with any mortgage or financial companies and is for informational purposes only. They do not sell any mortgage products or services.
Fannie Mae
Fannie Mae is a leading loan provider to banks and other financial institutions that offer home mortgages. Their website offers many helpful resources to home buyers. From the website, users can learn more about the home-buying process, use the mortgage home loan calculator, and learn the steps necessary for qualification and approval for a Fannie Mae loan. They also offer live-web seminars to educate borrowers about the home buying and mortgage approval process.
Interest.com
Interest.com offers the use of a comprehensive list of mortgage calculators including: a mortgage calculator, a mortgage payoff calculator, interest-only loan calculator, required income calculator, rent vs. buy house calculator, fixed vs. interest only calculator, adjustable-rate mortgage calculator, balloon mortgage calculator, a mortgage comparison calculator, and a calculator that allows home buyers to calculate the type of home they can afford based on their income. There is a mortgage glossary and a mortgage rate comparison tool. Helpful tips and advice regarding mortgage points and no-money down mortgages are also available on the interest.com website.
Amerisave.com
At Amerisave.com, visitors can get current mortgage rates in seconds. They are a direct mortgage lender where home buyers can complete the mortgage process online, from application and approval – to the information gathering and closing process. They offer pre-approval certificates to home buyers, which allows them to then shop for a new home with confidence. In addition to the financing services provided, they offer useful tools including mortgage payment calculators, home purchase calculators, mortgage refinance calculators, and home equity calculators. Amerisave.com also has helpful mortgage advice articles along with mortgage comparison graphs based on the loan type and term of the loan.
Compareinterestrates.com
This is a website that allows consumers shopping for a new home to compare interest rates from mortgage lenders nationwide. Visitors can search by state for the lowest rates available. These interest rates are updated daily. There are also other helpful tools, including a mortgage glossary, mortgage calculator, and a list of reviews for mortgage lenders. When searching for local interest rates, the user enters his zip code, the type of mortgage desired, and the loan amount.
America Mortgage Online
American Mortgage Online provides consumers shopping for mortgage loans all the necessary steps to complete the home mortgage process. From the website, users can search interest rates, compare rates, and search the state directory to find the mortgage company that best fits their individual needs. There is also a mortgage calculator, a mortgage payment calculator, a loan calculator, and a refinance calculator. Users can search for mortgage rates that are updated daily from over 700 counties in 50 states. Buyers can also research the mortgage library on the website to learn more about how mortgages work and the mortgage loan process.
Mortgage Knowledgebase
Mortgage Knowledgebase provides an A-Z dictionary for commonly used mortgage terms. They also provide answers to frequently asked questions about the mortgage loan process. There is a loan matching service which matches home buyers with lenders based on the criteria entered by the user, a mortgage amortization and payment calculator, along with other helpful advice about obtaining a mortgage loan.
Buying a home and obtaining a home mortgage may be one of the most important financial decisions a family makes. Having solid advice is essential in making a well-informed decision. In addition to these helpful mortgage websites, home buyers may also wish to obtain independent mortgage advice.
