Mary Beth Eastman

Axos Bank offers a wide range of mainstream and hard-to-find home loan products, and you can prequalify with a soft credit pull. Borrowers can apply for and manage their loans online or by phone.

Fairway Independent Mortgage ranked top in the 2023 U.S. Mortgage Origination Satisfaction Study from J.D. Power. It offers conventional loans, renovation loans and loans for physician borrowers, and grants and down payment assistance are available to eligible borrowers.

LendingTree does not originate home loans. It's a marketplace that borrowers can use to compare loan options from multiple mortgage providers. LendingTree lists average rates; to get specific rates, you must provide contact details.

Wells Fargo offers competitive rates on a good selection of mortgage products. It publishes rates online and offers custom quotes if you provide contact information. You can prequalify and apply online, over the phone or in-person at a branch office.

Fifth Third Bank offers traditional mortgages as well as affordable community home loans, physician loans and construction loans. You can see its rates online without submitting contact information.

Sometimes bigger is better. Learn where these home loan giants are located and what they have to offer.

A mortgage recast reduces your total interest and monthly mortgage payment, but it requires a large lump-sum payment toward your loan balance.

It might be your ticket to an affordable custom home, but it's best to know what to expect.

Title insurance can feel like an overpriced, unnecessary add-on at closing—but in a housing market full of hidden risks, it might just be your best protection against a costly legal headache. Learn more here.

Mortgage defaults are up, with more homeowners on the edge of foreclosure. Learn how to "cure" a default.

PenFed Credit Union offers a range of mortgage products, but you need to be a member to qualify. Its Power Buyer program allows you to lock in a rate for 60 days while you shop for a home.

Learn about the differences between credit unions and national banks.

Fox Money is a personal finance hub featuring content generated by Credible Operations, Inc. (Credible), which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. The Fox Money content is created and reviewed independent of Fox News Media. Credible is…

CrossCountry Mortgage is based in Cleveland, Ohio, and operates more than 600 branches in 50 states. CrossCountry Mortgage Loans Are Best For: First-time homebuyers. People looking for a full-service mortgage lender. People who want a broad selection…

Mary Beth is a freelance writer for Newsweek’s personal finance team. She specializes in explaining the ins and outs of mortgages and other loans, helping people to use debt wisely and build their credit. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Mary Beth is a…

Mary Beth is a freelance writer for Newsweek’s personal finance team. She specializes in explaining the ins and outs of mortgages and other loans, helping people to use debt wisely and build their credit. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Mary Beth is a…

Fox Money is a personal finance hub featuring content generated by Credible Operations, Inc. (Credible), which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. The Fox Money content is created and reviewed independent of Fox News Media. Credible is…

Methodology To determine the best mortgage companies, Fox Money evaluated lenders based on several different categories: rates and fees, reputation, eligibility, efficiency, customer experience, and discounts and perks. We also looked at the types of…

Personal loan interest rates range from 7% to 36%, but the average rate for a 24-month loan was 12.49% in the first quarter of 2024, according to the Federal Reserve. To qualify for a below-average rate, you’ll need excellent credit scores and a low…

Fox Money is a personal finance hub featuring content generated by Credible Operations, Inc. (Credible), which is majority-owned indirectly by Fox Corporation. The Fox Money content is created and reviewed independent of Fox News Media. Credible is…