Getting preapproved for your mortgage is an important step to take when you are ready to shop for a home. It shows sellers that you’re a serious homebuyer and that you can secure financing -- which allows you to shop smarter and make stronger offers!

Buying a home is a big financial decision, and for many people, obtaining a mortgage is a necessary part of the process. However, once you have a mortgage, you may find yourself struggling to make the monthly payments.

When you first got your mortgage, you might have applied with a spouse or other co-borrower to get better mortgage terms, split the financial responsibilities or simply because you wanted to live together.

You’ve decided to buy your first home. Congratulations! Now you need a mortgage. Take a big breath — it’s not every day you apply for a loan with that many zeros.

Credit scores are so important to people's financial lives that it's only natural to wonder: "Just how is my credit score calculated?" You’ll be relieved to know that a lot of people don’t fully understand what determines a credit score, and that’s okay!

If you’re reading this article, you are more than likely purchasing your first home or are at least interested in taking the first steps towards that goal. That’s something to be proud of!