Richard Barrington

Changing conditions are a challenge for consumers, but comparison shopping is a great equalizer.

See five ways thinking ahead can help you be eligible to refinance if the right rate opportunity comes up.

Making extra payments on a longer loan gives a mortgage borrower some flexibility, but it also misses out on the interest rate advantage of a shorter loan.

Refinancing to consolidate debt can lower your interest rate and simplify payments, but you need to recognize the potential drawbacks as well.

Financing a mortgage can represent a big effort, as well as a big risk.