Tips, trends and insights for homebuyers like you.
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![How the biggest lenders quietly drove up mortgage fees and why it matters for homebuyers]()
How the biggest lenders quietly drove up mortgage fees and why it matters for homebuyers
Mortgage fees have climbed in recent years—but not evenly. New data from Tomo TrueRate shows that the largest mortgage lenders are driving the biggest increases in lender fees, far outpacing both inflation and smaller competitors. The data reveals a growing pricing disparity that raises questions about how lender size influences cost—and how informed buyers can… Read more
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![2025 mortgage interest rate forecast]()
2025 mortgage interest rate forecast
See how Tomo Mortgage’s head of Capital Markets breaks down the latest mortgage rate forecasts, predictions, and outlooks for 2024. Read more
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![What does a “primary residence” mean when getting a mortgage?]()
What does a “primary residence” mean when getting a mortgage?
A primary residential mortgage is the loan you get for the place you actually call home—your main residence. It’s not for an investment property or a… Read more
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![What is a home appraisal and how much does it really cost?]()
What is a home appraisal and how much does it really cost?
So you’re about to buy a house and you’ve heard about this thing called an appraisal. What’s it all about, and how much is this going… Read more
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![Do I need to worry about a home inspection?]()
Do I need to worry about a home inspection?
A home inspection is like getting a checkup for the house you’re about to buy. A licensed inspector goes through all the critical stuff—foundation, roof, plumbing,… Read more
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![Who can get in on a VA loan?]()
Who can get in on a VA loan?
A VA loan is a mortgage loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Its primary purpose is to help veterans, active-duty service members,… Read more
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![Is an FHA loan a good idea?]()
Is an FHA loan a good idea?
For some people, an FHA loan can be a golden ticket to home ownership. It’s backed by the Federal Housing Administration (ie, the FHA) and it’s… Read more
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![How do interest rates work? Understanding how mortgage companies make money]()
How do interest rates work? Understanding how mortgage companies make money
You’re paying to borrow. When you take out a mortgage, you’re borrowing a large sum from the bank or lender. The interest rate is essentially their… Read more
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![Does finding the lowest APR guarantee the best loan?]()
Does finding the lowest APR guarantee the best loan?
Lenders are going to show you multiple numbers when they give you a quote—the interest rate, the APR, the points (or costs for points), and fees.… Read more
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![Do I need a realtor to buy a house? Pros and cons of DIY home buying]()
Do I need a realtor to buy a house? Pros and cons of DIY home buying
Long story short, no, you do not need a realtor to buy a home. However, when looking at the pros and cons of having a realtor,… Read more
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![Are closing costs a good way to pick a lender?]()
Are closing costs a good way to pick a lender?
Maybe. Be careful about what you’re comparing. While it’s easy to focus on the total cash needed to close, it’s not the most reliable way to… Read more
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![What’s the average age of a first-time homebuyer?]()
What’s the average age of a first-time homebuyer?
You might be asking: if I don’t own a home by the time I’m 30 am I totally failing at life? We feel you, and no. … Read more
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![Everything you need to know about mortgage insurance premiums (MIP)]()
Everything you need to know about mortgage insurance premiums (MIP)
MIP, or mortgage insurance premium, is an essential part of certain home loans—specifically those backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Just like PMI (private mortgage… Read more
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![What’s a promissory note in real estate?]()
What’s a promissory note in real estate?
A promissory note in real estate is like a fancy IOU. You’re basically saying, “Yeah, I’m borrowing money to get this house, and I promise to… Read more
