Mortgage Guide
All the information you need to buy a home.
Featured tools
Mortgage Rate Lock | How do rate locks work?
Interest rates fluctuate. A mortgage rate lock freezes your interest rate for a set time, protecting you if it rises. As a result, you know how much your loan will cost before..
What's the difference between mortgage interest rate and APR?
Because the APR represents the overall cost of your mortgage, it should make it easier for you to compare loan offers to find the best deal on your mortgage. However, APR can vary..
Seller Credit | Can the seller pay the homebuyer's closing costs?
This article explains how the seller can pay your closing costs when buying a house. You'll learn how they work, when to ask for them, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Loan Purpose | How loan purpose affects your mortgage rate
When applying for a mortgage, the first question on the mortgage application is, "what is the loan's purpose?" You have two options, purchase or refinance. I'll explain how the..
Earnest Money | How it works when buying a home
Earnest money shows sellers you're interested in buying their house. It's a small amount, like 1% to 3% of the house price, that you deposit upfront when offering to buy the..
What does PITI mean? PITI mortgage calculator
PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance. The term refers to the components of your monthly housing expense.
Principal residence, second home, or investment property?
"Occupancy" refers to how you will use the property you plan to buy. Will it be your principal residence, second home, or investment property? Whether or not you will live there..
How much are prepaid items & mortgage escrow?
Prepaid items are homeowner’s insurance, mortgage interest, and property taxes you pay at closing when you buy a home. In this article, I'll explain how to estimate the money..
How homeowner’s insurance works when you have a mortgage
When you buy a home, your lender will require a homeowner’s insurance policy to protect both you and the property. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right coverage,..
Mortgage Discount Points: Break-Even Calculator
Mortgage discount points are an optional upfront fee you pay at closing to lower your interest rate.
Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculator | Chicago metro area
Real estate transfer taxes are fees that the state, counties, and local municipalities charge buyers and sellers when transferring property ownership. Use our real estate transfer..
© 2025 NewCastle Home Loans, LLC. All rights reserved.
Lending in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee.

