Mortgage & Money
Financing, refinancing, insurance, and cash flow.
Do You Get a PMI Refund When You Cancel? Here's the Truth
PMI refunds are rare and only apply to lender-paid or single-premium policies, not the monthly PMI most borrowers pay each month.
Deducting Refinance Points: The Spread-It-Out Rule Explained
Refinance points aren't deducted all at once — the IRS makes you spread the write-off over the life of the loan, usually 1/360th per month.
Deducting Mortgage Interest on Two Homes at Once: The $750K Rule
You can deduct mortgage interest on two homes if combined debt stays under $750,000 and you itemize on Schedule A instead of taking the standard deduction.
Cash-Out Refinance: How Much Equity Can You Actually Take?
Most lenders cap cash-out refinances at 80% of your home's value, meaning you must leave at least 20% equity untouched.
Can Your Lender Freeze or Cut Your HELOC? 4 Legal Triggers
Federal law lets lenders freeze or cut your HELOC if your home's value drops 20% or more, and they only need to notify you within 3 business days.
Can You Waive Your Escrow Account and Pay Taxes Yourself?
Most lenders let you waive escrow once you have 20% equity, but expect a 0.125%-0.25% rate bump and full responsibility for tax and insurance deadlines.
Can You Refinance With a Low Credit Score? Here's the Floor
A 620 credit score is the usual line for a conventional refinance, but FHA and VA loans let many homeowners refinance with scores as low as 580.
Can a New Appraisal Get Your PMI Removed Early?
A new appraisal can cut years off your PMI if it shows your loan balance is 75% or less of your home's current value.
Bridge Loans Explained: Buy Before Your Home Sells in 2025
Bridge loans typically charge 1-2% in origination fees plus a rate 1-2 points above a standard mortgage, letting you buy before your current home sells.
Are Mortgage Points Deductible the Year You Buy a Home?
The IRS lets you deduct mortgage points in full the year you buy your main home if you meet six specific tests, otherwise they're amortized over the loan.
APR vs Interest Rate on a Mortgage: What's the Difference?
A mortgage's interest rate sets your monthly payment, while APR folds in fees and points to show the loan's true yearly cost.
Amortizing Loan Points and Closing Costs on a Rental: The Rules
27.5 years is how long the IRS makes you spread most rental loan points, unlike the same-year write-off homeowners get on a primary residence.
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