Rachel Witkowski Most Recent What is mortgage interest, and how does it work? Mortgage interest is the fee a mortgage lender charges you for borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. Learn how mortgage interest works. How to buy down your mortgage interest rate A buydown interest rate program lets you pay extra at closing for a lower mortgage rate, either permanently or temporarily. Learn how to buy down your rate. Is it better to build or buy a house? Building a house takes time and involves jumping through a lot of hoops. Buying a home can be limiting, but it may be cheaper. Find out which is better for you. How to decide between a condo vs. a house Condos usually make great starter homes, but here's what to consider when deciding between a condo vs. a single-family house.