Mortgage Basics
Understanding Mortgages Starts Here
Whether you're buying your first home, renewing your mortgage, refinancing, or simply trying to understand how mortgages work, start with the question you have today.
I'm looking for...
Buying my first home
Start with what you'll need before making an offer.
Renewing my mortgage
Understand your options before accepting a renewal.
Using my home equity
See how refinancing may help you use the equity in your home.
Mortgage terms
Find clear explanations of common mortgage language.
Mortgage tools
Use calculators and comparison tools to work through the numbers.
Find the answer you're looking for.
Start with the topic that matches what you're trying to understand. Some questions are answered with a Mortgage Minute, while others are easier to work through with a guide or mortgage tool.
Find the answer you're looking for
Start with the question you have today.
Choose the topic that best matches what you're trying to understand. Each answer connects naturally to related Mortgage Minutes, guides, and tools.
How Mortgages Work
Everything starts here.
Understanding these ideas makes every other mortgage topic easier to understand.
What Is a Mortgage?
Understand what a mortgage is, how repayment works, and why the property acts as security for the loan.
Coming soon
Mortgage Term vs. Amortization
Understand the difference between your mortgage term and the time used to repay the full mortgage.
Coming soon
Principal vs. Interest
See how each mortgage payment is divided between reducing your balance and paying interest.
Coming soon
Mortgage Payments
Estimate payments using different mortgage amounts, rates, amortizations, and payment schedules.
Next, see how these ideas come together when you buy a home.
Buying a Home
Buying a home starts long before you make an offer.
These are some of the questions almost every buyer asks while planning a purchase.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Understand what a pre-approval can tell you and what it does not guarantee.
Down Payments
See when you may be able to buy with less than 20% down and how minimum requirements work.
Mortgage Default Insurance
Understand when it is required, who it protects, and how the premium works.
How Much House Can I Afford?
See how income, debts, rates, down payment, taxes, and housing costs affect affordability.
Loan-to-Value
Understand how the mortgage amount compares with the property value and why that ratio matters.
Coming soon
Once your budget is clearer, you can compare your mortgage options.
Mortgage Choices
Not every mortgage works the same way.
Compare common mortgage options and understand the differences before making a decision.
Fixed vs. Variable
Compare payment stability, rate changes, penalties, and flexibility.
Compare Fixed & Variable Mortgages
Compare estimated payments, interest costs, principal repaid, and remaining balances.
Mortgage Renewals
Understand what to review before accepting your next mortgage term.
Mortgage Refinancing
See how refinancing may help with equity access, debt consolidation, or monthly cash flow.
Open vs. Closed Mortgages
Compare flexibility, repayment options, and the possible costs of each structure.
Coming soon
After your mortgage is in place, different features and decisions may still matter.
Managing Your Mortgage
Buying your home is only the beginning.
These topics explain the choices and features that may matter after your mortgage is in place.
Home Equity
Understand what equity is, how it grows, and how homeowners may access it.
Coming soon
Mortgage Penalties
Understand why a penalty may apply and what can affect the amount.
Coming soon
Prepayment Privileges
See how extra payments may reduce interest and shorten your repayment time.
Coming soon
Mortgage Portability
Understand how an existing mortgage may move with you to another property.
Coming soon
Where to Go Next
Choose what would help you most.
You can follow a complete mortgage process, find a quick answer, or work through your own numbers.
Mortgage Guides
Follow the Complete Process
Walk through buying your first home, renewing your mortgage, or refinancing from beginning to end.
Mortgage Minutes
Find a Quick Answer
Get a clear explanation of one common mortgage question in just a few minutes.
Mortgage Tools
Work Through the Numbers
Estimate payments, down payments, closing costs, and compare fixed and variable mortgage options.
A Note from Kiersten
Mortgages don't have to feel confusing.
My goal is to explain mortgages the same way I would if we were sitting across the table together: clearly, honestly, and without unnecessary jargon. Whether you're buying your first home or you've owned one for years, I hope this website helps you feel more confident about your next decision.
Still Have a Question?
Let's start with a conversation.
Every mortgage is a little different. If you'd like to talk through your own situation, I'd be happy to answer your questions and help you understand what comes next.
No pressure. Just a clear conversation.