Mortgages & Home Buying

Principal and interest, fixed vs. adjustable rates, down payments, and PMI — the home loan, demystified.

1. How a Mortgage Actually Works

Principal, interest, escrow, and amortization explained — and why your early payments are almost all interest.

2. Fixed-Rate vs. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

How ARMs differ from fixed loans, when a lower starting rate is worth the uncertainty, and the risks to understand before you sign.

Beginner⏱️ 7 min

3. Down Payments and PMI, Explained

How much you really need to put down, what loan-to-value means, and why crossing 20% equity makes private mortgage insurance disappear.

Beginner⏱️ 6 min

What you will learn in Mortgages & Home Buying

This track contains 3 focused lessons, beginning with How a Mortgage Actually Works and building toward Down Payments and PMI, Explained. Each lesson explains the idea in plain language, works through the reasoning, and includes a knowledge check so you can identify gaps before moving on.

Follow the sequence if the subject is new, or open the lesson that matches a question you are solving today. Pay particular attention to assumptions, risks, fees, taxes, and time horizons: those details are often what turn a general mortgages & home buying principle into a sound decision for a real household or portfolio.