When you’re buying a home, the monthly payment matters just as much as the price tag, and when mortgage rates are higher, that payment can make a big difference in what feels comfortable for your budget. Even without a change in a home’s price, a higher interest rate can increase the monthly cost of financing it.

Planning a move? Use these questions to research a new neighborhood, including how taxes and insurance can change your monthly mortgage payment.

Buying your first home is a huge milestone, and it's normal for it to feel like a lot. Between scrolling listings, learning new terms, and figuring out what you can actually afford, it's easy to make a misstep that costs you time, money, or your dream home. The good news? Most first-time buyer mistakes are totally avoidable once you know what to look out for. Here are five of the most common ones we see, plus how to steer clear of them. Looking for a home before talking to a