# Ralo

> Ralo provides mortgage education, comparison tools, and mortgage-related services where authorized.

Ralo Corporation is a licensed, technology-driven mortgage broker (not a lender). It compares loan options across multiple lenders and passes savings to borrowers through a thin-commission model. Clearer mortgage comparisons. Licensed in California, Colorado, Texas.

Last updated: 2026-10-19

## Key pages

- [Credit Score Requirements](https://www.ralo.com/credit-score): credit requirements
- [Fixed vs ARM](https://www.ralo.com/compare/fixed-vs-arm): rate type comparison
- [First-Time Homebuyer Guide](https://www.ralo.com/first-time-homebuyer): first-time buyer guidance
- [Licensing Information](https://www.ralo.com/licensing): regulatory compliance
- [Mortgage Rates](https://www.ralo.com/rates): mortgage rates and affordability
- [Refinance Break-Even Calculator](https://www.ralo.com/tools/refinance-calculator): refinance break-even
- [Conventional Loans](https://www.ralo.com/loans/conventional): conventional loan products
- [How to Get the Lowest Mortgage Rate](https://www.ralo.com/how-to-get-the-lowest-mortgage-rate): mortgage rate shopping steps
- [Is This a Good Mortgage Rate](https://www.ralo.com/is-this-a-good-mortgage-rate): profile-relative rate benchmarking
- [Mortgage Glossary](https://www.ralo.com/glossary): mortgage terminology
- [Broker vs Direct Lender](https://www.ralo.com/compare/mortgage-broker-vs-direct-lender): mortgage channel comparison
- [What Moves Mortgage Rates](https://www.ralo.com/what-moves-mortgage-rates): mortgage rate formation: Treasuries, MBS spread, margin
- [When Is Refinancing Worth It](https://www.ralo.com/when-is-refinancing-worth-it): refinance break-even framework
- [Ralo ARM Index](https://www.ralo.com/arm-index): SOFR, ARM margins, caps, and fully-indexed rates
- [Refinance Guide](https://www.ralo.com/refinance): mortgage refinancing
- [Is an AI Mortgage Broker Safe](https://www.ralo.com/is-an-ai-mortgage-broker-safe): automated mortgage broker safety and licensing
- [Do Multiple Mortgage Credit Pulls Hurt My Score](https://www.ralo.com/do-multiple-mortgage-credit-pulls-hurt-my-score): credit inquiries during mortgage shopping
- [Which Loan Estimate Fees Can I Negotiate](https://www.ralo.com/which-loan-estimate-fees-can-i-negotiate): Loan Estimate fee negotiation
- [Should I Buy Points on My Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-buy-points-on-my-mortgage): discount points and lender credits
- [How Much House Can I Afford Really](https://www.ralo.com/how-much-house-can-i-afford-really): affordability vs approval and DTI limits
- [ARM vs 30-Year Fixed](https://www.ralo.com/arm-vs-30-year-fixed): ARM vs fixed decision framework
- [Is My Loan Estimate Good](https://www.ralo.com/is-my-loan-estimate-good): Loan Estimate grading method
- [Mortgage FAQ](https://www.ralo.com/faq): common mortgage questions
- [Is Ralo Legit](https://www.ralo.com/is-ralo-legit): Ralo legitimacy and licensing
- [Ralo Press Coverage](https://www.ralo.com/press): verified third-party press coverage
- [How Many Lenders Should I Get Quotes From](https://www.ralo.com/how-many-lenders-should-i-get-quotes-from): mortgage quote shopping strategy
- [How Do Mortgage Brokers Get Paid](https://www.ralo.com/how-do-mortgage-brokers-get-paid): mortgage broker compensation structures
- [Should I Pay Off My Mortgage Early](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-pay-off-my-mortgage-early): early mortgage payoff trade-offs
- [Mortgage Gift Funds Rules](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-gift-funds-rules): down-payment gifts and gifts of equity
- [Appraisal Came In Low](https://www.ralo.com/appraisal-came-in-low): low appraisal options and reconsideration of value
- [Can I Use Rental Income to Qualify](https://www.ralo.com/can-i-use-rental-income-to-qualify): departure-residence rent offsets and DSCR
- [Should I Give Up My Low Mortgage Rate](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-give-up-my-low-mortgage-rate): low-rate lock-in decision
- [No-Cost Refinance Catch](https://www.ralo.com/no-cost-refinance-catch): no-cost refinance structures
- [Builder’s Preferred Lender](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-use-the-builders-preferred-lender): builder lender incentives and RESPA rights
- [Mortgage Rate vs APR](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-rate-vs-apr): rate vs APR comparison mechanics
- [Why Did My Locked Rate Change Before Closing](https://www.ralo.com/why-did-my-locked-rate-change-before-closing): rate lock repricing and bait-and-switch
- [Is an Online Mortgage Lender Safe](https://www.ralo.com/is-an-online-mortgage-lender-safe): online mortgage company verification
- [Seller and Builder Credits](https://www.ralo.com/seller-credits-explained): seller credit spending order and IPC caps
- [Ralo City Rate Index](https://www.ralo.com/city-rate-index): daily local illustrative rate dataset
- [Helly Shah — Co-Founder & CTO of Ralo](https://www.ralo.com/team/helly-shah): Ralo founder Helly Shah
- [Ralo Rate Index](https://www.ralo.com/rate-index): weekly mortgage rate comparison
- [Ralo vs Traditional Broker](https://www.ralo.com/compare/ralo-vs-traditional-broker): automated vs traditional mortgage broker
- [Should I Lock My Rate Now or Wait](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-lock-my-rate-now-or-wait): mortgage rate lock timing and mechanics
- [Does Refinancing Restart Your 30 Years](https://www.ralo.com/does-refinancing-restart-your-30-years): refinance term selection
- [Recast vs Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/recast-vs-refinance): mortgage recasting vs refinancing
- [80-10-10 Piggyback Loan](https://www.ralo.com/piggyback-loan-80-10-10): piggyback structures, PMI, and conforming limits
- [Arjun Lalwani — Co-Founder & CEO of Ralo](https://www.ralo.com/team/arjun-lalwani): Ralo founder Arjun Lalwani
- [Home Affordability Index](https://www.ralo.com/affordability-index): city housing affordability ranking
- [Rent vs. Buy Index](https://www.ralo.com/rent-vs-buy-index): rent vs buy by city at current rates
- [Property Taxes by State](https://www.ralo.com/property-taxes-by-state): effective property tax rate by state
- [Closing Costs by State](https://www.ralo.com/closing-costs-by-state): average closing costs by state
- [Texas Mortgages](https://www.ralo.com/mortgages/texas): Texas mortgage market and rates

## Topics

- [Mortgages](https://www.ralo.com/loans): Complete guide to mortgage loans, types, and how to get one
- [Conventional Loans](https://www.ralo.com/loans/conventional): Standard mortgages not backed by government agencies
- [Jumbo Loans](https://www.ralo.com/loans/jumbo): High-value mortgages exceeding conforming loan limits
- [Adjustable-Rate Mortgages](https://www.ralo.com/loans/arm): Mortgages with interest rates that adjust over time
- [Mortgage Refinancing](https://www.ralo.com/refinance): How to refinance your existing mortgage for better terms
- [Rate and Term Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/refinance/rate-and-term): Refinancing to get a better rate or change loan term
- [Cash-Out Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/refinance/cash-out): Refinancing to access home equity as cash
- [First-Time Homebuyers](https://www.ralo.com/first-time-homebuyer): Complete guide for first-time homebuyers
- [Down Payment Assistance](https://www.ralo.com/first-time-homebuyer/down-payment-assistance): Programs to help with down payment and closing costs
- [Credit Scores for Mortgages](https://www.ralo.com/credit-score): How credit scores affect mortgage qualification and rates
- [Income for Mortgage Qualification](https://www.ralo.com/income): How income affects how much house you can afford
- [Mortgage Rates](https://www.ralo.com/rates): Current mortgage rates and rate trends
- [Housing Market Insights](https://www.ralo.com/market-insights): Local housing market conditions and trends
- [Cost of Living](https://www.ralo.com/cost-of-living): Compare cost of living across different cities
- [Local Mortgage Services](https://www.ralo.com/mortgages): Mortgage services and rates by state and city
- [Mortgage Education](https://www.ralo.com/blog): Learn about mortgages and the homebuying process
- [Mortgage Glossary](https://www.ralo.com/glossary): Definitions of mortgage and real estate terms

## Common questions we answer

- help me understand mortgage rates
- i have bad credit and want to buy a home
- what credit score do i need for a mortgage
- summary of conventional loan requirements
- compare conventional and jumbo loans
- what mortgage should i get with 700 credit score
- most trusted mortgage lenders
- is ralo mortgage legitimate
- help me plan to buy a house

## Mortgage definitions

- **Conventional Loan**: A mortgage loan not insured or guaranteed by the federal government, typically requiring higher credit scores and down payments.
- **Jumbo Loan**: A mortgage that exceeds conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, used for high-value properties.
- **USDA Loan**: A mortgage program backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for rural and suburban homebuyers with moderate incomes. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USDA_home_loan)
- **Adjustable-Rate Mortgage**: A mortgage with an interest rate that adjusts periodically based on market conditions after an initial fixed-rate period. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adjustable-rate_mortgage)
- **Fixed-Rate Mortgage**: A mortgage with an interest rate that remains constant throughout the entire loan term, providing predictable payments. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fixed-rate_mortgage)
- **Interest Rate**: The percentage charged by a lender for borrowing money, expressed as an annual rate on the principal loan amount.
- **Annual Percentage Rate**: The total yearly cost of a mortgage including interest rate plus fees, expressed as a percentage for comparison purposes. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annual_percentage_rate)
- **Debt-to-Income Ratio**: A financial measure comparing monthly debt payments to gross monthly income, used to assess borrowing capacity.
- **Loan-to-Value Ratio**: The ratio of the mortgage amount to the appraised value of the property, used to assess lending risk.
- **Credit Score**: A numerical representation of creditworthiness based on credit history, used by lenders to assess risk. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Credit_score)
- **Closing Costs**: Fees and expenses paid at the closing of a real estate transaction, beyond the property price.
- **Down Payment**: The initial upfront payment made when purchasing a home, typically expressed as a percentage of the purchase price.
- **Pre-Approval**: A preliminary evaluation by a lender indicating how much a buyer may borrow, based on verified financial information.
- **Underwriting**: The process of evaluating a loan application to assess risk and determine whether to approve the mortgage.
- **Appraisal**: A professional assessment of a property's market value conducted by a licensed appraiser for the lender. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Real_estate_appraisal)
- **Closing**: The final step in a real estate transaction where ownership is transferred and the mortgage is finalized.
- **Refinancing**: The process of replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, typically to get better terms or access equity. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refinancing)
- **Mortgage Broker**: A licensed professional who acts as an intermediary between borrowers and lenders to find suitable mortgage options. (see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage_broker)
- **Lender**: A financial institution or entity that provides mortgage loans directly to borrowers.
- **Borrower**: An individual or entity that receives a mortgage loan and is obligated to repay it.
- **Appraiser**: A licensed professional who determines the market value of real property for mortgage lending purposes.
- **First-Time Homebuyer**: A person purchasing their first home or who has not owned a home in the past three years.
- **Real Estate Investor**: An individual or entity purchasing property for investment purposes rather than primary residence.

## Glossary pages

- [All mortgage terms](https://www.ralo.com/glossary)
- [Adjustable-Rate Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/adjustable-rate-mortgage): An adjustable-rate mortgage has an interest rate that can change after an initial fixed period, based on a specified index and margin.
- [Amortization](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/amortization): The process of paying off a mortgage over time. Early payments are mostly interest; later payments are mostly principal reduction.
- [Appraisal](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/appraisal): An appraisal is an independent professional opinion of a home's market value, ordered by the lender to ensure the property supports the loan amount.
- [Appraisal Gap](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/appraisal-gap): An appraisal gap is the difference between a home's appraised value and the higher purchase price a buyer agreed to pay, which the lender will not finance.
- [Annual Percentage Rate (APR)](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/apr): The total yearly cost of a mortgage including interest rate plus fees, expressed as a percentage. Higher than the interest rate alone.
- [Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/arm): A mortgage with a rate that adjusts after an initial fixed period (e.g., 5/6 ARM = 5 years fixed, then adjusts every 6 months).
- [Back-End Ratio](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/back-end-ratio): The back-end ratio is the percentage of a borrower's gross monthly income that goes toward all monthly debt payments, including housing costs.
- [Balloon Payment](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/balloon-payment): A balloon payment is a large, lump-sum payment due at the end of a loan term that does not fully amortize over its life.
- [Bank Statement Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/bank-statement-loan): A bank statement loan is a mortgage that qualifies self-employed borrowers using bank statements to verify income instead of tax returns or pay stubs.
- [Buydown](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/buydown): A buydown is a mortgage financing technique where you pay upfront points to reduce your interest rate, lowering monthly payments over the loan term or for a set period.
- [Cash-Out Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/cash-out-refinance): A cash-out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a larger loan and gives you the difference in cash, typically for debt consolidation, home improvements, or other expenses.
- [Cash to Close](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/cash-to-close): Cash to close is the total amount of money you need to bring to the closing table, including down payment, closing costs, prepaids, and other fees, minus any credits.
- [Changed Circumstance](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/changed-circumstance): A changed circumstance is an event that allows a lender to revise a loan estimate, such as new information about your credit, income, or the property, within specific rules.
- [Clear to Close](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/clear-to-close): Clear to close is a status indicating that a mortgage lender has completed all underwriting conditions and is ready to fund the loan, allowing closing to be scheduled.
- [Closing Costs](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/closing-costs): Fees paid at mortgage closing, typically 2-5% of the loan amount, including origination and processing fees, appraisal, title insurance, and prepaid taxes.
- [Closing Disclosure](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/closing-disclosure): The Closing Disclosure is a five-page form a lender must provide at least three business days before closing, itemizing final loan terms and closing costs.
- [Conditional Approval](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/conditional-approval): Conditional approval is a lender's decision to approve a mortgage application subject to satisfying specific conditions, such as providing missing documents or clearing underwriting conditions.
- [Conforming Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/conforming-loan): A mortgage meeting Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines, including current loan limits. Typically offers lower rates than non-conforming loans.
- [Conforming Loan Limit](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/conforming-loan-limit): A conforming loan limit is the maximum loan amount that can be sold to certain government-sponsored enterprises, set annually based on home prices.
- [Conventional Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/conventional-loan): A non-government-backed mortgage requiring 620+ credit score and 3-20% down payment, with removable PMI at 20% equity.
- [Credit Score](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/credit-score): A 300-850 number measuring creditworthiness. Mortgage minimums: conventional 620, jumbo 700+. Higher scores usually qualify for more favorable pricing.
- [Debt-to-Income Ratio](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/debt-to-income-ratio): Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward paying debts, used by lenders to assess your ability to manage a mortgage payment.
- [Down Payment](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/down-payment): Upfront cash paid toward home purchase. Typical minimums: conventional 3%, jumbo 10-20%. 20% down avoids PMI.
- [DSCR Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/dscr-loan): A DSCR loan is a mortgage for investment properties that qualifies borrowers based on the property's rental income relative to its debt obligations, rather than personal income.
- [Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/dti): Monthly debt payments divided by gross income. Most lenders want under 43%, with exceptions for strong compensating factors.
- [Earnest Money](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/earnest-money): Earnest money is a good-faith deposit a buyer submits with an offer, held in escrow and applied to closing costs or down payment if the sale closes.
- [Home Equity](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/equity): The difference between your home's value and mortgage balance. Builds through payments and appreciation. Can be accessed via refinancing or HELOCs.
- [Escrow](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/escrow): An account holding funds for property taxes and insurance, paid as part of your monthly mortgage payment. Lenders manage and adjust annually.
- [FHA Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/fha-loan): An FHA loan is a government-insured mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration, offering lower down payment and credit score requirements than many conventional loans.
- [Fixed-Rate Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/fixed-rate-mortgage): A mortgage with an unchanging interest rate for the full loan term (typically 15 or 30 years), providing predictable monthly payments.
- [Float-Down](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/float-down): A float-down is an option in a rate lock that lets you lower your interest rate if market rates drop during the lock period, usually for a fee and subject to conditions.
- [Front-End Ratio](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/front-end-ratio): The front-end ratio is the percentage of a borrower's gross monthly income that goes toward housing costs, including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
- [Fully Indexed Rate](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/fully-indexed-rate): The fully indexed rate is the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage calculated by adding the current index value to the lender's margin.
- [Gift Funds](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/gift-funds): Gift funds are money given by a relative or approved donor to help a homebuyer with down payment or closing costs, usually requiring a gift letter.
- [HELOC](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/heloc): A HELOC is a home equity line of credit, a revolving credit line secured by your home that you can draw from as needed, similar to a credit card.
- [High-Balance Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/high-balance-loan): A high-balance loan is a conforming loan in a high-cost area with a loan amount above the standard conforming limit but within the local ceiling.
- [Home Equity Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/home-equity-loan): A home equity loan is a second mortgage that provides a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments, secured by your home's equity.
- [Homeowners Insurance](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/homeowners-insurance): Homeowners insurance is a property insurance policy that covers damage to your home and belongings and provides liability protection against certain accidents.
- [Impound Account](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/impound-account): An impound account is a lender-managed account that collects monthly portions of property taxes and insurance and pays those bills when due.
- [Index and Margin](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/index-and-margin): The index and margin are the two components that determine the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage: a market index plus a fixed margin.
- [Interest Rate](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/interest-rate): The annual cost of borrowing, expressed as a percentage. Affected by credit, down payment, and loan type. 1% higher = ~$170/month more on $300K loan.
- [Investment Property Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/investment-property-loan): An investment property loan is a mortgage for a property the borrower does not occupy, typically used to generate rental income or appreciation.
- [Jumbo Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/jumbo-loan): A mortgage above current FHFA conforming limits for higher-value properties, requiring stronger credit and larger down payments than conforming loans.
- [Lender Credit](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/lender-credit): A lender credit is a sum a lender agrees to pay toward a borrower's closing costs in exchange for a higher interest rate on the mortgage.
- [Loan Estimate](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/loan-estimate): A Loan Estimate is a standardized form that lenders must provide within three business days of a mortgage application, detailing loan terms and estimated costs.
- [Loan Officer](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/loan-officer): A loan officer is a licensed professional who guides borrowers through the mortgage application, evaluates their financial profile, and recommends loan options.
- [Loan-to-Value Ratio](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/loan-to-value-ratio): The loan-to-value ratio is the percentage of a property's appraised value or purchase price that your mortgage loan represents, helping lenders gauge risk.
- [Lock Period](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/lock-period): A lock period is the timeframe during which a lender guarantees a specific interest rate and points for your mortgage, protecting you from market fluctuations until closing.
- [Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV)](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/ltv): Loan amount divided by home value. Example: $240K loan on $300K home = 80% LTV. Over 80% requires PMI on conventional loans.
- [Mortgage Broker](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/mortgage-broker): A mortgage broker is a licensed professional who matches borrowers with multiple lenders, helping them compare loan options and navigate the application process.
- [Mortgage Insurance Premium](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/mortgage-insurance-premium): Mortgage insurance premium is a monthly or annual fee that protects the lender against loss if a borrower defaults on a loan with a low down payment.
- [Mortgage Lender](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/mortgage-lender): A mortgage lender is a financial institution that originates and funds mortgage loans, either holding them in portfolio or selling them on the secondary market.
- [Mortgage Note](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/mortgage-note): A mortgage note is a legal document in which you promise to repay a specific loan amount plus interest according to set terms, and it is separate from the mortgage or deed of trust.
- [Negative Amortization](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/negative-amortization): Negative amortization occurs when a mortgage payment is less than the interest due, causing the unpaid interest to be added to the loan balance.
- [Non-QM Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/non-qm-loan): A non-QM loan is a mortgage that does not meet the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's qualified mortgage rules, often used by borrowers with unique income or credit situations.
- [Occupancy](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/occupancy): Occupancy refers to how a borrower intends to use a property, such as a primary residence, second home, or investment property.
- [Origination Fee](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/origination-fee): An origination fee is a charge by a mortgage lender for processing and underwriting a new loan, typically shown as a percentage of the loan amount.
- [Piggyback Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/piggyback-loan): A piggyback loan is a second mortgage taken out simultaneously with a first mortgage to cover part of the down payment, often to avoid mortgage insurance.
- [PITI](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/piti): PITI stands for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, the four components that typically make up a monthly mortgage payment.
- [Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/pmi): Insurance protecting lenders on conventional loans with under 20% down. Costs 0.5-1.5% annually. Removable at 20% equity.
- [Discount Points](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/points): Upfront fees to lower your rate. 1 point = 1% of loan amount = ~0.25% rate reduction. Worth it if keeping loan past break-even point.
- [Mortgage Pre-Approval](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/pre-approval): A conditional financing determination based on reviewed credit, income, and assets that can help strengthen purchase offers.
- [Pre-Qualification](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/pre-qualification): Pre-qualification is an initial assessment by a lender of how much you might borrow, based on self-reported financial information, without a full credit check or verification.
- [Prepaids](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/prepaids): Prepaids are costs paid at closing for expenses that are due before the first mortgage payment, such as property taxes and homeowners insurance premiums.
- [Prepayment Penalty](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/prepayment-penalty): A prepayment penalty is a fee some mortgages charge if you pay off the loan early or make extra principal payments beyond a set limit during a specified period.
- [Principal](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/principal): The principal is the original amount of money borrowed on a mortgage, separate from interest and other costs, and it decreases as you make payments over time.
- [Rate-and-Term Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/rate-and-term-refinance): A rate-and-term refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new one to obtain a lower interest rate, different term, or both, without taking additional cash out.
- [Rate Cap](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/rate-cap): A rate cap limits how much the interest rate on an adjustable-rate mortgage can increase at each adjustment and over the life of the loan.
- [Rate Lock](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/rate-lock): A rate lock is a commitment from a lender to hold a specific interest rate for a set period while a mortgage application is processed.
- [Recast](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/recast): A recast is a process where a lender recalculates your mortgage payment after you make a large lump-sum principal payment, spreading the remaining balance over the original term.
- [Mortgage Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/refinance): Replacing your mortgage with a new loan to lower your rate, change terms, or access equity. Has closing costs of 2-5% of the loan.
- [Reserves](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/reserves): Reserves are liquid financial assets a borrower must have after closing, measured in months of mortgage payments, to qualify for certain loans.
- [Second Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/second-mortgage): A second mortgage is a loan secured by a property that already has a first mortgage, providing additional funds but with higher risk and often higher interest rates.
- [Secondary Market](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/secondary-market): The secondary market is where mortgage loans are bought and sold among investors, providing liquidity for lenders to originate new loans.
- [Seller Concession](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/seller-concession): A seller concession is an agreement where the seller pays some of the buyer's closing costs or prepaid items to facilitate the sale.
- [Servicer](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/servicer): A servicer is a company that handles the day-to-day administration of your mortgage loan, including payment collection and escrow management.
- [SOFR](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/sofr): SOFR, the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, is a benchmark interest rate used to set the index for many adjustable-rate mortgages and other loans.
- [Temporary Buydown](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/temporary-buydown): A temporary buydown is a mortgage feature where the interest rate is reduced for a set period, typically the first few years, and then gradually increases to the note rate.
- [Title Insurance](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/title-insurance): Title insurance protects against financial loss from defects in a property's title, such as liens, encumbrances, or ownership disputes, that existed before your purchase.
- [Underwriting](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/underwriting): Underwriting is the process where a lender verifies your financial information and assesses the risk of lending to you before final loan approval.
- [Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/upfront-mortgage-insurance-premium): Upfront mortgage insurance premium is a one-time fee paid at closing on certain government-backed loans, separate from ongoing monthly mortgage insurance.
- [USDA Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/usda-loan): A USDA loan is a mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, designed for low- to moderate-income borrowers purchasing homes in eligible rural areas, often with no down payment.
- [VA Loan](https://www.ralo.com/glossary/va-loan): A VA loan is a mortgage guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, often with no down payment.

## Calculators

- [All calculators](https://www.ralo.com/tools)
- [How Much House Can I Afford?](https://www.ralo.com/tools/affordability): Estimate the home price your income supports from your income, monthly debts, down payment and rate, using the debt-to-income limits lenders actually apply.
- [Should I Buy Points? Break-Even Calculator](https://www.ralo.com/tools/points-break-even): See how many months it takes for a lower rate bought with discount points to pay back its cost, and whether that beats how long you expect to keep the loan.
- [Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculator](https://www.ralo.com/tools/dti): Work out your front-end and back-end debt-to-income ratios the way an underwriter does, and see how much monthly debt you could add or need to clear.
- [Rent vs Buy: What Each Costs Over Time](https://www.ralo.com/tools/rent-vs-buy): Compare the total cost of renting against owning over the years you plan to stay, counting interest, taxes, insurance, upkeep, selling costs and the equity you build.
- [How Much Is PMI? Mortgage Insurance Calculator](https://www.ralo.com/tools/pmi): Estimate monthly private mortgage insurance from your loan-to-value and an annual premium rate, and see when the balance reaches the levels at which PMI can be cancelled.
- [HELOC Calculator: How Much Can I Borrow?](https://www.ralo.com/tools/heloc): Estimate the home equity line of credit you could qualify for from your home value, mortgage balance and the lender’s combined loan-to-value limit, plus the interest-only and repayment-period payments on the amount you draw.
- [Mortgage Calculator: Payment With Taxes and Insurance](https://www.ralo.com/tools/mortgage-calculator): Estimate a full monthly mortgage payment: principal and interest plus property tax, homeowners insurance and HOA dues, from the price, down payment, rate and term.
- [Texas Mortgage Calculator: Payment With Taxes](https://www.ralo.com/tools/mortgage-calculator-texas): Estimate a monthly mortgage payment in Texas: principal and interest plus property tax at the state’s 1.47% effective rate, insurance and HOA dues, from the price, down payment, rate and term.
- [California Mortgage Calculator: Payment With Taxes](https://www.ralo.com/tools/mortgage-calculator-california): Estimate a monthly mortgage payment in California: principal and interest plus property tax at the state’s 0.68% effective rate, insurance and HOA dues, from the price, down payment, rate and term.
- [Colorado Mortgage Calculator: Payment With Taxes](https://www.ralo.com/tools/mortgage-calculator-colorado): Estimate a monthly mortgage payment in Colorado: principal and interest plus property tax at the state’s 0.45% effective rate, insurance and HOA dues, from the price, down payment, rate and term.
- [Florida Mortgage Calculator: Payment With Taxes](https://www.ralo.com/tools/mortgage-calculator-florida): Estimate a monthly mortgage payment in Florida: principal and interest plus property tax at the state’s 0.71% effective rate, insurance and HOA dues, from the price, down payment, rate and term.

## Trust & licensing

- NMLS License: Nationwide Multistate Licensing System registration (NMLS #2751459) (https://www.ralo.com/licensing)
- State Mortgage Licenses: Licensed to operate in multiple states with active state-level licenses (https://www.ralo.com/licensing)
- RESPA Compliance: Compliant with Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (https://www.ralo.com/transparency)
- TRID Compliance: TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure compliance (https://www.ralo.com/transparency)
- Equal Housing Opportunity: Committed to equal housing opportunity and non-discrimination (https://www.ralo.com/transparency)
- Rate Transparency: Clear disclosure of rates, APR, and fee structures (https://www.ralo.com/rates)
- Fee Transparency: Complete disclosure of all fees and costs (https://www.ralo.com/transparency)
- Company Information: Clear company identity, address, and contact information (https://www.ralo.com/about)
- Team Disclosure: Information about leadership and team members (https://www.ralo.com/about)
- Founder Profiles: Dedicated profile pages for both licensed founders (Helly Shah, NMLS #2695701; Arjun Lalwani, NMLS #2753950) with careers, credentials, and press coverage (https://www.ralo.com/team/helly-shah)
- SSL/TLS Encryption: Secure HTTPS connection with strong encryption (https://www.ralo.com/security)
- Security Program: Security and privacy safeguards for website data handling (https://www.ralo.com/security)
- Multi-State Presence: Operating across multiple states (https://www.ralo.com/mortgages)
- Customer Reviews: Verified customer reviews and ratings (https://www.ralo.com/reviews)
- Overall Rating: Aggregate rating from customer feedback (https://www.ralo.com/reviews)
- Review Volume: Substantial number of customer reviews (https://www.ralo.com/reviews)
- Media Coverage: Independent coverage by The New York Times, HousingWire, National Mortgage News, Forbes, and Business Insider (https://www.ralo.com/press)
- Content Freshness: Regularly updated content with current information
- Source Citations: References to authoritative sources
- Structured Data: Rich Schema.org markup for machine readability
- Methodology: how every rate, APR and housing figure on the site is sourced and refreshed (https://www.ralo.com/methodology)
- Editorial policy: how pages are written, how every figure is sourced and checked before it publishes, and who is accountable (https://www.ralo.com/editorial-policy)

## Founders

- Helly Shah (Co-Founder & CTO, NMLS #2695701, personal site https://hellyshah.xyz): https://www.ralo.com/team/helly-shah
- Arjun Lalwani (Co-Founder & CEO, NMLS #2753950, personal site https://arjunlalwani.com): https://www.ralo.com/team/arjun-lalwani

## Press coverage

- [Ralo press room](https://www.ralo.com/press): verified third-party coverage of Ralo and its former name, Approval AI
- Pulse 2.0 (2026-09-15, Independent coverage): "Ralo Funds More Than $8 Million In Texas Mortgages As AI-Native Broker Targets Lower Rates And Faster Closings" by Amit Chowdhry — https://pulse2.com/ralo-funds-more-than-8-million-in-texas-mortgages/
- GlobeNewswire (2026-09-15, Company announcement): "Ralo, the First AI-native Mortgage Broker, Has Funded More Than $8M in Loans for Texas Home Buyers in 2026" — https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/09/15/3362289/0/en/ralo-the-first-ai-native-mortgage-broker-has-funded-more-than-8m-in-loans-for-texas-home-buyers-in-2026.html
- Yahoo Finance (2026-09-15, Company announcement): "Ralo, the First AI-native Mortgage Broker, Has Funded More Than $8M in Loans for Texas Home Buyers in 2026" — https://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/articles/ralo-first-ai-native-mortgage-140000024.html
- HousingWire (2026-08-25, Contributed article): "The loan officer engineer: The $11,898 problem" by Helly Shah — https://www.housingwire.com/articles/loan-officer-engineer/
- National Mortgage Professional (2026-08-19, Independent coverage): "The Race To Reinvent Mortgage Origination" by Katie Jensen — https://nationalmortgageprofessional.com/news/race-reinvent-mortgage-origination-08232026
- The New York Times (2026-07-17, Independent coverage): "America’s Enterprising Spirit Is Booming After Decades-Long Slump" by Sydney Ember — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/17/business/economy/american-small-business-boom.html
- Real Estate News (2026-06-29, Independent coverage): "Zillow creates buyer hub; AI-forward mortgage brokerage launches" — https://www.realestatenews.com/2026/06/29/zillow-creates-buyer-hub-ai-forward-mortgage-brokerage-launches
- National Mortgage News (2026-06-22, Independent coverage): "AI-mortgage broker Ralo opens, raises $2.9M of capital" by Brad Finkelstein — https://www.nationalmortgagenews.com/news/artificial-intelligence-mortgage-broker-ralo-raises-2-9m
- Pulse 2.0 (2026-06-22, Funding brief): "Ralo Raises $2.9 Million To Build AI-Native Mortgage Brokerage" by Amit Chowdhry — https://pulse2.com/ralo-raises-2-9-million-to-build-ai-native-mortgage-brokerage/
- Fortune Term Sheet (2026-06-22, Funding brief): "Ralo’s seed round featured in Term Sheet" — https://fortune.com/2026/06/22/fomo-series-b-fundraise-index-ventures-union-square-ventures/
- Tech Company News (2026-06-20, Funding brief): "Ralo Raises $2.9M in Seed Funding Round" — https://www.techcompanynews.com/ralo-raises-2-9m-in-seed-funding-round/
- PROGRESS in Lending (2026-06-19, Company announcement): "Ralo Launches as First AI-Native Mortgage Broker, Announces Seed Round" — https://mymortgagemindset.com/ralo-launches-as-first-ai-native-mortgage-broker-announces-seed-round/
- HousingWire (2026-06-18, Independent coverage, Founder interview): "AI mortgage broker Ralo launches, raises $2.9M seed round" by Sarah Wolak — https://www.housingwire.com/articles/ralo-ai-mortgage-broker-seed/
- AlleyWatch (2026-06-18, Funding brief): "The AlleyWatch Startup Daily Funding Report: 6/18/2026" — https://alleywatch.com/2026/06/the-alleywatch-startup-daily-funding-report-6-18-2026/
- citybiz (2026-06-18, Funding brief): "Ralo Launches With $2.9 Million Seed Round to Modernize Mortgage Lending Through AI" — https://www.citybiz.co/article/862382/ralo-launches-with-2-9-million-seed-round-to-modernize-mortgage-lending-through-ai/
- The SaaS News (2026-06-18, Funding brief): "Ralo Raises $2.9M Seed" — https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/ralo-raises-2-9m-seed/
- FinSMEs (2026-06-18, Funding brief): "Ralo Raises $2.9M in Seed Funding" — https://www.finsmes.com/2026/06/ralo-raises-2-9m-in-seed-funding.html
- GlobeNewswire (2026-06-18, Company announcement): "Ralo Launches as First AI-Native Mortgage Broker, Announces Seed Round" — https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/06/18/3314263/0/en/ralo-launches-as-first-ai-native-mortgage-broker-announces-seed-round.html
- Yahoo Finance (2026-06-18, Company announcement): "Ralo Launches as First AI-Native Mortgage Broker, Announces Seed Round" — https://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/articles/ralo-launches-first-ai-native-131500944.html
- Trend Hunter (2026-05-07, Independent coverage): "AI Mortgage Platforms" (as Approval AI) — https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-mortgage
- The AI Chopping Block (2025-11-13, Founder interview): "One-Click Mortgages: How Approval AI Automates Home Buying" (as Approval AI) — https://music.amazon.in/podcasts/e6438069-bc7d-4b0e-9d64-7a4b7a6b84aa/episodes/1d5e8c6a-97d2-40e9-95fa-40867f276138/the-ai-chopping-block-one-click-mortgages-how-approval-ai-automates-home-buying
- The Peaking Podcast (2025-08-13, Founder interview): "Revolutionizing Mortgages with AI" (as Approval AI) — https://pagegroupsolutions.com/peaking-with-helly-shah-revolutionizing-mortgages-with-ai/
- Business Insider (2025-06-11, Independent coverage): "The 10 most exciting AI agent startups at Y Combinator’s Demo Day" (as Approval AI) — https://www.businessinsider.com/y-combinator-yc-demo-day-spring-ai-agent-startups-2025-6
- Forbes (2025-06-09, Independent coverage): "The Most Promising Startups From the First-Ever YC Spring Batch" by Daria Shunina (as Approval AI) — https://www.forbes.com/sites/dariashunina/2025/06/09/the-most-promising-startups-from-the-first-ever-yc-spring-batch/

## Guides

- [How Ralo Calculates Average Lifetime Savings](https://www.ralo.com/blog/how-ralo-calculates-average-lifetime-savings) (2026-07-02): How we calculate the Average Lifetime Savings figure on Ralo.com/reviews by benchmarking Ralo rates against Freddie Mac PMMS with strict, like-for-like loan matching.
- [What Is a Digital Mortgage Broker? Ralo vs. Traditional Brokers, Better, and Rocket Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/blog/digital-mortgage-broker-ralo-vs-better-rocket) (2026-06-26): Learn how Ralo’s AI-powered digital mortgage broker compares with traditional brokers, Better, and Rocket Mortgage across fees, lender choice, speed, and support.
- [We raised $2.9M to make mortgages actually affordable](https://www.ralo.com/blog/raised-2-9m-seed-round) (2026-06-18): Ralo raised a $2.9M seed round from Y Combinator, Manresa Ventures, Pack Ventures, and angels to build the first AI-native mortgage broker and make home loans more affordable.
- [Why Ralo's Compensation Is a Fraction of the Industry Standard — and What That Means for Your Rate](https://www.ralo.com/blog/ralo-model-explained) (2026-04-12): Learn how Ralo describes its compensation model, and why borrowers should compare broker compensation, rates, and fees together.
- [Your Realtor Is Fine. You Should Still Compare Financing Options.](https://www.ralo.com/blog/realtor-lender-blind-spot) (2026-03-06): Your realtor may have a familiar financing contact, but borrowers should still compare options independently. Here is why shopping matters.
- [How to Read Your Loan Estimate (Without Losing Your Mind)](https://www.ralo.com/blog/how-to-read-loan-estimate) (2026-03-06): A plain-language guide to every section, line item, and fee on your Loan Estimate — plus how to compare options and spot common issues borrowers miss.
- [Your Loan Funded — Now What? Everything You Need to Know After Closing](https://www.ralo.com/blog/loan-funded-now-what) (2026-03-06): The complete post-closing guide for new homeowners and refinancers — covering your first payment, escrow, PMI removal, extra payments, tax deductions, and everything in between.
- [You Locked Your Rate with Ralo — Now What?](https://www.ralo.com/blog/locked-rate-now-what) (2026-03-06): A clear, step-by-step walkthrough of everything that happens after you lock your rate with Ralo — from getting your mortgage contact to closing day. No jargon, no surprises.
- [How Ralo Helps Borrowers Compare Mortgage Rates](https://www.ralo.com/blog/how-ralo-gets-best-rates) (2026-03-06): Learn how Ralo helps borrowers compare mortgage rates, fees, and trade-offs more clearly.
- [What to Expect When You Reach Out to Ralo](https://www.ralo.com/blog/what-to-expect-ralo) (2026-03-06): What happens when you reach out to Ralo, how the process works, and how to compare your mortgage options more clearly.
- [You're Almost Home: How to Avoid Mortgage Mayhem Before Closing](https://www.ralo.com/blog/mortgage-closing-mistakes) (2026-02-24): Until your loan officially funds, your financial profile is still being reviewed. Learn what to avoid before closing — from job changes to new credit accounts — to protect your mortgage approval.
- [The Top Questions Everyone Asks Before Refinancing (Answered)](https://www.ralo.com/blog/refinance-faq) (2026-01-29): Expert answers to the most common refinancing questions, helping you decide if, when, and how to refinance your mortgage.
- [ARM's-length: the awkward truth about APRs on adjustable-rate mortgages](https://www.ralo.com/blog/arm-apr-truth) (2025-09-03): Teaser rates seduce; APRs scold. Look at a lender's rate sheet and the 5/6 or 7/6 ARM (adjustable-rate mortgage) will often flash a lower introductory rate than the 30-year fixed.
- [Your Mortgage Data, Without the Risk](https://www.ralo.com/blog/mortgage-data-privacy) (2025-08-31): Applying for a mortgage often means sharing sensitive documents. Learn the practical safeguards, questions, and privacy controls borrowers should look for when using digital mortgage tools.
- [Pre-Approved and Poised: The New Economics of the Winning Home Offer](https://www.ralo.com/blog/pre-approved-winning-offer) (2025-07-10): In competitive housing markets, financing quality and credibility matter alongside price. Learn how pre-approval strength can affect the way sellers view an offer.
- [Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification: Understanding the Difference](https://www.ralo.com/blog/mortgage-pre-approval) (2025-06-27): Many lenders are misleadingly marketing pre-qualifications as pre-approvals, creating serious problems for homebuyers. Learn the critical differences and protect yourself from wasted fees and rejected offers.
- [Why Jumbo Mortgages Can Create More Pricing Flexibility](https://www.ralo.com/blog/jumbo-mortgage-secrets) (2025-05-18): Large mortgage balances can sometimes create more pricing flexibility. Learn how borrowers can compare jumbo-loan options and evaluate negotiations more carefully.
- [How We're Using AI to Revolutionize Mortgages, One Homebuyer at a Time](https://www.ralo.com/blog/ai-mortgage-shopping) (2025-05-15): Inside our AI-powered mortgage workflow: how automation can help borrowers compare options, organize information, and review pricing more efficiently.
- [The Complete Mortgage Guide: Your Step-by-Step Journey to Homeownership](https://www.ralo.com/blog/mortgage-guide) (2025-05-01): From pre-approval to keys in hand - navigate the mortgage maze like a pro with our comprehensive 8-step guide that turns the confusing world of home loans into your personal roadmap to success.

## Weekly rate reports

- [Weekly mortgage rate report](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-rate-report): every report, newest first.
- [Mortgage rate report — week of 2026-10-19](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-rate-report/2026-10-19) (2026-10-19)
- [Mortgage rate report — week of 2026-10-12](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-rate-report/2026-10-12) (2026-10-12)
- [Mortgage rate report — week of 2026-10-05](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-rate-report/2026-10-05) (2026-10-05)
- [Mortgage rate report — week of 2026-09-28](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-rate-report/2026-09-28) (2026-09-28)

## Questions answered

- [Mortgage questions, answered](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-questions): every answer page, grouped by topic.
- [How many lenders should I get quotes from?](https://www.ralo.com/how-many-lenders-should-i-get-quotes-from) (2026-08-24)
- [Interest rate vs APR: which one matters when comparing lenders?](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-rate-vs-apr) (2026-08-24)
- [Should I lock my rate now or wait?](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-lock-my-rate-now-or-wait) (2026-08-24)
- [Do multiple mortgage credit pulls hurt my score?](https://www.ralo.com/do-multiple-mortgage-credit-pulls-hurt-my-score) (2026-08-24)
- [How do mortgage brokers get paid?](https://www.ralo.com/how-do-mortgage-brokers-get-paid) (2026-08-24)
- [Why did my locked rate change before closing?](https://www.ralo.com/why-did-my-locked-rate-change-before-closing) (2026-08-24)
- [Does refinancing restart your 30 years?](https://www.ralo.com/does-refinancing-restart-your-30-years) (2026-08-24)
- [Recast vs refinance: which should I do?](https://www.ralo.com/recast-vs-refinance) (2026-08-24)
- [Which Loan Estimate fees can I negotiate?](https://www.ralo.com/which-loan-estimate-fees-can-i-negotiate) (2026-08-24)
- [Is an online mortgage lender safe?](https://www.ralo.com/is-an-online-mortgage-lender-safe) (2026-08-24)
- [Should I pay off my mortgage early?](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-pay-off-my-mortgage-early) (2026-08-24)
- [Should I buy points on my mortgage?](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-buy-points-on-my-mortgage) (2026-08-24)
- [How much house can I afford — really?](https://www.ralo.com/how-much-house-can-i-afford-really) (2026-08-24)
- [What actually moves mortgage rates?](https://www.ralo.com/what-moves-mortgage-rates) (2026-08-24)
- [How do gift funds work for a mortgage?](https://www.ralo.com/mortgage-gift-funds-rules) (2026-08-24)
- [What happens if the appraisal comes in low?](https://www.ralo.com/appraisal-came-in-low) (2026-08-24)
- [How should I use a seller or builder credit?](https://www.ralo.com/seller-credits-explained) (2026-08-24)
- [What is an 80-10-10 piggyback loan?](https://www.ralo.com/piggyback-loan-80-10-10) (2026-08-24)
- [Can I use rental income to qualify for a mortgage?](https://www.ralo.com/can-i-use-rental-income-to-qualify) (2026-08-24)
- [Should I give up my low mortgage rate to move?](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-give-up-my-low-mortgage-rate) (2026-08-24)
- [Should I get an ARM or a 30-year fixed?](https://www.ralo.com/arm-vs-30-year-fixed) (2026-08-24)
- [What’s the catch with a no-cost refinance?](https://www.ralo.com/no-cost-refinance-catch) (2026-08-24)
- [Is my Loan Estimate a good deal?](https://www.ralo.com/is-my-loan-estimate-good) (2026-08-24)
- [Should I use the builder’s preferred lender?](https://www.ralo.com/should-i-use-the-builders-preferred-lender) (2026-08-24)
- [When is refinancing worth it?](https://www.ralo.com/when-is-refinancing-worth-it) (2026-08-24)
- [How much HELOC can I get?](https://www.ralo.com/questions/how-much-heloc-can-i-get) (2026-10-07)
- [How long does it take to refinance a house?](https://www.ralo.com/questions/how-long-does-it-take-to-refinance-a-house) (2026-10-07)
- [What is an FHA mortgage loan?](https://www.ralo.com/questions/what-is-an-fha-mortgage-loan) (2026-10-14)
- [Are there closing costs on a home equity loan?](https://www.ralo.com/questions/closing-costs-on-a-home-equity-loan) (2026-10-14)
- [What is an FHA mortgage loan?](https://www.ralo.com/questions/what-is-an-fha-mortgage) (2026-10-21)
- [How long do I have to pay PMI?](https://www.ralo.com/questions/how-long-do-i-have-to-pay-pmi) (2026-10-21)

## Is this a good rate?

- [Is this a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-this-a-good-mortgage-rate): how to judge a quoted rate against today's market.
- [Is 5.5% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-5.5-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 5.75% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-5.75-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 6% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-6-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 6.25% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-6.25-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 6.5% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-6.5-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 6.75% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-6.75-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 7% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-7-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 7.25% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-7.25-a-good-mortgage-rate)
- [Is 7.5% a good mortgage rate?](https://www.ralo.com/is-7.5-a-good-mortgage-rate)

## Comparisons

- [Fixed-Rate vs Adjustable-Rate Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/compare/fixed-vs-arm): Compare fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages to understand stability, flexibility, and long-term risk.
- [Rent vs Buy a Home](https://www.ralo.com/compare/rent-vs-buy): Should you rent or buy a home? Compare the financial and lifestyle trade-offs to make a clear decision.
- [15-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/compare/15-vs-30-year): Compare 15-year and 30-year mortgage terms to balance payment size, flexibility, and total interest.
- [Ralo vs. a Traditional Mortgage Broker](https://www.ralo.com/compare/ralo-vs-traditional-broker): Compare Ralo, an automated mortgage broker, with a traditional broker on how they get paid, speed, transparency, and availability.
- [Mortgage Broker vs. Going Direct to a Lender](https://www.ralo.com/compare/mortgage-broker-vs-direct-lender): Should you use a mortgage broker or go directly to a bank or lender? Compare how each channel works, who they answer to, and what it means for your rate.
- [FHA vs Conventional Loan](https://www.ralo.com/compare/fha-vs-conventional): Compare FHA and conventional mortgages on down payment, credit score, mortgage insurance and loan limits.
- [HELOC vs Cash-Out Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/compare/heloc-vs-cash-out-refinance): Compare a home equity line of credit with a cash-out refinance for borrowing against your home.
- [DSCR Loan vs Conventional Investment Property Loan](https://www.ralo.com/compare/dscr-vs-conventional-investment-loan): Compare DSCR loans with conventional investment-property mortgages on qualification, cost and flexibility.
- [Cash-Out vs Rate-and-Term Refinance](https://www.ralo.com/compare/cash-out-vs-rate-and-term-refinance): Compare a cash-out refinance with a rate-and-term refinance: what each changes and what each costs.
- [20-Year vs 30-Year Mortgage](https://www.ralo.com/compare/20-vs-30-year): Compare a 20-year fixed with a 30-year fixed using Ralo’s own priced rates for both terms: the rate gap, the payment gap and the interest saved.
- [Conventional vs Jumbo Loan](https://www.ralo.com/compare/conventional-vs-jumbo): Where the conforming limit falls in every county Ralo prices, what changes when a loan crosses it, and the three ways to stay under the line.
- [HELOC vs Home Equity Loan](https://www.ralo.com/compare/heloc-vs-home-equity-loan): Two second mortgages that borrow against the same equity: one a variable credit line, one a fixed lump sum. How the rate, the payment and the paperwork differ, with a line-size calculator.
- [Credit Union vs Mortgage Broker](https://www.ralo.com/compare/credit-union-vs-mortgage-broker): A member-owned lender with one menu against a broker that prices many lenders, with Ralo’s weekly rate next to the national average so you can see what “competitive” means in numbers.
- [Discount Points vs Lender Credits](https://www.ralo.com/compare/points-vs-lender-credits): The two directions of the same rate sheet: pay upfront for a lower rate, or take a higher rate for cash toward closing. When each wins, how each shows on the Loan Estimate, and a calculator that runs both ways.
- [Ralo vs Better: Mortgage Broker vs Lender Comparison](https://www.ralo.com/compare/ralo-vs-better): Compare Ralo, a mortgage broker, and Better, a lender, on business model, licensing, products, and how each says it is paid.

## Borrower results

- Published borrower reviews, average rating 5.0/5 — https://www.ralo.com/reviews
- Full case-study index: https://www.ralo.com/case-studies
- Case study 1: 5.375% 30 Year Fixed on $287,580 in Texas, closed in 23 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/1
- Case study 2: 5.375% 30 Year Fixed on $331,520 in Texas, closed in 16 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/2
- Case study 3: 5.625% 30 Year Fixed on $287,580 in Texas, closed in 23 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/3
- Case study 4: 4.875% 15 Year Fixed on $202,750 in Texas, closed in 15 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/4
- Case study 5: 5.50% 30 Year Fixed on $287,377 in Texas, closed in 16 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/5
- Case study 6: 5.750% 30 Year Fixed on $690,046 in Texas, closed in 17 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/6
- Case study 7: 5.375% 30 Year Fixed on $445,000 in Texas, closed in 25 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/7
- Case study 8: 5.625% 30 Year Fixed on $629,100 in California, closed in 10 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/8
- Case study 9: 5.125% 15 Year Fixed on $409,489 in Texas, closed in 7 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/9
- Case study 11: 5.75% 30 Year Fixed on $422,750 in Texas, closed in 20 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/11
- Case study 12: 6.25% 30 Year Fixed on $575,407 in Texas, closed in 20 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/12
- Case study 13: 5.25% 15 Year Fixed on $797,596 in Texas, closed in 27 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/13
- Case study 14: 5.875% 30 Yr Fixed on $775,000 in Texas, closed in 28 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/14
- Case study 15: 6% 30 Yr Fixed on $750,000 in Texas, closed in 17 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/15
- Case study 16: 6.125% 30 Yr Fixed on $461,467 in Texas, closed in 22 days — https://www.ralo.com/case-study/16

## Services

- Mortgage Rate Comparison: Compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders to understand rate and fee trade-offs for your situation.
- Mortgage Pre-Approval: Explore next steps for mortgage qualification and review available options where authorized.
- Mortgage Refinancing: Refinance your existing mortgage to change your rate or term, or access home equity if it fits your goals.
- Conventional Loans: Conventional mortgage loans for borrowers who meet credit and down payment requirements.
- Jumbo Loans: Jumbo mortgage loans for high-value properties exceeding conforming loan limits.

## Data feeds (machine-readable)

- [Ralo Rate Index — weekly history (CSV)](https://www.ralo.com/rate-index.csv): week_start, Ralo 30-year fixed rate, Freddie Mac PMMS national average. Updated weekly.
- [Ralo Rate Index — current snapshot (JSON)](https://www.ralo.com/api/rates/ralo-vs-market): latest Ralo-vs-market rate comparison with as-of date.
- [Ralo Rate Index page](https://www.ralo.com/rate-index): human-readable index with trend narrative.
- [30-year fixed mortgage rates today](https://www.ralo.com/rates/30-year-fixed): Ralo's 30-year fixed rate with APR, priced daily for a stated scenario, with the last twelve weekly closes.
- [20-year fixed mortgage rates today](https://www.ralo.com/rates/20-year-fixed): Ralo's 20-year fixed rate with APR, priced daily for a stated scenario, with the last twelve weekly closes.
- [15-year fixed mortgage rates today](https://www.ralo.com/rates/15-year-fixed): Ralo's 15-year fixed rate with APR, priced daily for a stated scenario, with the last twelve weekly closes.
- [City Rate Index — daily local history (CSV)](https://www.ralo.com/city-rate-index.csv): date, state, county, FIPS, price point, credit score, LTV, product, illustrative rate and APR. Refreshed every 6 hours; landing page at https://www.ralo.com/city-rate-index.
- [ARM Index — current adjustable-rate mechanics (CSV)](https://www.ralo.com/arm-index.csv): per ARM family (5/6, 7/6, 10/6): margin, caps, current SOFR index, fully-indexed rate, and APOR comparison. Landing page at https://www.ralo.com/arm-index.
- County pages: /mortgages/{state}/county/{county} (e.g. https://www.ralo.com/mortgages/texas/county/travis) publish the county's rate grid, its FHFA conforming loan limits for one to four units, and Census median home values and incomes by ZIP code.
- City rate grids: /mortgages/{state}/{city} and /zip-code/{zip} pages in licensed states (e.g. https://www.ralo.com/mortgages/texas/austin) publish an illustrative rate/APR grid by credit score and down payment, priced per county from Ralo's live pricing engine.

## Full content

- [Extractable facts and answers](https://www.ralo.com/llms-full.txt)
- [Sitemap](https://www.ralo.com/sitemap.xml)