This page explains how ClearPath Guides chooses topics, researches and checks articles, builds and tests calculators, and corrects mistakes.
How we choose topics
We focus on questions U.S. home buyers and homeowners commonly face: how payments are calculated, what affects affordability, how loan types differ, and what to prepare before applying. Topics are chosen based on reader questions and feedback, gaps we notice in plain-language explanations, and how well a topic can be supported by an accurate calculator or a reliable primary source.
How we research
Articles are researched using primary and authoritative sources wherever possible, including:
- the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB);
- the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including FHA program information;
- the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA);
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac;
- the Federal Reserve; and
- the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), for tax-related topics.
When a secondary source is used, we prefer to confirm its key claims against a primary source.
Sourcing and citations
Where an article relies on a rule, limit, definition, or official guidance, we link to the source so you can check it yourself. We do not publish statistics or figures we cannot attribute to a named source. Worked examples use clearly hypothetical numbers and are labeled as examples.
Why we avoid quoting current rates
Mortgage rates change frequently and depend on the borrower, the loan, and the lender. We do not publish "today's rates" or claim that any rate is typical unless we can cite a dated, authoritative source. Example rates in articles and calculator defaults are for illustration only.
Fact-checking and review
Articles are researched, written, and fact-checked by the site owner, ClearPath Guides. Before publishing, we check key facts, definitions, and figures against the cited sources and re-run any example calculations. Articles are not reviewed by licensed professionals unless explicitly stated on that article.
How calculators are built and tested
Our calculators use standard, publicly documented formulas. For example, payment and amortization calculators use the standard fixed-rate amortization formula, where the monthly principal-and-interest payment depends on the loan amount, the monthly interest rate, and the number of monthly payments.
Before a calculator is published, and after any change to it, we test it against worked examples, including hand calculations, and check edge cases such as a zero interest rate, very short or long terms, and invalid inputs. Each calculator explains its main assumptions, such as what costs are and are not included. All calculations run in your browser; see our Privacy Policy.
Corrections
If you spot an error, please email us through our Contact page with a link to the page, a description of the problem, and a source if you have one. We review every report. When we make a substantive correction, such as a wrong figure, an incorrect rule, or a calculator error, we fix it and add a dated correction note to the affected article explaining what changed. Minor edits for spelling, formatting, or clarity are not noted.
Keeping content current
We review published articles and calculators at least every six months, and sooner when we learn of a relevant rule or program change. When an article changes substantially, for example a corrected figure or an updated rule, we add a dated update note at the top of that article explaining what changed. Minor edits for spelling, formatting, or clarity are not noted.
Independence from advertisers
Our content and calculators are not influenced by advertisers or any other third party. We do not accept payment to cover, rank, or recommend lenders or products. If the site displays ads, advertisers have no input into what we write or how our calculators work. If this ever changes — for example, if we publish sponsored content or use affiliate links — it will be clearly disclosed on the page where it appears.
Use of AI and other tools
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help draft, edit, and improve website content, develop calculators, and assist with website design and coding. AI-assisted content is reviewed by the site owner, and factual claims are checked against reliable sources where appropriate. Calculator formulas and example calculations are checked for accuracy before publication. AI tools can make mistakes, so we encourage readers to consult the cited sources and contact us if they notice an error.
Last updated: October 24, 2026