For many, the dream of homeownership is clear: a place to call your own, a backyard for barbecues, and the freedom to paint the walls whatever color you choose. But when you look at the price tag of a home, that dream can suddenly feel out of reach. Unless you are one of the few who have hundreds of thousands of dollars sitting in a savings account, buying a home with cash is simply not feasible. This is where a mortgage comes in. A mortgage isn't just a monthly bill; it is a