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Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage? Here’s How to Think About It

HomeLight

A refinance is just another way of saying that you’re trading in your current mortgage loan for a new one. That said, if you want to refinance for a 15-year mortgage instead of a 30-year mortgage, or a custom length of time, many mortgage lenders can and will be flexible with your terms. Pay fees and closing costs.

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Mortgage, Mortgage, Mortgage: What First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know

Realty Biz

Understand the Types of Mortgages, Interest Rates, and Fees Before you can get started, it's important to understand the different types of mortgages available and the associated interest rates. To get the best rate for your situation, be sure to look closely at each type of mortgage.

Mortgages 102
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How to Decide if You Should Save for a House or Invest — The Complete Guide

HomeLight

Monthly mortgage payments offer built-in savings through equity gains. You’ll want to be sure you’ve kept the home long enough to recoup your transaction costs — real estate agent fees, closing costs, and any repairs or maintenance done to the home to prepare for sale. FHA loans: as low as 3.5%.

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51 Brilliant Real Estate Tips for Buyers to Edge Past the Competition

HomeLight

Mortgage insurance is extremely common for first-time buyers, and it’s often the fastest way to achieve homeownership and start building equity today, rather than waiting until you’ve saved up 20% — an unrealistic feat for many buyers. Plus, it only costs between 0.5% and 1% of your loan amount, annually.

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15 Mortgage Questions to Ask Lenders Before Buying a House

HomeLight

If you’re going to buy a home, you’ll need enough savings for a down payment, closing costs, and financial experts advise that you should also have enough money left over in your savings accounts to cover at least three months of expenses in case of an emergency. Q: What is a mortgage rate , and how does it affect my loan?

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How to Estimate a Mortgage Loan So You Know How Much House You Can Afford

HomeLight

There are many mortgage programs that offer you the ability to put down far less — even nothing in certain cases! If you need to have a smaller down payment, see if you meet the criteria for any of the following loan programs: FHA loans can be approved with just 3.5% as a down payment.

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FHA Guidelines

Real Estate Finance HQ

This guide outlines the types of, as well as the necessary qualifications for, FHA loans. What is a FHA Loan? The FHA, a unit of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, was created in 1934 specifically to help low- and moderate-income families obtain financing for home ownership. Mortgage Insurance.