Remove Closing costs Remove Equity Remove Fixed-rate mortgage Remove VA loan
article thumbnail

On the House: Comparing Different Money-Saving Mortgages That Come With Some Big Catches

Realtor.com

Getty Images / Realtor.com When it comes to making the largest purchase of their lives, most homebuyers would prefer to play it safe in choosing a loan. That’s why fixed-rate mortgages, the gold standard of home loans, have long been the most popular. Buy mortgage points to lower your rate.

article thumbnail

On the House: Comparing Different Money-Saving Mortgages That Come With Some Big Catches

Realtor.com

Getty Images / Realtor.com When it comes to making the largest purchase of their lives, most homebuyers would prefer to play it safe in choosing a loan. That’s why fixed-rate mortgages, the gold standard of home loans, have long been the most popular. Buy mortgage points to lower your rate.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Refinance Appraisal vs Purchase Appraisal: Is There a Difference?

HomeLight

Lower mortgage rates and lower payments are excellent reasons to refinance, but there are other reasons someone might want to consider refinancing. Converting an adjustable-rate mortgage to a fixed-rate mortgage. Use the equity in your home. Pay off your mortgage faster.

article thumbnail

8 Common Misconceptions That First-Time Home Buyers Have

Realty Biz

A fixed-rate mortgage is stable for 15 to 30 years, but rents may increase on average as much as 5% per year. . Money spent on a mortgage each month is building equity in something you’ll eventually own, and is a foundational means to growing wealth. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan.

article thumbnail

Mastering Mortgage Basics: 10 Key Concepts Every Homebuyer Should Know

Redfin

When considering mortgage options, it’s important to understand the different types available. A fixed-rate mortgage provides stability and predictability, with a consistent interest rate throughout the loan term. Once the borrower’s equity reaches 20%, PMI can be canceled.

article thumbnail

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%.

article thumbnail

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.