Housing Wire

JULY 11, 2025

My job as a loan officer is to help people prep and plan to buy a house. One of the biggest obstacles to homeownership and affordability is debt. This debt can make qualifying for a home and comfortably affording it a challenge. As the top VA purchase loan officer for the last two years, I have seen the solution.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

The overall defect rate for mortgages declined across all loan types between the second and third quarters of 2024. Critical defects were found on 1.51% of all loans in the third quarter, a 17% decline from the defect rate of 1.81% in the second quarter. Income and employment was still the leading category for defects at 25%.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

But for first-time and other cash-strapped buyers—those who are not relying on the proceeds of a home sale, who may be using a 100% financed VA loan, whose agents may be layering forms of assistance to put together enough cash for closing—knowing in advance about the seller’s contribution to their agent costs may be essential.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

MARCH 20, 2025

Whatever that looks like, they’re kind of maxing out with the debt-to-income ratio. They’re getting a loan. It could be something like having a special loan with a lower rate for those buyers. They’re not leaving a lot of room for repairs or just having savings and things like that.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

According to Davis, rising home prices have led homeowners to tap into their equity for purposes such as debt consolidation , home renovation and student loan repayment. The Deephaven HELOC has a maximum loan size of $400,000 and a max loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 85%. The minimum FICO score to qualify is 680.

Equity

Housing Wire

JUNE 11, 2025

Of that number, just under 300,000 were rejected for the loan they applied for. So folks here and elsewhere are leaving hundreds of thousands of loans on the table. Dan Ventura, the president of reverse mortgage lending at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. , The conversation began with an introduction to both men and their companies.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 2, 2025

A strong economy typically leads to higher mortgage rates as demand for loans increases. For instance, if you take a $300,000 mortgage at 6.70% over 30 years , you could end up paying approximately $400,000 in total interest over the life of the loan. Current refinance rates : Typically higher than purchase rates.

Mortgages

BAM Media

JANUARY 7, 2025

For others, its a necessity shaped by income disparities, rising housing costs, and systemic barriers to homeownership. Renters benefited from student loan payment pauses disproportionately. 50% of renter households spend more than 30% of pre-tax income on housing; 27% spend more than 50%. Read on for the highlights.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

APRIL 9, 2025

A bridge loan might be the solution youre looking for. Buy Before You Sell What is a bridge loan, in simple words? A bridge loan in real estate is a short-term loan that helps you buy a new home while youre in the process of selling your current one. What are the benefits of a bridge loan in Las Vegas?

Equity

HomeLight

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Yes, there’s a lot to consider, but there are some simple financial, market, and life meters that can act as a litmus test to help set your course. In this brief post, we’ll provide nine initial “Am I ready?” questions to ask first if you’re thinking of selling your home. We’ll also share handy tools and calculators to help you in your planning.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

Your ability to finance a home purchase often hinges on a metric called a “debt-to-income ratio” (DTI) a percentage that shows how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. A debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage is a key that can open or lock the door to homeownership.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

APRIL 18, 2025

A bridge loan could be the piece that helps everything come together. This short-term loan is designed to help you buy your next home first, and then sell your current home afterward. This short-term loan is designed to help you buy your next home first, and then sell your current home afterward. Why Move Twice?

Equity

Housing Wire

AUGUST 1, 2025

Matic found that 64% of lenders reported frequent delays or issues due to insurance, which are often tied to debt-to-income ratios or difficulties securing timely coverage. It’s a critical step that can make or break a loan, and mortgage leaders who get ahead of it are in a much better position to help their borrowers succeed.”

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

APRIL 10, 2025

A bridge loan can help you buy a new home before selling your current one. In this post, well break down how bridge loans work in Charleston and share other creative solutions to help you buy before you sell. Buy Before You Sell What is a bridge loan, in simple words? How does a bridge loan work in Charleston?

Equity

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

A jumbo loan, or jumbo mortgage, is designed for homebuyers purchasing high-priced properties – whether that’s a luxury home in Charlotte or a condo in a city like San Francisco where home prices exceed standard loan limits. Key takeaways Jumbo loans are mortgages for homes priced above FHFA loan limits.

Loans

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

A bridge loan could be the tool you need to help everything fall into place — giving you the flexibility to buy your next home without rushing to sell your current one first. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting a bridge loan in Orlando. Buy Before You Sell What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 28, 2025

A bridge loan could be the solution to help everything fall into place. In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about bridge loans in Scottsdale so you can decide the best path forward for your situation. Buy Before You Sell What is a bridge loan, in simple words? What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

Equity

Lighter Side of Real Estate

MARCH 11, 2025

Check Your Credit: Your credit impacts your loan approval and interest rates. As spring rolls around, so does tax season. Some people look forward to filing their returns and anticipating a nice refund check. Others cringe, dreading the amount they may owe. In both cases, waiting too long can make things more stressful and limit your options.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 4, 2025

There are so many different types of loans, lenders, and economic factors that play a role. This reflects the perceived risk involved in refinancing an existing loan versus originating a new one. Today's Mortgage Rates March 4, 2025: Rates Have Dropped Sharply Navigating the world of mortgages can feel like deciphering a complex code.

Mortgages

RIS Media

DECEMBER 9, 2024

To help buyers overcome these hurdles, some financial firms offer outside-the-box solutions for cash-strapped Americans to qualify for a home loan. Student loan debt is a common obstacle for first-time and some repeat homebuyers.…

Loans

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

It can be about your financial goals and how a new loan structure can help you reach them. If you're asking yourself “Should I refinance my mortgage now or wait for 2025?”, ”, the quick answer is: it really depends on your individual circumstances, but don't hold your breath waiting for a massive drop in rates.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Which loan is right for you? Conventional loans: You have a credit score of 620+, stable income, and can put at least 3% down. FHA loans: You have a credit score of 580+ (or 500+ with 10% down) and a higher DTI ratio. VA loans: You’re an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse.

Loans

Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

Step 3: Research second-time homebuyer programs and loans Step 4: Work with an experienced agent Step 5: Make a strong offer as a second-time homebuyer Step 6: Plan your transition Second-time homebuyer FAQs Is it harder to buy a house the second time? In this article: Is it harder to buy a house the second time? In short, yes—and no.

Debt-to-income ratio

The Mortgage Report

JULY 24, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford? How Soon Can I Refinance?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 4, 2025

Heres a breakdown of todays refinance rates: Refinance Type Average Rate Today March Average 30-Year Refinance 6.49% 6.49% 15-Year Refinance 5.80% 5.80% These rates allow homeowners to save considerably through refinancing, particularly if they secure a rate lower than their existing loan.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 15, 2025

The income needed for a $250k mortgage depends on several financial factors, including your debt-to-income ratio, credit health, and property taxes in your area. To afford a $250,000 home, most buyers will need an annual income between $62,000 and $80,000. What is the income needed for a $250k house?

Debt-to-income ratio

The Mortgage Report

JULY 11, 2025

Buy a Home Home-Buying Loan Types Low Down Payment Mortgages Conventional Loans VA Loans FHA Loans FHA 203k Rehab Loan USDA Loans Investment Property Mortgages Compare Home Buying Loans Home Buying Help Do I Need 20% Down? How Much Home Can I Afford? How Soon Can I Refinance?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 21, 2025

Using Redfin’s mortgage calculator , on an $80k salary with zero current debts, 20% down payment, and a 36% debt-to-income ratio, you’ll be looking at homes valued at $325,000 and below. What’s your debt-to-income ratio? of your loan amount per year. What are the current interest rates?

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 3, 2025

This decline offers a potential window of opportunity for both homebuyers and those looking to save money on their existing loans. While it may seem like a small change, every fraction of a percentage point can translate into significant savings over the life of a loan. Why Are Mortgage Rates Declining?

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

MARCH 14, 2025

A mortgage commitment letter is a formal assurance from your lender that your loan has been reviewed and is on track for approval, pending final conditions. A mortgage commitment letter is a formal document issued by a lender stating that your loan application has been reviewed and approved, pending final conditions.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 2, 2025

This interest is what really inflates the total cost of your loan over time. In the early years of your loan, a bigger chunk of your payment goes towards interest, and less toward the principal. In the early years of your loan, a bigger chunk of your payment goes towards interest, and less toward the principal.

Mortgages

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

When you secure a mortgage loan to purchase a property, your monthly payment involves more than just the principal and interest. It constitutes the initial loan balance you gradually pay off over the loan term. What Is PITI – Guide To Understanding PITI What is PITI, and how does it affect your mortgage? What is PITI?

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 27, 2025

Finding the best rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan, so let's dive into what's driving these differences across states and how you can snag the best deal. Average Loan Size: The size of the average mortgage in a state can also play a role. It's a fair question. The truth is, several factors are at play.

Mortgages

Lighter Side of Real Estate

MAY 26, 2025

For many college grads, student loan debt can feel staggering. Six figures of debt isnt unusual, and on paper, it can make buying a home seem like a pipe dream. But that mountain of debt doesnt automatically put you at a disadvantage. They dont just glance at your current balance sheetthey factor in your trajectory.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 22, 2025

Using Redfin’s mortgage calculator , on a $200k salary with zero current debts, 20% down payment, and a 36% debt-to-income ratio, you’ll be looking at homes valued at $820,000 and below. What’s your debt-to-income ratio? of your loan amount per year. What are the current interest rates?

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

This often leads prospective homebuyers to consider a “down payment loan.” ” But is it really a good option to get a loan for a down payment? While securing a down payment loan isn’t impossible, it’s generally not the most straightforward route, and many mortgage lenders view it with caution.

Loans

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: These loans offer stability by locking in the interest rate for the entire duration of the mortgage (typically 15-30 years). Mortgage rates are a critical consideration for anyone looking to borrow money for a home. The Feds stance on inflation, which remains a concern, dictates its approach to adjusting interest rates.

Mortgages