Remove Banks Remove Equity Remove Pre-approval Remove VA loan
article thumbnail

Mastering Mortgage Basics: 10 Key Concepts Every Homebuyer Should Know

Redfin

Government-backed loans, such as FHA or VA loans, provide more flexible qualification criteria and specific benefits. Once the borrower’s equity reaches 20%, PMI can be canceled. These may include proof of income, bank statements, employment verification, credit history, and debt information.

article thumbnail

Buying a House in San Diego? Local Real Estate Agents Share 15 Tips First-Time Buyers Need to Know

Redfin

Get pre-approved for a mortgage My advice to first-time homebuyers is to find a good loan officer and get pre-approved, fully underwritten approval is best. Work with that loan officer and their agent to understand what timeframes they’re comfortable with in an offer.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

What Is a HUD Home? Are the Savings Worth the Risks?

HomeLight

HUD’s Office of Housing also includes the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an agency that insures mortgage loans issued by FHA-approved lenders to protect against losses if a borrower defaults on a loan. The buyer must work with a HUD-approved real estate agent/broker for all bidding (HUD homes are sold at auction).

article thumbnail

42 Steps to Homeownership: The Resourceful Buyer’s Go-To Guide

HomeLight

Are you open to doing some sweat equity in the beginning?” Painting walls and replacing floors can add instant equity to your home — but these jobs require hard work, and they’re not for the buyer who wants a flawless, move-in ready abode. Could you get special discounts or credits from your bank or credit union? she prompts.

article thumbnail

Looking for a Mortgage Lender? Here Are 19 Questions to Ask Them Before You Commit

HomeLight

There are several types of home loans out there, and you’ll want to ask any potential lender which ones they offer, as not all lenders support all loan types. Conventional home loans are private loans that aren’t secured by any kind of government program, and these are available through banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies.

article thumbnail

Your Guide to Buying a House While You’re In the Military (And Is It a Good Idea?)

HomeLight

According to the National Association of Realtors®, homeowners usually stay in their homes for 13 years , which is plenty of time to build equity before selling. It’s likely cheaper than renting, even if you’re not staying long enough to build much equity. If you’re planning on using a VA loan, how does that impact affordability ?

VA loan 82
article thumbnail

13 Short Sale Tips So You Get a Dream Deal, Not a Nightmare Scenario

HomeLight

If you’re considering a distressed home, weigh the option of a short sale against the possibility of buying a foreclosure or bank-owned home. If not, some language in the listing might provide clues that they are in fact short sales, such as “subject to bank approval,” “notice of default,” or “headed for auction.”.