The Mortgage Report

JULY 22, 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? in June from 2.4% in May and 2.3%

FHA 203k rehab loan

Housing Wire

OCTOBER 24, 2023

Patton Gade, the top producing loan officer for VA home loans in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, will continue to originate loans and hold the national director of military lending position at UMortgage. He’ll join forces with fellow veteran loan originator Jay Bunte in the brokerage firm.

VA loan

Housing Wire

MAY 28, 2024

FDIC) this month announced a settlement with Arkansas-based Bank of England over alleged violations of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA). The bank has been issued an order to pay a civil penalty of $1.5

Banks

Housing Wire

OCTOBER 4, 2023

In an environment where 30-year fixed mortgage rates are racing towards 8%, loan officer pipelines are thinning dramatically. But LOs who cater to first-time homebuyers’ needs – offering FHA loans and down payment assistance loans — are faring better, Michael Ullmann, producing branch leader at Movement Mortgage , explained.

Loans

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 23, 2024

mortgage products, and with Bryan on our team, we are poised to become the premier home loan provider for the servicemembers and Veterans of the Armed Forces,” Bianchi said in a statement Mortgage tech platform Modex shows that VA loans accounted for about 12% of the company’s mortgage origination volume over the past 12 months.

VA loan

Housing Wire

MARCH 1, 2021

And who couldn’t use an extra $60,000 in the bank?). Streamline refinances (if you have an FHA or VA loan). Both FHA and VA loans come with a streamline refinance option, which essentially means a fast-tracked path to a new mortgage loan. It doesn’t stop there.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

Virginia-based mortgage bank Prosperity Home Mortgage, LLC has acquired the assets of Arizona-based JFQ Lending, LLC to explore the direct-to-consumer channel. The company has 548 active loan officers and 379 branches, per the Modex data.

Lending

Housing Wire

AUGUST 2, 2024

Prospective borrowers with strong credit are locking in mortgages this week at the lowest rates in more than a year, loan officers and lending executives told HousingWire on Friday. “I believe the best way to care for the veteran is a loan with little to no fees. Department of Veterans Affairs averaged 6.12%.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023

While the central bank left the benchmark rate unchanged in the target range of 5.25%-5.5% Elevated mortgage rates will lead to more lenders spilling red ink in the latter half of the year, in contrast to the improved financial performance of independent mortgage banks in Q2. DPA programs were predominantly for FHA loans.

FHA loan

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2021

“The down payment is showing the bank that you’re putting some skin in the game,” says Helali. Every time a bank provides somebody with a loan, the bank’s essentially investing in that person.”. Basically, you’re showing the bank that their investment is safe and you’re unlikely to stop making payments.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

OCTOBER 6, 2023

down and a VA mortgage with no down payment. Banks have different requirements for the down payment on a conventional mortgage ranging from 3% to 20%. For investment property loans FHA or VA does not offer a non-owner occupied programs. Most all their loans are underwritten manually.

Loans

HomeLight

AUGUST 16, 2021

Bank of America has two national DPA programs. You can qualify for loans with as little as 3.5% Service members, veterans, and surviving spouses qualify for these loans with 0% down. That said, some of these loan programs make you a more attractive buyer than others. “If Step 5: Get preapproved for your loan.

Loans

HomeLight

OCTOBER 15, 2020

These loans come with required mortgage insurance, and they typically have higher rates and fees. VA loans : These loans are for qualifying military service members and their families, and they’re backed by the Veterans Administration. VA loans require a minimum credit score of 620 and a maximum DTI of 41%.

Loans

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

With so many DPA programs, you’ll want to consult with someone who will know them best — your loan officer. What types of mortgage loans are there? Down payment requirements differ depending upon the loan types. Conventional loans. Home loan benefits and housing programs offered through the U.S.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

OCTOBER 26, 2021

We’ve asked Richard Helali, Loan Officer and Sales Lead at HomeLight Home Loans , to pull back the curtain to explain what happens during mortgage underwriting. You have to find the right people to help you, even if it means interviewing ten different loan officers.”. How long will it take?

Pre-approval

HomeLight

OCTOBER 15, 2020

If you’re a would-be homebuyer searching for a home in a rural or even suburban area, you could potentially qualify for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan. These loans — like FHA and VA loans — are backed by the government. You can get a USDA loan with no money down on the house.

Loans

HomeLight

JUNE 19, 2023

One Chenoa Fund option even forgives the loan entirely after a certain number of on-time payments. Bank of America Our America’s Home Grant® program Bank of America has two of its own DPA programs that it advertises nationally. But on the upside, these loans go as low as 0% down. Minimum down payment required : 3.5%

FHA loan

HomeLight

OCTOBER 2, 2020

If you opt for a government-backed loan program, like an FHA or VA loan, you will likely have to pay certain fees connected with these loans at close. For example, FHA loans require an upfront mortgage insurance payment, currently 1.75% of the loan amount. Government program fees. Appraisal fee.

Mortgages

HomeLight

OCTOBER 1, 2020

Two months of bank statements, if using savings. 60 days of bank statements. This, of course, depends on a few variables, such as getting preapproved for a mortgage, or whether you’re taking out an FHA or a VA loan, which may take a bit longer. (We Underwriter reviews the loan. Child support or alimony income.

Closing

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2021

It’s a DIY world, and she secured her loan ( with an equally awesome rate ) by going direct through her bank. Since brokers work with multiple lenders, they can bring forth numerous quotes so buyers can easily choose between loans with different rates. A note about lenders, brokers, and no-closing-cost loans.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 24, 2024

Mortgage Insurance: Keep in mind that FHA loans come with mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), protecting the lender in case of default. Credit Score Requirements: While the VA doesn't set a minimum credit score requirement, most lenders look for a score of 620 or higher. However, some lenders may work with borrowers with lower scores.

Mortgages

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 10, 2021

An FHA loan , for example, requires a minimum of 3.5% A USDA home loan , which is available for rural and some suburban areas, might not require a minimum down payment at all. The same holds true for VA loans for military families. A cash reserve money is money in your bank account. Home loans.

Closing costs

HomeLight

JUNE 28, 2021

Buyers should arrange financing with a bank or mortgage lender ahead of time. Yet interested buyers can still purchase uninsurable houses if they pay with cash or can get some form of loan on it (depending on the condition of the home, traditional mortgage financing could be tricky, but there could be alternatives.

Pre-approval

Redfin

FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Well, it’s not only the difference between getting a low-interest rate on a home loan versus a high one, but it will also directly impact how much a bank or lender will loan you. Banks like to see a healthy savings account and other investments or assets (i.e. Why is your credit score important? Build Up Your Savings.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

JUNE 22, 2023

She advises that the sooner you contact an agent, the sooner they can recommend a qualified loan officer that can advise you on your financial situations and steps you might take to save a downpayment or fix issues with your credit which could take up to a year and a half to repair. to 1% of the loan amount annually.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

A hard worker with an hourly paid job at a nearby prison, the client was able to save and use the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America (NACA) program through Bank of America. Another good bet is to speak to your friendly loan officer. Below is a rundown of some popular loan programs for first-time buyers.

Loans

HomeLight

OCTOBER 29, 2021

Conventional loans closed in an average of 47 days in July 2021, while FHA loans took 51 days, and VA loans required an average of 52 to close. When you submit the application, be sure to ask your loan officer if the company needs any additional information or paperwork from you.

Closing

HomeLight

DECEMBER 30, 2021

According to the National Association of Realtors® Research Group’s 2021 data , 64% of buyers have conventional loans, 16% have FHA loans and 14% received VA loans. described and compares to the values in the area,” explains top Los Angeles agent Keri White , who is also a home loan, title and escrow specialist.

Loans

Redfin

APRIL 7, 2023

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.

Pre-approval

Realty Biz

JANUARY 19, 2024

Start by gathering all relevant financial documents, such as bank statements, tax returns, and pay stubs. Research different types of mortgages available, such as conventional, FHA, or VA loans. Take a close look at your income, expenses, and existing debts. Next, examine your credit score and history.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

JUNE 30, 2022

You also want to check your FICO score, as this is what the majority of lenders use ; you can often get your FICO score for free if your banking institution provides it, but otherwise you might have to pay for this service. Bank statements. Some loan programs, such as those backed by the FHA , allow for a down payment as small as 3.5%

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

JANUARY 27, 2021

A lender with a local presence will likely know the ins and outs of your market better than a big bank, and they’ll have local relationships that will make closing your deal easier. VA loans : Finally, there are VA loans that have advantageous features for qualifying military service members and their spouses.

Closing costs

HomeLight

MAY 31, 2021

These are things you just might not know as a buyer — but your agent and loan officer can give you guidance! What type of home loans do you offer? 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.

Mortgages

HomeLight

JANUARY 31, 2022

Conventional loans can be approved with as little as 3% as a down payment. USDA loans are available mostly in rural areas and enable buyers to put down zero percent of the price. VA loans enable eligible active duty military personnel and veterans to buy a home with zero percent down. Source: (Brian Jones / Shutterstock).

Loans

Realty Biz

APRIL 24, 2021

A VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility is your proof of service, and it shows that you’re qualified to receive your VA loan benefits. You may be eligible for a VA mortgage if you have served or are currently serving in the military. What is the VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility?

VA loan

The Close

DECEMBER 29, 2022

It’s an official form certifying that a veteran has met the terms that qualify someone for a VA loan. VA loans might have a lot of red tape, but they can be excellent, affordable options for service members and their spouses. This is the amount of a property that a person (not the bank) actually owns.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

But this table gives you a solid overview of where things stand: Loan Type Current Rate 30-year Fixed 6.50% 20-year Fixed 6.25% 15-year Fixed 5.83% 5/1 ARM 6.50% 7/1 ARM 6.45% 30-year VA 5.98% 15-year VA 5.48% 30-year FHA 6.09% 15-year FHA 5.55% As you can see, the 30-year fixed is sitting at 6.50%. Refinancing?

Mortgages