article thumbnail

Better introduces VA refi loan with no appraisal or closing costs

Housing Wire

New York-based digital mortgage lender Better.com launched a streamline refinance loan product on Monday that aims to help military veterans and service members save money on long-term interest expenses and closing costs. of the loan amount) compared to the VA’s purchase, construction and cash-out refi options.

article thumbnail

Closing costs: Here’s how much money you really need to buy a house

Housing Wire

Understanding what expenses are required at closing to buy a house will help you budget and save more effectively. In this article, we break down exactly what closing costs are so you’re prepared when you start shopping for a home: What are closing costs? Mortgage Broker Fee . Property Tax. Title Insurance.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

The 11 do’s and don’ts of buying a new build

Housing Wire

Navigating the home buying process often begins with deciding between a new build or an existing homeand while new construction offers exciting possibilities, it also comes with unique challenges. Many builders offer incentives or are open to negotiating closing costs, lot premiums and other expenses.

article thumbnail

Nearly half of home sellers are offering concessions

Housing Wire

home sellers offered concessions to buyers in near-record numbers during the first quarter of 2025 as rising housing costs , high mortgage rates and growing economic uncertainty continued to reshape the real estate landscape. a year ago and close to the record figure of 45.1% According to a new report from Redfin , 44.4%

article thumbnail

Biden to call for first-time homebuyer tax credit, construction of 2 million homes

Housing Wire

In the address, the president will call for a $10,000 tax credit for both first-time homebuyers and people who sell their starter homes; the construction and renovation of more than 2 million additional homes; and cost reductions for renters. It is also wary of some of the proposals.

article thumbnail

UWM rolls out construction-to-permanent loans

Housing Wire

Michigan-based lender United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) has introduced a construction-to-permanent loan that covers the cost of building a home and then converts to a permanent mortgage once construction is complete. This type of loan only has one set of closing costs to pay, reducing the borrower’s overall fees.

article thumbnail

Reverse mortgage professionals react to H4P rule changes

Housing Wire

AARP concerns “FHA will move forward with its proposal that permits contributions by the property seller, real estate agent, builder, or developer to HECM for Purchase borrowers’ closing costs,” HUD said in its update to the policy. Certner cited fair lending concerns and the potential of undue borrower influence.

Mortgages 447