HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

You need the equity from your existing property to fund the next purchase, but pulling that off without disruption to your daily life isn’t easy. Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) also comes into play.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. It taps into the equity you’ve built in your existing property, giving you fast access to cash for a down payment or closing costs on your next purchase.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

Tapping into home equity: You can refinance to pull cash out of your home. This can be useful for major expenses like home renovations or paying off higher-interest debt, like credit cards. Are you trying to lower your monthly payments, pay off your mortgage quicker, or access your home equity? Can you afford the closing costs?

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

Buying your second home comes with experience on your side and valuable advantages: financial history, equity from your current home, and a clearer sense of what you want. Consider financial tools like bridge loans or home equity loans for your new home’s down payment before your current one sells. Example cost impact: At a 6.8%

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 3, 2025

Closing Costs: Factor in the closing costs associated with refinancing. These costs can include appraisal fees, title insurance, and other expenses. You'll need to weigh these costs against the potential savings. You'll need to weigh these costs against the potential savings.

Debt-to-income ratio

The Mortgage Report

JULY 24, 2025

Fortunately, mortgage lenders will not count this monthly repayment on your 401(k) loan against you in your debt-to-income ratio,” adds Schwartz. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for home seller credits – right now, sellers are more willing to help with closing costs than they were a year ago.” Authored By: Erik J.

FHA 203k rehab loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 11, 2025

To lower a rate, they can 1) pay off debt or grow income to improve their debt-to-income ratio , 2) reduce their loan-to-value ratio by putting more money down or considering lower priced homes, 3) improve their credit score by reviewing their history and paying bills on time, and 4) shop around among lenders.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

An FHA loan may be ideal for those with a lower credit score or a higher debt-to-income ratio. Strict appraisal standards require homes to be safe, and repairs from appraisal must be completed before closing (costs can be covered by either party). Why does the debt-to-income ratio matter for my loan?

Loans

The Mortgage Report

JULY 22, 2025

Things to consider: You’ll need to qualify for the loan on your own — your credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio all matter. Refinancing comes with closing costs , which usually cost between 2% and 5% of the loan amount. The proceeds can be divided according to your ownership agreement.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

2025 Loan Lending Standards for First-Time Home Buyers Loan Type Credit Score Debt-to-Income Ratio Income Employment Occupancy Mortgage Insurance Loan Limits FHA 580 or higher 43% or less Borrowers need to show steady income and proof of employment, typically with at least two years of history.

FHA loan

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

However, you will almost certainly have to cover closing costs. We’ll explain how it’s possible to roll closing costs into your new loan, potentially eliminating the need for upfront cash. How to avoid paying closing costs. Equity requirements for mortgage refinancing?

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Key takeaways: First-time homebuyer: Anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years Common first-time homebuyer qualifications: Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, income limits, employment history, purchase limits, homebuyer education Buying your first home?

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Unexpected expenses: Unforeseen challenges, such as discovering hidden underground utilities, can lead to additional costs. Financing and closing costs: If you’re financing the land purchase or construction, anticipate paying 2% to 5% of the loan amount in closing costs. is $419,200. through 2025.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JULY 2, 2025

Understanding Your Financial Position : Your credit score, income levels, and debt-to-income ratio significantly affect the rates you may be offered. Refinancing allows homeowners to adjust their loan terms, either lowering their monthly payments or accessing equity for renovations or other expenses.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

If you’re wondering if you’re ready to buy a house , consider these three factors: Financial stability: If you have a low credit score, lots of debt, and not enough funds to cover a down payment and closing costs, you may want to wait to buy a home. This way, you’ll have a chance to build equity.

Pre-approval

Norada Real Estate

JULY 2, 2025

Understanding Your Financial Position : Your credit score, income levels, and debt-to-income ratio significantly affect the rates you may be offered. Refinancing allows homeowners to adjust their loan terms, either lowering their monthly payments or accessing equity for renovations or other expenses.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 3, 2025

Some lenders may require a finalized divorce decree before approving a mortgage, as this document outlines debt and asset division, alimony, and more. These details directly impact your debt-to-income ratio , how much you afford and borrow. If you’re the one making those payments, they count as debt.

Debt-to-income ratio

AAOA

MARCH 24, 2025

The appreciation that the property witnesses over time can help leverage your equity to invest in other properties. Reduced Risk Unlike a single-family unit that depends on one tenant for all your income, a multifamily property spreads out your risk. After your offer is accepted, youll begin the closing process.

Property Management

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 20, 2025

15-Year Fixed: If you're looking to build equity faster and save on interest , a 15-year fixed mortgage is a solid option. Therefore, it's essential to carefully evaluate your potential savings and closing costs before making a decision. However, remember that you'll pay more interest over the long haul.

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Key takeaways: Your first-time home buyer benefits include down payment and closing cost assistance, grants, tax benefits, and low-interest or forgivable loans. Eligibility depends on factors like income, location, home price, and use of an approved lender. Buying a home helps you build equity and invest in your future.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 22, 2025

For those looking into shorter-term commitments, the 15-year fixed mortgage remains an attractive option at 6.08% , allowing homeowners to build equity faster while still benefiting from lower long-term interest costs. Lenders assess credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and down payments when determining rates.

Mortgages

Norada Real Estate

MAY 22, 2025

For those looking into shorter-term commitments, the 15-year fixed mortgage remains an attractive option at 6.08% , allowing homeowners to build equity faster while still benefiting from lower long-term interest costs. Lenders assess credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and down payments when determining rates.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

Low income is generally defined as being below a specific threshold of the area’s median income (AMI), which can vary by location and employment. Each loan option we’ll discuss has qualification requirements for AMI, as well as other factors like credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 17, 2025

People refinance for various reasons, such as to get a lower interest rate, shorten their loan term, or tap into their home equity. You need to carefully calculate the costs of refinancing (like closing costs) and compare them to the potential savings over time to see if it makes financial sense for you.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio : Your monthly debt payments should be no more than 36%–43% of your gross income. Closing costs: Budget around 2%–5% of the home’s price for additional fees and services. Build equity early: The sooner you buy, the sooner your investment grows.

FHA loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 16, 2025

However, that person must have a high enough income and credit score, and a low enough debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to qualify for the loan in his or her own right. If a court has awarded alimony and child support, that can count toward the applicant’s income where the kid(s) will be remaining in the home.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Housing Wire

MARCH 14, 2023

The increase in Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs) could play a promising role in closing the non-Hispanic White and Latino homeownership gap, NAHREP said. SPCP mortgage types include refinance, purchase, construction, home equity lines of credit ( HELOC ) and down payment or closing cost assistance.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

MARCH 20, 2024

Many buyers struggled with the financial burden of covering closing costs , making it difficult or impossible to also cover the compensation for agent representation. A drop in demand not only slows the market but can erode home equity, leaving homeowners with diminished assets. For these buyers, every dollar matters.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

DECEMBER 5, 2023

Discover the Innovative Way to Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current Home Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. It hands you the cash needed for a down payment and covers those pesky closing costs on your new purchase.

Equity

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 29, 2023

Discover the Innovative Way to Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current Home Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. An important factor in this process is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

Equity

HomeLight

DECEMBER 13, 2023

This allows you to utilize the equity from your existing property and streamline the transition into your new home without needing temporary housing. To bridge this income gap, you can leverage the equity from your existing home for the down payment and closing costs on your new property.

Equity

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

Discover the Innovative Way to Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current Home Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. Imagine it as a short-term lending solution that taps into the equity of your current home.

Equity

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 3, 2023

Discover the Innovative Way to Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current Home Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. However, it’s essential to note that bridge loans can come at a higher cost than traditional mortgages.

Equity

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

Discover the Innovative Way to Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current Home Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. In simple terms, it’s a short-term loan that uses the equity in your existing home to help finance the new purchase.

Equity

HomeLight

OCTOBER 25, 2023

If you are relying on the equity in your current home to make a down payment on the new one, it may seem the only way the puzzle fits together is to sell, move out, and find a third location to live while you shop for the new house. Your lender’s evaluation may involve crunching some numbers around your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

Equity

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Discover the Innovative Way to Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current Home Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. Equity requirements: Lenders assess the equity in your current home.

Equity

HomeLight

DECEMBER 15, 2023

A bridge loan is a short-term financing solution, giving you the necessary income to purchase a new home, even before you’ve sold your current one. This type of loan leverages the equity in your existing home, providing you with the necessary funds for a down payment and to cover the closing costs of your new property.

Equity