Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Don’t skip critical steps like the home inspection or negotiating closing costs. Take note of closing costs, loan terms, and any additional fees. Overlooking your credit score Your credit score plays a major role in whether you’ll qualify for a mortgage loan and the interest rate you’ll secure.

Pre-approval

The Close

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

Simply put, it’s a residential building with more than one unit designed to house multiple families. When looking into your finances, consider the following factors: Closing costs: These are generally 2% to 5% of the property’s sales price and include lender fees, title insurance, property insurance, and property taxes.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Government Loans (FHA/VA) : These loans typically cater to those who might not qualify for conventional mortgages. FHA loans have low minimum requirements for credit and down payments, making them accessible. VA loans are available to veterans and active military members with favorable terms and conditions.

Mortgages

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? If you want to put zero down, try applying for a: USDA loan.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

These are great for making homeownership more accessible, but just know you’ll almost certainly pay PMI on these, adding a bit to your monthly cost. FHA loan (government-backed option): Minimum 3.5% FHA loans are fantastic if you have a lower credit score or fewer savings. FHA loans – as low as 3.5%

FHA loan

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

JULY 31, 2025

Look into first-time homebuyer benefits Many programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers by reducing upfront costs, lowering monthly payments, and helping with mortgage qualification. Save for closing costs Closing costs are fees and expenses you’ll pay when finalizing the home purchase.

Purchase and sale agreement

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? Time to make a move?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Additionally, set aside extra savings for closing costs, moving expenses, and any home updates or repairs you may need right away. Compare interest rates, closing costs, and loan terms carefully. These require a higher credit score and must fall within conforming loan limits. FHA Loan: Require only 3.5%

VA loan

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

FHA loans These loans are popular for their flexible credit requirements and low down payment options, which make homeownership more accessible. FHA loans are assumable , but the buyer must meet the lenders approval criteria, including a sufficient credit score and stable income.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

You’re buying in a designated redevelopment area, where certain programs have less strict rules. Closing costs: Typically 2-5% of the home’s purchase price. Make sure to also account for closing costs, insurance, and additional fees. What are the closing costs? Am I ready to purchase a home?

Pre-approval

Redfin

APRIL 11, 2025

The initial costs , like a down payment and closing costs, can be a big hurdle for many first-time homebuyers. Unlike renting, you’re responsible for all maintenance and repair costs , which can be unpredictable and add up. FHA loans : Often feature lower down payment and credit score requirements.

Marketing

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. There are a number of first-time home buyer benefits designed to make homeownership more affordable, from down payment assistance to tax credits and more.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

This can extend to dual agency, designated agency, and more, and in states like New York, this is mandatory. These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. Whitney adds that there are many layers of complexity to agency.

As-is

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

While this type of loan is a good option for many real estate consumers, I believe there are several quirks all buyers should know about and understand if they are considering an FHA loan. Did you know if you file a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you can immediately apply for an FHA loan? Happy house hunting!

Finance

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

It offers a $2,500 borrower credit toward the down payment or closing costs of a home, and considers positive rent payments towards loan eligibility. A homeowner’s education course is also required to qualify for this loan. A homeowner’s education course is required for this loan as well.

VA loan

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

It’s not designed to protect you, the homeowner. Lenders typically require PMI on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. Cons of a piggyback loan: You’ll have two monthly mortgage payments. You’ll likely incur closing costs for both loans.

FHA loan

HomeLight

MARCH 7, 2025

These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. Prioritize a cash offer if you receive one On occasion, conventional lenders may even finance a fixer-upper property sold as is , and its not impossible to finance a fixer-upper with an FHA loan.

As-is

Marco Santarelli

MAY 5, 2025

National Averages of Lenders' Best Mortgage Rates Loan Type New Purchase 30-Year Fixed 6.95% FHA 30-Year Fixed 7.33% 15-Year Fixed 5.97% Jumbo 30-Year Fixed 6.90% 5/6 ARM 7.20% Decoding Those Teaser Rates You know those super-low mortgage rates you see advertised online? Be cautious! Don't be afraid to negotiate!

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Here are some key factors that determine whether you’re ready to take on a mortgage: Credit score : Most conventional loans require a credit score of at least 620, while FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580. Down payment savings: You’ll generally need at least 3%–5% down, depending on the loan type.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 8, 2025

Different Loan Types: Rates vary significantly across mortgage types including FHA , VA , and ARMs. FHA Loans: Insured by the Federal Housing Administration, these loans are designed for lower-income and first-time buyers, requiring lower down payments and more lenient credit scores.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

APRIL 9, 2024

This is significant, because as noted in CHLA’s Annual IMB Report , “84% of FHA loans were for first-time homebuyers, and FHA’s share of Black and Hispanic borrowers was twice the percentage of all other mortgage loans.” But now a new threat is emerging on this front. All these homebuyer charges add up.

FHA loan

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

In the aftermath, one of the most contentious issues in the minds of mortgage professionals is how the ruling might affect FHA and VA mortgage borrowers. FHA loans are a popular option for first-time homebuyers or those who don’t have a lot of cash saved for a down payment, because the loans require a minimum of 3.5%

VA loan

Housing Wire

MAY 14, 2024

This is significant, because as noted in CHLA’s annual IMB Report , “84% of FHA loans were for first-time homebuyers, and FHA’s share of Black and Hispanic borrowers was twice the percentage of all other mortgage loans.” But now a new threat is emerging on this front. All these homebuyer charges add up.

FHA loan

Housing Wire

AUGUST 30, 2024

Likewise, for FHA loans, you’d need to pass an Act of Congress, while Veterans would need to convince the Secretary of Veterans Affairs that a change is in the best interest of veterans, taxpayers, and investors. I admit it is not the structure that is obvious if one were designing the market from scratch.

Finance

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Down payment assistance programs (DPAs) are initiatives designed to help first-time homebuyers bridge the gap between their savings and the down payment required to purchase a home. Examples of down payment assistance programs The FHA offers low down payment loans to first-time homebuyers. of the home’s purchase price.

FHA loan

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 12, 2021

You’ve just received the first offer on your home — and it’s backed by an FHA loan. So what do you need to know about FHA loans as a seller? Today, FHA loans represent a fair share of the mortgage market; in 2018, the FHA insured 12.1% FHA loans help make homeownership more accessible.

FHA loan

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2021

The FHA backing lets lenders offer easier credit terms than non-FHA loans. FHA loans are especially important for first-time buyers. In 2020, only about 10% of all home loans were FHA-backed, according to the agency’s annual report. But more than 80% of those FHA borrowers were first-time homebuyers.

FHA loan

HomeLight

OCTOBER 11, 2021

You’re getting ready to start shopping for a house, and you’re pretty certain you want to go with an FHA loan. The Federal Housing Administration backs loans with less strict credit requirements and low down payment options to help families become homeowners. How much house can you afford if you’re getting an FHA loan?

FHA loan

Realty Biz

MARCH 16, 2023

If qualifying for a conventional loan is difficult, and you aren't eligible for VA or USDA loans, an FHA loan could be the answer. FHA loans allow you to pay 3.5% But there are also downsides to FHA-insured loans. So is this type of loan right for you? What are FHA Loans?

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 24, 2024

Securing a mortgage with a less-than-perfect credit history can feel like scaling a mountain, but it's definitely achievable, especially with an FHA loan. Let's unravel the mysteries surrounding FHA credit score requirements and light your path toward homeownership. FHA loans can be secured with as little as 3.5%

FHA loan

Realty Biz

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

Thanks to HUD’s FHA loan policies, homeownership is more accessible to many Americans because lenders are given less financial risk when offering loans to buyers. HUD homes are designed for owner-occupant buyers, and real estate investors hoping to purchase one of these properties must meet HUD's eligibility requirements.

FHA loan

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021

Here, we’ll walk you through one of the best-known and most widely utilized tools that can help get you those keys: the FHA loan. Read on for more about these loans, the down payment assistance programs associated with them, and some different down payment assistance programs to consider when you buy your first home.

FHA loan

HomeLight

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

Consider factors such as how long you plan to be in the area, if you have steady employment, and if you have enough money saved for not just the down payment, but for closing costs , maintenance, property taxes, and more. Raymer says that for her clients, especially first-time buyers, she suggests an FHA loan, which only requires 3.5%

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JUNE 21, 2023

If you’re one of the roughly 4 million teachers nationwide, purchasing a home might be a lot easier than you realize, thanks to homebuyer programs for teachers specifically designed to save on down payments and other fees. Program highlights Up to $800 in reduced closing costs. Retired teachers can apply. Learn more here.)

Loans

Marco Santarelli

MAY 27, 2024

FHA Loans: These are government-backed mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration. FHA loans are a great option for first-time homebuyers or those with a lower credit score. The good news is that FHA loans are typically assumable. USDA loans are designed to help finance homes in rural areas.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 10, 2021

Due to its popularity and coastlines, the cost of housing in Florida can be exceptionally high, but that also depends on where you’re searching. The nationwide demand for housing has also increased during the coronavirus pandemic, pushing up housing costs even more. Some loan types allow for smaller, more affordable down payments.

Closing costs