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Opinion: Rethinking the FHA mortgage insurance premium

Housing Wire

In 2013, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) began requiring borrowers to pay the Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) for the life of an FHA loan. People have equated FHA insurance to that of private mortgage insurance used by the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs), which is not life-of-loan.

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What Is an Assumable Mortgage and How Does It Work?

Point2Homes

As a result, you will need to meet the lender’s requirements when it comes to credit score and credit history, income and debt-to-income ratio to qualify for a loan. Once the lender approves your mortgage assumption application, you will take over the title of property as well as the seller’s remaining principal balance.

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Should You Consider Refinancing Your Mortgage? Here’s How to Think About It

HomeLight

However, in the years since you’ve had your home, you’ve likely built up equity in the home, meaning that you would take out less money to refinance your house than you did to buy it. Pay fees and closing costs. If the fees and closing costs are too high, they can negate the purpose of refinancing.

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Here’s How to Use a Down Payment Calculator to Help Set a Home Budget

HomeLight

PMI can be dropped when you reach 20% equity by paying down your loan principal. FHA loans are government-backed loans geared toward buyers who don’t qualify for conventional loans. Mortgage insurance requirements : Mortgage insurance is required on all FHA loans. USDA loans.

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What’s My Home Shopping Budget with an FHA Loan? How to Figure it Out

HomeLight

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?

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How to Decide if You Should Save for a House or Invest — The Complete Guide

HomeLight

Monthly mortgage payments offer built-in savings through equity gains. You’ll want to be sure you’ve kept the home long enough to recoup your transaction costs — real estate agent fees, closing costs, and any repairs or maintenance done to the home to prepare for sale. FHA loans: as low as 3.5%.

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51 Brilliant Real Estate Tips for Buyers to Edge Past the Competition

HomeLight

Mortgage insurance is extremely common for first-time buyers, and it’s often the fastest way to achieve homeownership and start building equity today, rather than waiting until you’ve saved up 20% — an unrealistic feat for many buyers. Plus, it only costs between 0.5% and 1% of your loan amount, annually.