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

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

For example, if you use a bank for your loan you may already have a pre-existing relationship with them and they sometimes offer very competitive interest rates. Have you tried calling a bank on a Saturday night to get a pre-approval letter? Save more money for closing costs, moving expenses and an emergency fund.

Finance

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

The difference between these two accounts is that traditional 401(k) contributions are pre-tax, so youll be taxed once taking them out. For example, you may qualify for a hardship withdrawal to cover your down payment or closing costs. These loans have more stringent requirements, so it may not be the right option for everyone.

Debt-to-income ratio

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

OCTOBER 22, 2021

You may be wondering how affordability calculators work if you’re ready to get some numbers down on paper before showing up for a pre-qualification meeting with a lender. What’s the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved ? How much can I afford with a Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loan?

Pre-qualification

HomeLight

AUGUST 31, 2020

For example, both conventional and FHA loans offer first-time buyers the opportunity to purchase a home with only 3% down (conventional) or 3.5% down (FHA). USDA Rural Development loans also allow for 100% financing (or 0% down). For example, pre-pandemic, an FHA loan could be secured with 3.5%

Debt-to-income ratio

Realty Biz

DECEMBER 10, 2020

As such, this qualification process will only give you a rough idea of the size of mortgage you can get. When you actually try to get approval for a loan, you might find you don’t get the amount you anticipate if you have only been prequalified. The Mortgage Pre-approval Process. Another factor can be the condition of the home.

Loans

HomeLight

OCTOBER 5, 2020

” She adds, “You need a strong pre-qualification letter from a legitimate lender, and there’s no getting around that. There is a process you must follow to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Bank statements can also be used for certain mortgage loans if you have a non-traditional job or a side gig.

Short sale

Realty Biz

MARCH 30, 2023

There are fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages, hybrid loans, reverse mortgages, and FHA loans that all come with varying interest rates. To get the best rate for your situation, be sure to look closely at each type of mortgage. Keep an eye out for associated fees and other costs that you may encounter.

Mortgages

The Close

MAY 28, 2025

620 Conventional loans FHA loans VA loans Jumbo loans Average turn time is 42 days Visit Better Mortgage Conventional: 6.75% FHA: 6.625% VA: 6.5% 620 Conventional fixed-rate loans FHA loans VA loans Jumbo loans Investment property loans Underwriting can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks Visit U.S.

VA loan

HomeLight

JUNE 28, 2021

Due to the nature of how a home becomes a “HUD home,” purchasing one differs from the traditional homebuying process, and there are a few qualifications, special incentives, and risks that any savvy homebuyer should be aware of. Get pre-qualified with a mortgage lender. What is a HUD home? Qualifying for a HUD home. No problem!

Pre-approval

RIS Media

AUGUST 5, 2020

The 2019 – 2020 State of Asia America Report , an annual AREAA publication, provides a snapshot of the state of AAPI homeownership pre-COVID-19. Just 6 percent and 2 percent of Asian loan applications are for FHA loans and VA loans, respectively. Additional closing costs associated with VA loans.

VA loan

HomeLight

MARCH 2, 2023

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. Loans are between 3%-3.5% The program also has restrictions on the type of home and its location.

Closing

HomeLight

MARCH 6, 2023

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. down payment and/or closing cost assistance. Loans are between 3%-3.5%

Earnest money deposit

Realty Biz

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

Some of the most popular include conventional loans, FHA, VA, and USDA. Each of these types of loans has its pros and cons. Some will have specific qualifications. For example, a VA loan is excellent because it is a no-down payment option. VA loans are specifically for the armed forces.

Pre-approval

Realty Biz

APRIL 8, 2024

This includes checking your credit score, saving for a down payment, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Online mortgage calculators can provide a rough estimate, but getting pre-approved by a lender will give you a more accurate figure. What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval? What Are Closing Costs?

Pre-qualification

HomeLight

AUGUST 16, 2021

First-time homebuyer loans can help make it easier on first-time homebuyers , offering access to special mortgage programs with low down payments. Sometimes you’ll even find grants to help you with closing costs and down payments. You can qualify for loans with as little as 3.5% Sound great? Sure it does!

Loans

Redfin

JULY 31, 2024

Understand loan options: Learn about different mortgages like conventional, jumbo, and government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA). Prepare thoroughly : Improve your credit score, set a budget, and get pre-approved to streamline the home-buying process and secure a favorable mortgage. Did you know?

Pre-approval

Lab Coat Agents

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

The most common types of assumable loans are those backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Veterans Affairs (VA), and the U.S. FHA loans often allow for assumptions if both the seller and buyer meet the necessary requirements. The buyer must also meet qualifications for demonstrated creditworthiness.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

OCTOBER 6, 2023

However, certain programs like FHA loans and VA loans allow for lower credit scores. FHA loans can accept a credit score as low as 500 with a higher down payment, while VA loans often require a credit score of 580. Buying a house with no money down is possible, but it requires a good credit score.

VA loan

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

However, there are a lot of things to learn about how to buy a house, like current mortgage rates, your credit score, home inspections, and closing costs. Additionally, it’s important to account for other upfront costs such as the down payment, closing costs, and potential home maintenance or repair expenses.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

MAY 31, 2021

Conventional home loans are private loans that aren’t secured by any kind of government program, and these are available through banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies. The minimum down payment can be as low as 3%, but that is contingent on the buyer’s qualifications. What about those closing costs?

Mortgages

Redfin

MARCH 18, 2022

Skipping the pre-approval. Pre-qualification and pre-approval exist to help you when you’re shopping around for a mortgage. Not only can they verify that you’re financially qualified to purchase a home (long before you start looking), but they also let you know what size loan you can afford.

Mortgages

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

HomeLight

AUGUST 16, 2021

Some savings you can use toward a down payment and closing costs? Estimate your down payment and closing costs. During the budgeting process, you should also think about how much you want to set aside for down payment and closing costs. Here’s a quick breakdown: Loan type. FHA (government-backed).

Closing costs