Redfin

MARCH 26, 2025

When buying a home, few clauses are as important, or as misunderstood, as the financing contingency. Whether its your first time buying a home in Seattle, WA or youre looking to invest in a condo in Austin, TX , understanding how a financing contingency works can help you navigate the process and avoid costly mistakes.

Finance

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

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Understanding these rates and how they can impact your financial decisions is crucial as you navigate your home financing options. However, a positive consideration is ensuring the additional debt taken on does not outweigh the benefits derived from the equity financing. Confirm that the savings exceed these costs.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

” Simply put, a down payment is the initial sum of money you pay upfront when buying a home, with the remaining amount financed through a mortgage. According to the National Association of Realtors , 52% of first-time buyers used a conventional loan to finance their home, while 29% used an FHA loan, and 9% used a VA loan.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 4, 2025

VA Loans: For eligible veterans, VA loans offer great benefits, including no down payment and often lower interest rates. FHA Loans: FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed for borrowers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. ARMs can be risky.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

The amount you’ll be required to put down may vary depending on the loan program you use to finance the home purchase. Government-backed loans like USDA and VA allow down payments as low as 0%. On the other end of the spectrum, jumbo loans may require minimum down payments of 10% or more.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 30, 2025

Homeowners also need to factor in refinancing costs, like closing costs and how long they plan to stay in their homes. If refinancing adds $3,000 in costs, homeowners should calculate how long it will take to recover those costs with their savings. However, refinancing isnt only about securing lower rates.

VA loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 10, 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? This can make budgeting easier.

Equity

The Mortgage Report

JULY 11, 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? Verify your home buying eligibility.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

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. Service requirements apply.

Loans

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 9, 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? But beyond finances, I think mindset matters.

FHA 203k rehab loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 7, 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? Check your best options to tap home equity.

Equity

Redfin

MARCH 18, 2025

It can cover part of your closing costs. If your down payment is already covered, the earnest money can help pay for lender fees, title fees, and other closing expenses. If your earnest money exceeds your total costs due at closing, youll get a refund for the excess amount. You may receive a refund.

Closing

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Seller concessions refer to closing costs or other fees that the seller agrees to pay on the buyer’s behalf. Seller concessions are financial contributions made by the seller to reduce the buyer’s out-of-pocket expenses at closing. These costs can include lender fees, taxes, insurance, or even home warranties. They can.

Seller concession

The Mortgage Report

JULY 8, 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? After closing, you receive a one-time lump sum of cash.

Equity

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

For example: If the home sells for $400,000 but the mortgage balance is $300,000, the buyer must cover the $100,000 differenceeither in cash or through additional financing. Assumption fee: Lenders typically charge an administrative fee to process the loan transfer, usually ranging from 0.05% to 1% of the remaining loan balance.

Loans

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. Closing costs: Typically 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.

Pre-approval

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 16, 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?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 25, 2025

VA Loan Advantages: If youre a veteran or on active duty, you should definitely pay attention to this. VA loans are government-backed and tend to have some seriously attractive rates. The 15-year VA refinance rate, at 5.89% , is particularly eye-catching, it is about 0.2% lower than conventional 15-year loans!

Mortgages

HomeLight

MAY 14, 2025

These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. But if you do end up working with a financed buyer, be aware that different mortgage types (such as conventional loans or government-backed FHA, USDA, or VA loans) have different minimum property standards.

As-is

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

The National Association of REALTORS® shares, “Despite the current attention around buyers paying all-cash for homes, the majority of home buyers finance their home purchase. Among primary residence buyers, 74% percent financed their home purchase, a share that rises to 91% among first-time buyers. Yes, it’s possible!

Principal

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

From finding houses to tour and what financing options you have, theres a lot to learn about buying a home in foreclosure. If the auction accepts financing, make sure you have a pre-approval ready. Government-owned properties Some mortgages are government-backed, like VA loans and FHA loans.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

JULY 29, 2025

These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a seller’s closing costs. If you end up working with a financed buyer, be aware that different mortgage types (such as conventional loans or government-backed FHA, USDA, or VA loans) have different minimum property standards.

As-is

HomeLight

JULY 23, 2025

These companies usually buy at a discount but offer quick closings and often cover the seller’s closing costs. But if you do end up working with a financed buyer, know that different mortgage types (such as conventional loans or government-backed FHA, USDA, or VA loans) have varying minimum property standards.

As-is

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. But if you do end up working with a financed buyer, be aware that different mortgage types (such as conventional loans or government-backed FHA, USDA, or VA loans) have different minimum property standards.

As-is

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

And look at those VA loan rates if you're eligible for a VA loan, those are some seriously attractive numbers, especially the 15-year VA at just 5.30%. It really depends on your original rate, how long you plan to stay in your home, and if the closing costs of refinancing make sense for your situation.

Mortgages

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. . >>See FHA loans : Often feature lower down payment and credit score requirements.

Marketing

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

For example, you may qualify for a hardship withdrawal to cover your down payment or closing costs. How to borrow from your 401k account to buy a house To borrow from your 401k loan to finance a down payment, youll need to talk to your employers benefits office or HR department, or with your 401k plan provider.

Debt-to-income ratio

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. Proof of steady income is required to qualify for this loan. Interest rates for these loans are lower, and they don’t require a down payment.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 20, 2025

VA Loans – A Benefit for Veterans: Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans offer significant advantages to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. These loans often come with no down payment requirements and competitive interest rates.

Mortgages

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. How to avoid paying closing costs on a refinance?

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 19, 2025

Think long-term: Closing costs for refinancing can run $3,000-$5,000. Here’s some extra advice: Look at government loans: FHA loans at 6.73% or VA loans at 6.56% could be more affordable if you qualify. Your dream home—or a smarter loan—might be closer than you think.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 19, 2025

Think long-term: Closing costs for refinancing can run $3,000-$5,000. Here’s some extra advice: Look at government loans: FHA loans at 6.73% or VA loans at 6.56% could be more affordable if you qualify. Your dream home—or a smarter loan—might be closer than you think.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

These are key criteria lenders and programs use to determine if you’re eligible for financing and special perks like down payment assistance. In this Redfin article, we’ll be going over what counts as a first-time buyer, what qualifications you’ll typically need to meet, and how to get your finances in shape for your home purchase.

Debt-to-income ratio

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. Many programs offer low-interest or no-interest loans to cover down payments or closing costs. Grants Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid.

Debt-to-income ratio

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 22, 2025

Loan Type : Choosing between conforming loans, FHA loans, VA loans, and others can impact interest rates as well. Lender Fees : Beyond interest rates, potential borrowers should watch out for origination fees, closing costs, and other lender fees that could inflate the overall cost of the mortgage.

Mortgages

HomeLight

MARCH 7, 2025

These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. But if you do end up working with a financed buyer, be aware that different mortgage types (such as conventional loans or government-backed FHA, USDA, or VA loans) have different minimum property standards.

As-is