Redfin

APRIL 11, 2025

When you pay your mortgage each month, the payments go toward a tangible asset rather than a landlord. Owning a home can also bring more financial stability , especially with a fixed-rate mortgage, as it offers predictable monthly payments, compared to rent, which can rise. Is it still possible to buy a starter home?

Marketing

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 20, 2025

30-Year Fixed: This remains a popular choice for many homebuyers due to its lower monthly payments , making homeownership more accessible. The Purchase Rate vs. Refinance Rate Dynamic: It's not uncommon for refinance rates to be slightly higher than purchase rates.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

down; 500 with 10% down Primary residence, mortgage insurance required VA loans Eligible U.S. Down payment and closing cost assistance: Upfront costs can be a major barrier, but grants, loans, and other programs can help cover these expenses.

Debt-to-income ratio

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 7, 2025

If you're currently in the market to buy a home or refinance, here's my advice: Don't Panic, but Be Prepared: Understand that rates are volatile. Work closely with a mortgage professional to explore your options and get pre-approved so you know what you can realistically afford.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 11, 2025

As of early June 2025, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is hovering around 6.85%. Explore different loan options and consider factors beyond just the interest rate, such as closing costs and loan terms. Being pre-approved for a mortgage can give you an edge.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 4, 2025

Several factors influence these rates daily, and even small fluctuations can impact your monthly payments and the overall cost of your loan over time. According to data released by Zillow , as of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, the national average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has edged up.

Loans

Housing Wire

DECEMBER 22, 2020

Here are the top five mortgage-related terms you’ll want in your arsenal: 1. Fixed-rate mortgage. There are two types of mortgages: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate. Fixed-rate mortgages have a set interest rate for the entirety of the loan. Pre-approval.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 3, 2025

It is also important to know about geopolitical events, which might indirectly influence mortgage rates. Understanding Different Types of Mortgage Rates Let's break down the different types of mortgage rates you'll encounter: Fixed-Rate Mortgage: This is the most common type.

Mortgages

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.

Mortgages

Realty Biz

AUGUST 12, 2023

Interest : The cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Fixed-Rate Mortgage : A mortgage in which the interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the loan. Closing Costs : Fees and other costs that need to be paid when closing on a house.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

AUGUST 12, 2024

These loans offer significant advantages, including no down payment, no PMI, and competitive interest rates. Additionally, VA loans have limited closing costs and no prepayment penalties. A lower DTI indicates better financial health and increases your chances of loan approval.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 16, 2024

Navigating the mortgage loan process can be daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps can help. This guide will walk you through each phase of the mortgage loan process, from pre-approval to post-closing, with examples to illustrate key points. Fixed-rate: Stability and predictability in payments.

Loans

Realty Biz

APRIL 8, 2024

This includes checking your credit score, saving for a down payment, and getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Answer: What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, down payment, and interest rate. What Is a Mortgage Pre-Approval? What Are Closing Costs?

Pre-qualification

Redfin

JULY 31, 2024

Understand loan options: Learn about different mortgages like conventional, jumbo, and government-backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA). Compare terms and interest rates to find the best fit for you. Choosing the right mortgage lender is a vital step in the home-buying process. Did you know?

Pre-approval

Realty Biz

FEBRUARY 7, 2023

Figure Out What Mortgage Program Works Best When you start looking for a mortgage , one of the first steps should be deciding what loan terms you want. For example, do you want a 30-year fixed or adjustable-rate mortgage? A fixed-rate mortgage will give you more stability if you stay in the home longer.

Pre-approval

Redfin

DECEMBER 15, 2023

In 2020, interest rates took a sharp dive as the Federal Reserve sought to stave off economic collapse amid the pandemic. The resulting low rates sparked a surge in real estate transactions, with numerous homebuyers securing 30-year fixed-rate mortgages below 3%.

Fixed-rate mortgage

Redfin

JULY 11, 2023

The interest rate and term length determine the amount of your monthly payments. What are the different types of mortgages? When considering mortgage options, it’s important to understand the different types available. How does the mortgage pre-approval process work? What are closing costs?

Pre-approval

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 22, 2022

As a cash buyer, you can also save on closing costs. You don't need to pay a bank attorney for the mortgage. Financing turnkey rental properties with cash means you don't need to put real estate taxes in escrow upfront nor pay for a mortgage application and loan origination fees. Fixed-rate mortgages.

Finance

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 24, 2024

In a competitive market, a buyer with a pre-approved mortgage is often seen as more attractive by sellers. The Refinance Rescue: Potential Savings Down the Line Here's a silver lining: even if you buy a home now with a higher interest rate, you're not locked into that rate forever.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 15, 2024

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let's clarify the two major ways a 1% interest rate difference affects your mortgage: Short-Term: Monthly Payments Imagine you're eyeing a beautiful $250,000 home with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Sarah secures a mortgage at 7% interest.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 3, 2024

Many first-time buyers underestimate the true cost of homeownership, overlooking the hidden expenses beyond the mortgage payment. Not Saving Enough for a Down Payment: Many assume a 20% down payment is mandatory, but with options like FHA loans, you might be able to secure a mortgage with a smaller down payment.

Closing costs

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 24, 2025

Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast for Next 10 Years Navigating the Mortgage Market: Tips for Success Buying a house when rates are rising can feel daunting, but here are some tips to make the process smoother: Get Pre-Approved: Before you even start seriously looking, get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Mortgages

Redfin

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

Shopping for a mortgage, you might encounter lenders who pre-qualify you for a higher loan amount than you expected. Many lenders work with standard debt-to-income ratio calculations which don’t take into account other costs of home ownership. To finalize the purchase and paperwork, you will pay additional closing costs.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 30, 2025

Looking for the states with the lowest mortgage rates today, May 30, 2025 ? As of today, the states offering the most affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for new purchases are New York, California, North Carolina, Texas, Colorado, Washington, and Florida. Make sure to get pre-approved.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Before you jump into refinancing, take a hard look at your current mortgage. Is your existing rate lower than what's available today? Also remember to factor in closing costs when assessing the true cost of refinancing! Fixed-Rate Mortgages: The interest rate stays the same for the entire life of the loan.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 10, 2023

Stable monthly payments Buying a home with a fixed-rate mortgage means that your monthly mortgage payments stay the same over the duration of your mortgage. While other monthly expenses may fluctuate, you’ll have peace of mind that your mortgage payments will stay stable.

New Construction

Redfin

FEBRUARY 10, 2023

Stable monthly payments When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, you lock in your monthly housing expenses for the life of your mortgage. Reach out to various lenders to get pre-approval, which will provide you with insight into your financing options and costs that are specific to your situation.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

AUGUST 16, 2024

Understanding the Current Market: The Federal Reserve has been steadily raising interest rates to combat inflation, which has impacted mortgage rates. A year ago, in August 2023, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was around 7.58%. Strategies to Afford a Home in a High Interest Rate Environment: 1.

Pre-approval

Realtor.com

JANUARY 19, 2022

Not only that, we were about to sign up for 30 years of fixed-rate mortgage payments. Don’t move money around, close bank accounts—or buy a new iPhone. One of the most frustrating parts of the homebuying experience was the mortgage vetting process after we had been pre-approved.

Pre-approval

The Close

DECEMBER 29, 2022

Clients might be interested in an ARM because it allows borrowers to take advantage of interest rate decreases without having to go through a whole refinance process and pay additional closing costs. Closing costs. Clients will need an exact accounting of the total amount owed in closing costs.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 22, 2025

If you locked in a mortgage when rates were higher, say even just a few months ago, refinancing at these lower rates could potentially save you a chunk of money over the long haul. Factor in closing costs and how long you plan to stay in your home to see if the savings outweigh the expenses. Let's Get Real.

Mortgages