The Mortgage Report

JULY 1, 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? But not everyone can afford to put 20% down.

Loans

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 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? Or you can’t get the type of loan you want.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 31, 2024

30-Year VA 6.08% -0.04 15-Year VA 5.63% -0.07 5/1 VA 6.27% -0.03 30-Year VA 6.11% -0.03 15-Year VA 5.99% -0.01 5/1 VA 6.50% -0.04 However, its essential to consider: Fees and Costs: Refinancing can incur closing costs and fees, which can offset potential savings from a lower rate.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JULY 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? How Much Home Can I Afford? Verify your cash-out refinance eligibility.

Equity

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

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 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? How Much Home Can I Afford? Authored By: Erik J.

FHA 203k rehab 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

MARCH 11, 2025

Its held in an escrow account : A neutral third party (escrow company or title company ) holds the funds until closing. Its credited back to the buyer at closing: If the deal moves forward, your earnest money is applied toward your down payment or closing costs. Can earnest money go towards closing costs?

Earnest money deposit

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

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. The share of first-time buyers using an FHA loan has declined from 55% in 2009 to 29% in 2024.

FHA loan

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 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?

FHA 203k rehab 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? Review and compare loan offers. How Much Home Can I Afford?

Equity

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

FHA loans are fantastic if you have a lower credit score or fewer savings. The trade-off is you’ll pay FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), which is usually for the life of the loan in most cases. VA loan (for veterans & service members): Often 0% down payment: That’s right, $0 down!

FHA loan

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

Redfin

JULY 1, 2025

A seller’s credit, also known as a seller concession, is a financial agreement where the home seller agrees to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs. Rather than lowering the price of the home, the seller contributes a credit at closing to help reduce the buyer’s upfront expenses. What is a seller’s credit? Not exactly.

Purchase and sale agreement

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

The Mortgage Report

JULY 15, 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? Your interest rate and loan balance don’t change.

FHA 203k rehab loan

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? How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 23, 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? Do wholesale mortgages come with any fees?

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?

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

JANUARY 28, 2025

The seller must also be in good standing with their loan, meaning it cannot be delinquent. VA loans VA loans are specifically designed for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses. to 1% of the original loan), title fees , and recording fees.

Loans

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

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

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

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

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

As always, your agent should be able to point you in the right direction and your loan officer will be able to answer any FHA loan questions and provide guidance for filling out the mortgage application. Save more money for closing costs, moving expenses and an emergency fund. Happy house hunting!

Finance

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

JULY 24, 2025

Here are some key tips to help you get there: Tips Action Set a Clear Goal and Timeline Research Home Prices : Understand average costs in your desired area to estimate your needed down payment (e.g., Don’t forget to factor in closing costs, which can be 2-5% of the loan amount. Yes, it’s possible!

Principal

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

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

Government-owned properties Some mortgages are government-backed, like VA loans and FHA loans. If a buyer with a government-backed loan goes into foreclosure, the government will take control of the property. Lenders will typically clear the title and vacate the property before selling it to you.

Pre-approval

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

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

MAY 14, 2025

These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans When you place your home on the market, its hard to predict if your top offer will come from a cash buyer or a buyer pre-qualified for a home loan.

As-is

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

These companies can help sellers cash out quickly, and many will cover a sellers closing costs. Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans When you place your home on the market, its hard to predict if your top offer will come from a cash buyer or a buyer pre-qualified for a home loan.

As-is