Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

Communicate closely with your real estate agent to align timelines and contingencies. Even as a seasoned buyer, lenders will still closely evaluate your: Credit score: This number reflects your credit history and impacts the interest rate you qualify for. Try to avoid overlapping mortgage payments or being stuck without a home.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

APRIL 18, 2025

With a bridge loan, you can use those funds to cover your down payment, moving costs, or closing expenseswithout rushing to sell first. In this case, a bridge loan allows you to use the equity in your existing home to cover the down payment and closing costs on your new property. What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 28, 2025

It lets you tap into your existing home’s equity to cover a down payment and closing costs, giving you more flexibility in a tight timeframe. Rather than miss out, you can use your home’s equity to fund the down payment and closing costs for your new property.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

It taps into the equity you’ve built in your existing property, giving you fast access to cash for a down payment or closing costs on your next purchase. While bridge loans typically cost more than a traditional mortgage, many Sacramento buyers find the added flexibility worth it to avoid rushed sales or temporary housing.

Equity

HomeLight

APRIL 10, 2025

With a bridge loan, you can tap into your homes value to cover a down payment, closing costs, or other expenses tied to your new home. In this case, you would use the equity from your existing home to help cover your down payment and closing costs on the new property.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 4, 2025

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Lenders want to see that you have a handle on your debt. A lower DTI (the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes towards debt payments) signals that you're a less risky borrower. Credit Score: A higher credit score (typically 740 or above) will get you the best rates.

Mortgages

Redfin

MARCH 14, 2025

But before the deal is final, your lender needs to issue a mortgage commitment letter – a crucial step that signals your financing is solid and closing is within reach. In competitive markets, it strengthens your offer by proving you’re financially ready to close, giving you an edge with sellers.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 4, 2025

Personal Financial Profile : Individual borrowers can influence their rates based on their credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and the size of their down payments. Break-even Period : When evaluating whether to refinance, its essential to look at how long it takes to recoup the costs associated with the refinancing process.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

An FHA loan may be ideal for those with a lower credit score or a higher debt-to-income ratio. Disadvantages to consider Funding fee requirement adds to the total cost of the loan, normally ranging from 2.3-3.6%. Cash reserves aren’t required at closing, which eases the financial burden for buyers with limited savings.

Loans

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

It’s often used by homeowners who need access to their equity to make a down payment or cover closing costs on a new place — without having to wait for the sale of their old home. Rather than miss out on your new purchase, you can tap into your existing home’s equity to cover the down payment and closing costs for your next property.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

It taps into the equity you’ve built in your existing property, giving you fast access to cash for a down payment or closing costs on your next purchase. While bridge loans typically cost more than a traditional mortgage, many Sacramento buyers find the added flexibility worth it to avoid rushed sales or temporary housing.

Equity

The Mortgage Report

JULY 24, 2025

These help home buyers better afford the down payment costs and/or closing expenses. The good news is that you are allowed to receive financial gifts from close family members to help with your down payment. Use cash gifts Everybody loves getting presents, especially when the gift is money to help buy a home.

FHA 203k rehab loan

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

JANUARY 2, 2025

Debt-to-Income Ratio: A good DTI (the ratio between your monthly debt and monthly income) might get you a better rate. But also calculate closing costs to make sure that youll be saving enough to make it worth your while. The Sneaky Power of Amortization Remember when I mentioned amortization?

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

They cover topics like budgeting, building credit, mortgage options, house hunting, and closing. State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help. Save for closing costs Closing costs are fees and expenses you’ll pay when finalizing the home purchase.

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

2025 Loan Lending Standards for First-Time Home Buyers Loan Type Credit Score Debt-to-Income Ratio Income Employment Occupancy Mortgage Insurance Loan Limits FHA 580 or higher 43% or less Borrowers need to show steady income and proof of employment, typically with at least two years of history.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 24, 2025

It's not as simple as just one factor; rather, it's a complex interplay of several economic forces: The Bond Market, Particularly 10-Year Treasury Yields: Mortgage rates tend to closely follow the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds. When Treasury yields rise, mortgage rates typically follow suit.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Key takeaways: First-time homebuyer: Anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years Common first-time homebuyer qualifications: Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, income limits, employment history, purchase limits, homebuyer education Buying your first home?

Debt-to-income ratio

The Mortgage Report

JULY 11, 2025

To lower a rate, they can 1) pay off debt or grow income to improve their debt-to-income ratio , 2) reduce their loan-to-value ratio by putting more money down or considering lower priced homes, 3) improve their credit score by reviewing their history and paying bills on time, and 4) shop around among lenders.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 20, 2025

Determine your debt-to-income ratio (DTI): Divide your total monthly debt payments by your gross monthly income. Estimate your housing costs: Research property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential maintenance costs in your desired area. Lenders typically prefer a DTI of 43% or less.

Mortgages

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

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Unexpected expenses: Unforeseen challenges, such as discovering hidden underground utilities, can lead to additional costs. Financing and closing costs: If you’re financing the land purchase or construction, anticipate paying 2% to 5% of the loan amount in closing costs. is $419,200. through 2025.

Debt-to-income ratio

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 8, 2025

However, potential refinancers must weigh the benefits of lower rates against closing costs and any potential changes in loan terms. Personal Financial Factors : A borrower’s credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and even employment stability can greatly influence the mortgage rates they are offered.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

For example, you may qualify for a hardship withdrawal to cover your down payment or closing costs. 401(k) loans dont count towards your debt-to-income ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is typically used when you apply for a new line of credit or loan.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

DTI = (Gross Monthly Income /Total Monthly Debt Payments)​×100% Let’s say your total monthly debt payments are $1,500 and your gross monthly income is $4,000. DTI= (Gross Monthly Income ÷ Total Monthly Debt Payments) x 100% DTI= ($4,000 ÷$1500) X 100% DTI= 0.375 X 100% DTI = 37.5%

Loans

The Mortgage Report

JULY 22, 2025

Things to consider: You’ll need to qualify for the loan on your own — your credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio all matter. Refinancing comes with closing costs , which usually cost between 2% and 5% of the loan amount. The proceeds can be divided according to your ownership agreement.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Let's see how refinance rates by Zillow are shaping up: Refinance Type Rate 30-Year Fixed 6.36% 20-Year Fixed 6.01% 15-Year Fixed 5.68% 5/1 ARM 6.78% 7/1 ARM 6.74% 30-Year VA 5.82% 15-Year VA 5.47% Interestingly, the refinance rates are pretty close to the purchase rates, and in some cases, even slightly higher. A: Great question!

Mortgages

AAOA

MARCH 24, 2025

As you qualify for a mortgage, consider the factors lenders consider, such as your credit score, credit history, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), income, and assets. Be prepared to provide documentation like bank statements and federal tax returns to verify your income sources.

Property Management

Marco Santarelli

JULY 2, 2025

This trend indicates a bit of relief for potential homebuyers and those looking to refinance their existing mortgages, although the changes remain closely monitored by market analysts. Understanding Your Financial Position : Your credit score, income levels, and debt-to-income ratio significantly affect the rates you may be offered.

Mortgages

Norada Real Estate

JULY 2, 2025

This trend indicates a bit of relief for potential homebuyers and those looking to refinance their existing mortgages, although the changes remain closely monitored by market analysts. Understanding Your Financial Position : Your credit score, income levels, and debt-to-income ratio significantly affect the rates you may be offered.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 3, 2025

These details directly impact your debt-to-income ratio , how much you afford and borrow. If you’re still legally tied to a shared mortgage or other debts, it can limit your ability to qualify for a new loan. If you’re the one making those payments, they count as debt. Should you rent first?

Debt-to-income ratio

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

However, fees for the loans can be higher than a bank and it’s likely that your loan will be sold on the secondary market after closing. This article provides 14 insights for Veterans to save money and minimize their out of pocket investment, save on the interest rate and closing costs, and structure the purchase contract.

Finance

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. Eligibility depends on factors like income, location, home price, and use of an approved lender. Grants Unlike loans, grants don’t need to be repaid.

Debt-to-income ratio

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Increasing Your Debt Part of the lender’s calculation is your debt-to-income ratio. Your income compared to your debts shows the lender how much you can afford. If you take on more debt, you will reduce the loan amount you qualify for. chat_bubble close How Can I Help? Contact Me!

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 20, 2025

Therefore, it's essential to carefully evaluate your potential savings and closing costs before making a decision. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Lenders assess your DTI to determine your ability to manage your debt obligations.

Mortgages

The Close

JULY 1, 2025

As a real estate agent, understanding FHA loan requirements can allow you to guide your clients towards homeownership, close more deals, and earn the trust of first-time homebuyers. FHA mortgage loan Conventional mortgage loan Credit score 500 620 Income required (debt-to-income ratio) 50% 36% to 45% Minimum down payment 3.5%

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 22, 2025

This difference often arises from closing costs associated with refinancing, which can vary significantly among lenders. Lenders assess credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and down payments when determining rates. Higher credit scores generally yield lower rates.

Mortgages