HomeLight

APRIL 10, 2025

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. A bridge loan (sometimes called a swing loan or bridging loan) is a short-term loan that uses the equity in your current home to help you move forward with your next purchase. Why Move Twice?

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 28, 2025

You need the equity from your existing home to fund your next purchase — but getting the timing right isn’t always easy. Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) will also factor into approval.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. 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.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

You need the equity from your existing property to fund the next purchase, but pulling that off without disruption to your daily life isn’t easy. Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) also comes into play.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

Through our Buy Before You Sell program, HomeLight can help you unlock a portion of your equity upfront to put toward your next home. 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.

Equity

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

As someone who's gone through the mortgage process a few times and kept a close watch on the market, I can tell you it's rarely a simple yes or no. Tapping into home equity: You can refinance to pull cash out of your home. This can be useful for major expenses like home renovations or paying off higher-interest debt, like credit cards.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

Buying your second home comes with experience on your side and valuable advantages: financial history, equity from your current home, and a clearer sense of what you want. Consider financial tools like bridge loans or home equity loans for your new home’s down payment before your current one sells. Example cost impact: At a 6.8%

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 3, 2025

Here are some of the key pieces: Inflation Expectations: Mortgage rates are closely tied to inflation. Closing Costs: Factor in the closing costs associated with refinancing. This is the amount of time it will take for your savings to offset the closing costs. Break-Even Point: Calculate your break-even point.

Debt-to-income ratio

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. Authored By: Erik J.

FHA 203k rehab loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 14, 2025

Once closed, the co-borrower’s name is no longer tied to the loan, and the remaining borrower is fully responsible. To qualify, the borrower will need to meet the lender’s credit, income, and debt-to-income ratio (DTI) requirements. Selling eliminates the shared debt entirely.

FHA 203k rehab loan

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

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

An FHA loan may be ideal for those with a lower credit score or a higher debt-to-income ratio. Strict appraisal standards require homes to be safe, and repairs from appraisal must be completed before closing (costs can be covered by either party). Requirements Down payment: 3.5% Requirements Down payment: 3.5%

Loans

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. Equity requirements for mortgage refinancing?

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

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

Redfin

JULY 21, 2025

Using Redfin’s mortgage calculator , on an $80k salary with zero current debts, 20% down payment, and a 36% debt-to-income ratio, you’ll be looking at homes valued at $325,000 and below. What’s your debt-to-income ratio? What’s your debt-to-income ratio?

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 current market and property value will impact how much equity each party receives.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

Final thoughts Interest rates, loan type, and down payment size are the main factors that will determine your mortgage payment on a $500,000 house. Getting familiar with the numbers will put you in a position to win. The post How Much is a Mortgage on a $500K House?

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

Using Redfin’s mortgage calculator , on a $90,000 a year salary with zero current debts, 20% down payment, and a 36% debt-to-income ratio, you’ll be looking at homes valued at $370,000 and below. What’s your debt-to-income ratio? What’s your debt-to-income ratio?

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

It’s understandable to want to get away from the fear of rent increases in your apartment in San Francisco, CA and start to build equity in your home. Using Redfin’s mortgage calculator , on a $50k salary with zero current debts, 20% down payment, and a 36% debt-to-income ratio, you’ll be looking at homes valued at $205,000 and below.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 22, 2025

Using Redfin’s mortgage calculator , on a $200k salary with zero current debts, 20% down payment, and a 36% debt-to-income ratio, you’ll be looking at homes valued at $820,000 and below. What’s your debt-to-income ratio? What’s your debt-to-income ratio?

Debt-to-income ratio

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 1, 2025

This type of arrangement allows co-borrowers to combine their income and credit profiles, which can help with loan approval or boost purchasing power. Lenders assess each applicant’s income , credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and employment history. How do you apply for a mortgage with multiple borrowers?

Debt-to-income ratio

AAOA

MARCH 24, 2025

The appreciation that the property witnesses over time can help leverage your equity to invest in other properties. Reduced Risk Unlike a single-family unit that depends on one tenant for all your income, a multifamily property spreads out your risk. After your offer is accepted, youll begin the closing process.

Property Management

Redfin

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

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. For a median-priced home, initial expenses including the purchase price, closing costs, and inspection could total between $427,834 and $440,860. is $419,200. through 2025.

Debt-to-income ratio

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. This way, you’ll have a chance to build equity. What are the closing costs?

Pre-approval

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

Marco Santarelli

JULY 14, 2025

Current Refinance Rates Refinancing can be a valuable financial strategy for homeowners looking to lower their monthly payments or tap into their home equity. Market observers are paying close attention to the Fed’s actions as they can significantly dictate mortgage landscapes.

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

JUNE 9, 2025

Using Redfin’s mortgage calculator , on a $100k salary with zero current debts, 20% down payment, and a 36% debt-to-income ratio, you’ll be looking at homes valued at $425,000 and below. What’s your debt-to-income ratio? What’s your debt-to-income ratio?

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 20, 2025

15-Year Fixed: If you're looking to build equity faster and save on interest , a 15-year fixed mortgage is a solid option. Therefore, it's essential to carefully evaluate your potential savings and closing costs before making a decision. However, remember that you'll pay more interest over the long haul.

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

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. First-time buyers often haven’t built up equity or long-term savings yet.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 23, 2025

This is particularly intriguing for those who want to build equity quickly. As rates decrease, this is an attractive option for those comfortable with higher monthly payments in exchange for quicker debt freedom. The cost of closing or fees often factors into this decision, which can make refinancing less appealing.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 22, 2025

For those looking into shorter-term commitments, the 15-year fixed mortgage remains an attractive option at 6.08% , allowing homeowners to build equity faster while still benefiting from lower long-term interest costs. This difference often arises from closing costs associated with refinancing, which can vary significantly among lenders.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 7, 2025

Work closely with your divorce attorney and real estate agent: They can help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and ensure your purchase aligns with your divorce proceedings. Your current mortgage, joint debts, and ongoing legal expenses can affect your ability to qualify for a new loan and manage monthly payments.

Debt-to-income ratio