Remove Debt-to-income ratio Remove Equity Remove Fixed-rate mortgage Remove Principal
article thumbnail

Should You Refinance or Sell Your Home?

Windemere Selling

If your finances have improved since you initially secured your mortgage—for example, your debt-to-income ratio has improved, or you’ve bumped up your credit score—you may be able to lock in a better rate with your lender. Assess your financial health and equity before you apply.

article thumbnail

8 Common Misconceptions That First-Time Home Buyers Have

Realty Biz

A fixed-rate mortgage is stable for 15 to 30 years, but rents may increase on average as much as 5% per year. . Money spent on a mortgage each month is building equity in something you’ll eventually own, and is a foundational means to growing wealth. Student Loan Debt Must Be Paid off.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Mastering Mortgage Basics: 10 Key Concepts Every Homebuyer Should Know

Redfin

Essentially, a mortgage enables individuals to become homeowners by providing the necessary funds upfront, with the property serving as security for the loan. How does a mortgage work? When you take out a mortgage, the lender provides you with a specific amount of money to buy a home. What are the different types of mortgages?

article thumbnail

15 Mortgage Questions to Ask Lenders Before Buying a House

HomeLight

Debt-to-income ratio After looking at how much money is flowing into your household, you’ll want to write down your monthly debts. That’s because lenders will also look at your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI. That number will be your debt-to-income ratio.

article thumbnail

51 Brilliant Real Estate Tips for Buyers to Edge Past the Competition

HomeLight

Mortgage insurance is extremely common for first-time buyers, and it’s often the fastest way to achieve homeownership and start building equity today, rather than waiting until you’ve saved up 20% — an unrealistic feat for many buyers. And with most loans, you can drop mortgage insurance when you reach 20% equity.

article thumbnail

Land of the First Boardwalk: Down Payment Assistance in New Jersey

HomeLight

First-time homebuyers can apply for a forgivable loan of up to $15,000 to assist with closing costs and down payment or principal reduction. Many VA loans offer a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loan, competitive interest rates, and generally require no down payment. YourFirst Mortgage.

Land 89
article thumbnail

131 Real Estate Terms & Definitions Your Clients Expect You to Know in 2023

The Close

How else would you and your clients understand how much is being paid in principal and interest over the years? Annual percentage rate (APR). Clients may be confused about the difference between an interest rate on their mortgage loan and an APR. Debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Certificate of eligibility.