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

We’ll outline the key criteria lenders look for, including credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and home equity. Your home’s existing equity , which is the percentage of the home’s value that you own, acts as your stake in the property. Equity requirements for mortgage refinancing?

Mortgages

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. Be prepared for higher monthly payments compared to a 30-year loan. These loans often come with no down payment requirements and competitive interest rates.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

This way, you’ll have a chance to build equity. The longer you own your home, the more equity you’ll build, leading to greater financial return when you decide to sell your home. >> Several loan options, such as FHA or VA loans, only require a down payment of 3.5% How much is a down payment on a house?

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

These require a higher credit score and must fall within conforming loan limits. FHA Loan: Designed for buyers with lower credit scores. down, but includes mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. VA Loan: Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and family members. These require just 3.5%

Purchase and sale agreement

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

Low income is generally defined as being below a specific threshold of the area’s median income (AMI), which can vary by location and employment. Each loan option we’ll discuss has qualification requirements for AMI, as well as other factors like credit score and debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

VA loan

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

This is especially helpful for buyers who do not meet conventional loan requirements. Let’s break it down: FHA loans require as little as 3.5% VA loans offer 0% down for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. USDA loans provide 100% financing for homes in rural or suburban areas.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Build equity early: The sooner you buy, the sooner your investment grows. Conventional 97: Backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, these loans offer 3% down options. VA loans : For eligible veterans or active-duty service members. USDA loans: Targeted for rural or low-income areas. down and a 580 score.

FHA loan

The Mortgage Report

JULY 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? Because when you assume a mortgage, you keep the loan’s existing rate.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Housing Wire

NOVEMBER 7, 2023

This implies easing inflation next year, and mortgage rates near 6% would help affordability issues caused by two things: The inflation fight has fueled the mortgage rate spike Low inventory and a steady job market have put a floor on home prices The good news is that GSEs remain committed to loan approval guidelines that help in these tough cycles.

Debt-to-income ratio

Housing Wire

AUGUST 7, 2023

Income and credit information are inputted into the AUS. Then, it makes a decision based on three primary factors: debt-to-income ratio (DTI), credit score and loan-to-value ratio (LTV). Borrowers with high loan-to-value ratios and lower credit scores are required to pay higher rates and fees for mortgages.

Closing

Realty Biz

APRIL 5, 2022

However, FHA and VA loans are the only two mortgage loan programs that allow borrowers during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy to be eligible for a home mortgage. FHA and VA guidelines during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy is almost the same. We will cover and discuss qualifying for an FHA and/or VA loan during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.

Bankruptcy

Point2Homes

DECEMBER 15, 2021

Therefore, even though, as a buyer, you are taking over the seller’s loan, you will still need to prove to the lender that you’re in a financial position to make mortgage payments. the most common types of assumable mortgages are government-backed loans such as the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and U.S.

Debt-to-income ratio

Lab Coat Agents

MAY 1, 2024

VA loan assumptions offer a fantastic opportunity for your clients to save thousands on their mortgage in a rising interest rate environment. What is a VA Loan Assumption? What is a VA Loan Assumption? This can provide significant savings compared to taking out a new loan at prevailing market rates.

VA loan

Realty Biz

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023

Government-backed programs: Government-backed mortgage programs, such as FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, often have more relaxed credit score requirements. Longer time to build equity: With a higher interest rate and potentially larger down payment, it may take longer for you to build equity in your home.

Finance

HomeLight

JUNE 22, 2023

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.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

JULY 7, 2022

If you can’t afford a 20% down payment on your home and apply for a conventional loan, you’ll have to have private mortgage insurance (PMI) to cover the costs, or just plain mortgage insurance for a government loan (FHA loans or VA loans , for example). PMI will typically cost between 0.5% Safety-net (months): 5.4.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

MARCH 9, 2023

The most common forms of assistance or alternative loan fall into the following broad categories: Down payment assistance programs Government-backed loans Low-income loans Down payment assistance program Down payment assistance programs help first-time homebuyers who need cash for a down payment.

Loans

Realty Biz

JUNE 15, 2022

Money spent on a mortgage each month is building equity in something you’ll eventually own, and is a foundational means to growing wealth. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loan. Check with your loan officer to see if you qualify for any first-time buyer programs. Student Loan Debt Must Be Paid off.

Debt-to-income ratio

Realty Biz

JULY 23, 2023

Government-backed and conventional mortgage options, as well as home equity for down payment assistance, are available. Overcoming challenges in the mortgage process requires addressing higher interest rates, documenting income, and navigating common hurdles. This ratio compares your monthly debt payments to your monthly income.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

JUNE 21, 2023

Veterans also can combine a VA loan with this program. Landed shared-equity down payment program What it is: Founded in 2015, Landed receives support from nonprofits, such as the DRK Foundation and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, and partners with more than 90 school districts in the Western United States.

Loans

HomeLight

JULY 31, 2020

One note: During riskier loan environments, such as during a recession, lenders will often protect themselves by increasing the standards required to get a mortgage loan. Conventional loans were more likely to have a 20% down payment, and VA loans averaged just 2% down. Image Source: (Shutterstock.com/SeaRick1).

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

DECEMBER 31, 2020

For example, if you are a service veteran, you may be eligible for a zero-down loan backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs ( a VA loan ). Otherwise, barring a specialized loan or down payment assistance program, you’re generally looking at making some sort of down payment. Down payments and debt-to-income ratio.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

OCTOBER 6, 2023

However, certain programs like FHA loans and VA loans allow for lower credit scores. FHA loans can accept a credit score as low as 500 with a higher down payment, while VA loans often require a credit score of 580. VA Loan: VA loans are exclusively available to veterans and service members.

VA loan

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. Higher credit scores typically secure lower interest rates, resulting in lower monthly payments and less paid over the life of the loan.

Loans

HomeLight

MAY 31, 2021

One of the first things you’ll want to know is just how much house you can afford , which is based on your income, credit score, debt-to-income ratio (DTI), and savings amount (including your down payment). I had some clients a few years ago that had trouble qualifying because they had a lot of debt.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 11, 2023

Government-backed loans, such as FHA or VA loans, provide more flexible qualification criteria and specific benefits. PMI, or private mortgage insurance , is a type of insurance that protects the lender if the borrower defaults on the loan. Once the borrower’s equity reaches 20%, PMI can be canceled.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

NOVEMBER 29, 2021

Veterans Administration loans. Many VA loans offer a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage loan, competitive interest rates, and generally require no down payment. Keep in mind, however, that you will need to pay the VA’s closing costs and funding fee. May need to show income and debt-to-income ratio.

Land

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

Homeownership is a long-term investment, and staying in one place allows you to build equity and stability. Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) Another major factor that a lender will consider when approving your mortgage loan is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). VA loan: Backed by the U.S.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

DECEMBER 30, 2021

and 1% of the loan amount, MI protects the lender if you stop making payments on your loan. You can request for MI to be removed from your mortgage once you’ve reached 20% equity in your home (provided you use a conventional loan), but it is an added expense that will increase your monthly mortgage payment until that time comes.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 27, 2025

Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): How much of your income goes to debt payments? Play the Loan Term Game: You have two main options: 15-year or 30-year mortgages. 15-Year Mortgage: Lower interest rate , higher monthly payments, build equity faster, pay off your loan in half the time!

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 5, 2025

Debt-to-Income Ratio : A lower ratio implies stronger financial health, allowing borrowers to qualify for lower rates. This drop allows homeowners to consider whether refinancing could lower their monthly payments or free up equity for other expenses.

Mortgages

HomeLight

JANUARY 27, 2021

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 1% of your loan amount, annually. Plus, it only costs between 0.5% Minimum down payment : 0%.

Closing costs

HomeLight

OCTOBER 29, 2021

There are plenty of mortgage loan calculators to be found online, and generally speaking, lenders don’t want to see your total debt, including your mortgage payment, exceed 45% of your income; some borrowers can go up to 50%. This is known as your debt-to-income ratio (DTI).

Inspection

Redfin

APRIL 7, 2023

Different lenders may specialize in different types of loans, such as FHA loans, VA loans, or jumbo loans. Each lender may have different qualification requirements, such as credit score, income, and debt-to-income ratio. – Sara Swikard | Redfin Partner Agent, eXp Realty 11.

Pre-approval

HomeLight

MARCH 28, 2022

According to the National Association of Realtors®, homeowners usually stay in their homes for 13 years , which is plenty of time to build equity before selling. It’s likely cheaper than renting, even if you’re not staying long enough to build much equity. If you’re planning on using a VA loan, how does that impact affordability ?

VA loan

HomeLight

JUNE 30, 2021

Often, repeat buyers are able to put 20% down or more, typically because they are moving the equity gained in their existing home they are selling to the new home they are buying,” explains Cornelius. There are loan programs that allow you to put down much less than that — as little as 3% or even no down payment!

VA loan