Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 2, 2025

A strong economy typically leads to higher mortgage rates as demand for loans increases. For instance, if you take a $300,000 mortgage at 6.70% over 30 years , you could end up paying approximately $400,000 in total interest over the life of the loan. Its decisions regarding short-term rates can influence mortgage rates significantly.

Mortgages

HomeLight

APRIL 18, 2025

A bridge loan could be the piece that helps everything come together. This short-term loan is designed to help you buy your next home first, and then sell your current home afterward. In this guide, well break down how bridge loans work in NYC and when it might make sense to use one. How does a bridge loan work in NYC?

Equity

HomeLight

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

Your ability to finance a home purchase often hinges on a metric called a “debt-to-income ratio” (DTI) a percentage that shows how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. A debt-to-income ratio for a mortgage is a key that can open or lock the door to homeownership.

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

A bridge loan might be just what you need to buy your next home without waiting to sell your current one. This short-term financing option gives you flexibility and control over your timeline. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bridge loans in Sacramento. Thankfully, there’s another option.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

A bridge loan could be the tool you need to help everything fall into place — giving you the flexibility to buy your next home without rushing to sell your current one first. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting a bridge loan in Orlando. Buy Before You Sell What is a bridge loan, in simple words?

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 28, 2025

A bridge loan could be the solution to help everything fall into place. In this post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about bridge loans in Scottsdale so you can decide the best path forward for your situation. Buy Before You Sell What is a bridge loan, in simple words? What are the drawbacks of a bridge loan?

Equity

HomeLight

APRIL 10, 2025

A bridge loan can help you buy a new home before selling your current one. This short-term financing option could be the piece you need to make your move smoother and less stressful. In this post, well break down how bridge loans work in Charleston and share other creative solutions to help you buy before you sell.

Equity

HomeLight

JULY 24, 2025

A bridge loan might be just what you need to buy your next home without waiting to sell your current one. This short-term financing option gives you flexibility and control over your timeline. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about bridge loans in Sacramento. Thankfully, there’s another option.

Equity

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

A jumbo loan, or jumbo mortgage, is designed for homebuyers purchasing high-priced properties – whether that’s a luxury home in Charlotte or a condo in a city like San Francisco where home prices exceed standard loan limits. Key takeaways Jumbo loans are mortgages for homes priced above FHFA loan limits.

Loans

Lighter Side of Real Estate

MARCH 11, 2025

Check Your Credit: Your credit impacts your loan approval and interest rates. Large financial moves can affect your debt-to-income ratio and loan eligibility even once youve been pre-approved. Have your financing in order and be prepared to make decisions efficiently.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Which loan is right for you? Conventional loans: You have a credit score of 620+, stable income, and can put at least 3% down. FHA loans: You have a credit score of 580+ (or 500+ with 10% down) and a higher DTI ratio. VA loans: You’re an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or surviving spouse.

Loans

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

It can be about your financial goals and how a new loan structure can help you reach them. Switching loan terms: Perhaps you want to go from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage to pay it off quicker. Switching loan terms: Perhaps you want to go from a 30-year mortgage to a 15-year mortgage to pay it off quicker.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JUNE 13, 2025

In this Redfin article, we’ll walk you through what’s different as a second-time homebuyer, how to prep your finances, and what strategies ease the transition—whether you’re upgrading in Flagstaff, AZ , downsizing, or just making a change in Fort Worth, TX. Aim for a score of 620 or higher to secure better rates on conventional loans.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 4, 2025

There are so many different types of loans, lenders, and economic factors that play a role. This reflects the perceived risk involved in refinancing an existing loan versus originating a new one. It offers a stable, predictable monthly payment over the life of the loan. Why Did Rates Drop (Even Slightly)? ARMs can be risky.

Mortgages

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? This tells you how expensive housing has become compared to income.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Top Mortgage Blogs From 2017 Best Mortgage & Home Financing Blogs From 2017 We’re back! Below you’re going to find some incredible recaps of home financing and mortgage blogs that have been published during 2017. It’s unfortunate, but not every prospective buyer is going to be able to qualify for a home loan.

Finance

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. A mortgage commitment letter is a formal assurance from your lender that your loan has been reviewed and is on track for approval, pending final conditions.

Debt-to-income ratio

AAOA

JUNE 12, 2025

It’s one of the most important questions beginner investors ask and the answer directly impacts how you buy, finance, manage, and scale your real estate portfolio. Everything from financing to valuation to property management is handled differently. Management, Loan Terms, and Exit Strategy Let’s talk operations.

Commercial

Redfin

JULY 15, 2025

The income needed for a $250k mortgage depends on several financial factors, including your debt-to-income ratio, credit health, and property taxes in your area. To afford a $250,000 home, most buyers will need an annual income between $62,000 and $80,000. What is the income needed for a $250k house?

Debt-to-income ratio

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? of your loan amount per year. What’s your debt-to-income ratio?

Debt-to-income ratio

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? The sky is not falling.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Lighter Side of Real Estate

MAY 26, 2025

For many college grads, student loan debt can feel staggering. Six figures of debt isnt unusual, and on paper, it can make buying a home seem like a pipe dream. But that mountain of debt doesnt automatically put you at a disadvantage. They dont just glance at your current balance sheetthey factor in your trajectory.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 2, 2025

This interest is what really inflates the total cost of your loan over time. In the early years of your loan, a bigger chunk of your payment goes towards interest, and less toward the principal. This gives us the total cost (principal plus total interest) of the loan. This is due to the way amortization works. The APR always is.

Mortgages

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? of your loan amount per year. What’s your debt-to-income ratio?

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 7, 2025

Refinance Rates also Drop : Average refinance rates for 30-year loans are at 6.43%. In the past week, we have seen a notable decline in mortgage interest rates, translating into lower monthly payments for many potential homebuyers and those looking to refinance their existing loans. Currently, average rates for 5/1 ARMs stand at 6.48%.

Mortgages

The Close

JULY 1, 2025

A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make, and many buyers rely on mortgage financing. However, some will struggle with getting approved for a loan, which is something that could result in the transaction falling through for you as a real estate agent. That’s where FHA loans can save the day for everyone.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 4, 2025

Heres a breakdown of todays refinance rates: Refinance Type Average Rate Today March Average 30-Year Refinance 6.49% 6.49% 15-Year Refinance 5.80% 5.80% These rates allow homeowners to save considerably through refinancing, particularly if they secure a rate lower than their existing loan. How Does the Fed Rate Affect Mortgage Rates?

Mortgages

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

When you secure a mortgage loan to purchase a property, your monthly payment involves more than just the principal and interest. It constitutes the initial loan balance you gradually pay off over the loan term. Step 1: Determine Your Loan Amount The first step is to determine the principal amount of your loan.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 3, 2025

This decline offers a potential window of opportunity for both homebuyers and those looking to save money on their existing loans. While it may seem like a small change, every fraction of a percentage point can translate into significant savings over the life of a loan. Lets dive in. Why Are Mortgage Rates Declining?

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 18, 2025

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. What’s your debt-to-income ratio? of your loan annually. What’s your debt-to-income ratio?

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MAY 27, 2025

Finding the best rate can save you thousands over the life of your loan, so let's dive into what's driving these differences across states and how you can snag the best deal. Average Loan Size: The size of the average mortgage in a state can also play a role. Don't Fall for Teaser Rates It's crucial to be aware of “teaser rates.”

Mortgages

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Not getting pre-approved for a home loan before starting your search A common mistake for first-time homebuyers is jumping into the search without first getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Even a small difference in your mortgage rate can really add up over the life of the loan, so it’s worth your time to shop around.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

” Simply put, a down payment is the initial sum of money you pay upfront when buying a home, with the remaining amount financed through a mortgage. According to Redfin Real Estate, the minimum down payment for first-time homebuyers varies depending on the type of loan. Many loans offer down payments as low as 3% or even 0%.

FHA loan

Redfin

MARCH 5, 2025

Review your savings for your down payment , monthly income, and potential loan options to set a realistic price range. Maintaining a low debt-to-income ratio and a strong credit score can also enhance your eligibility for favorable mortgage terms.

Debt-to-income ratio

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? Let’s get started.

Debt-to-income ratio

Redfin

JULY 25, 2025

This assumes average interest rates, a standard loan term, and a modest down payment. Your actual income needs may vary based on your debt, credit score, and monthly expenses. What is the income needed for a $700k house? 36% rule: Your total monthly debt (housing + credit cards, auto loans, student loans, etc.)

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Fixed-Rate Mortgages: These loans offer stability by locking in the interest rate for the entire duration of the mortgage (typically 15-30 years). Over the life of the loan, you would pay about $394,752 in interestjust for borrowing the money! Debt-to-Income Ratio: Lenders prefer lower debt-to-income (DTI) ratios.

Mortgages