Lighter Side of Real Estate

MAY 26, 2025

But that mountain of debt doesnt automatically put you at a disadvantage. Thats because some careers come with access to special mortgage programs designed to account for future earning potential, career stability, and the kind of risk that lenders are willing to bet on. And theyre willing to give you some breathing room because of it.

Debt-to-income ratio

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

Marco Santarelli

JULY 25, 2025

Are you dreaming of owning a home but worried about mortgage rates? As of July 25, 2025 , the states boasting the cheapest 30-year new purchase mortgage rates are New York, California, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington, and North Carolina , with rate averages ranging from 6.72% to 6.86%. You're not alone!

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 24, 2025

As of May 24, 2025, mortgage rates have seen a slight drop after a brief period of increases. The national average for a 30-year fixed mortgage has decreased to 6.94% while the 15-year fixed mortgage rate is currently at 6.09%. Typically, when bond yields rise, mortgage rates tend to follow suit. 20-year fixed 6.68

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JULY 11, 2025

Looking for the best mortgage rates today, July 11, 2025? Currently, the states boasting the lowest 30-year new purchase mortgage rates are New York, California, Virginia, Washington, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania , with averages ranging from 6.57% to 6.78%. Lenders perceive lending in such regions as riskier.

Mortgages

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? Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity. Verify your home buying eligibility.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

JULY 2, 2025

As of July 2, 2025, mortgage rates have shown signs of slight fluctuations. According to Zillow, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate currently stands at 6.74% , which has seen a minor increase from yesterday's rate of 6.73%. When the Fed signals an increase in rates, mortgage rates often follow suit.

Mortgages

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. What is a jumbo loan?

Loans

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

While market adjustments are always possible, the key differences in supply and demand, lending practices, and overall market psychology make a repeat scenario highly unlikely. Lending Standards: A Post-Crisis Reformation 2008: Lax lending standards were a major culprit. Thankfully, the answer is a resounding no.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

MAY 2, 2025

If you're in the market for a home, you're probably glued to mortgage rates! As of today, May 2, 2025, the states with the lowest mortgage rates for a 30-year new purchase are New York and Washington. These nine states showed average mortgage rates hovering between 6.68% and 6.85%. It's a fair question!

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

Conventional loans Offered by private lenders such as banks and mortgage companies, Conventional loans are one of the most common choices for first-time buyers. A higher down payment can qualify you for better terms, a lower rate, and reduced private mortgage insurance. Requirements Down payment: 3.5% Requirements Down payment: 3.5%

Loans

Norada Real Estate

JULY 2, 2025

As of July 2, 2025, mortgage rates have shown signs of slight fluctuations. According to Zillow, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate currently stands at 6.74% , which has seen a minor increase from yesterday's rate of 6.73%. When the Fed signals an increase in rates, mortgage rates often follow suit.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 16, 2025

As of today, June 16, 2025, mortgage rates have unfortunately ticked up , putting a bit more pressure on potential homebuyers. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate now sits at 6.94% , a slight increase from last week’s 6.93%. Similarly, the 15-year fixed mortgage rate has also edged higher, reaching 6.02%.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 9, 2025

The Monthly Payment Squeeze: Even with Lower Interest, It Hurts More You might think, “Well, mortgage rates are lower now than they were back then, right?” In 1974, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was a whopping 9.19% ! Now, their monthly income was around $925. So, their mortgage payment was about 21.2%

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 20, 2025

Are you keeping an eye on mortgage rates? As of March 20, 2025, the mortgage market is showing a slight upward tick , with rates inching up for the second consecutive week. 30-year fixed mortgage rate: Currently averaging 6.61%. 15-year fixed mortgage rate: Averaging 5.98%. 15-year fixed mortgage rate: Averaging 5.98%.

Mortgages

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Top Mortgage Blogs From 2017 Best Mortgage & Home Financing Blogs From 2017 We’re back! Top Mortgage Blogs From 2017 Best Mortgage & Home Financing Blogs From 2017 We’re back! This week we’re highlighting the best mortgage blogs from this year!

Finance

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 6, 2025

If you're looking for the states with the lowest mortgage rates today , June 6, 2025, then the answer is: New York, California, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Florida, New Jersey, New Hampshire, South Dakota, and Washington. States With Lowest Mortgage Rates Today – June 6, 2025 Why Do Mortgage Rates Vary by State?

Mortgages

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. The minimum down payment you’ll need varies significantly based on the type of mortgage loan you choose. And what is the minimum down payment for a first-time home buyer?”

FHA loan

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

How Does A Co-Borrowers Credit Score Affect A Home Purchase Understanding how co-borrowers credit scores affect home purchases is crucial when applying for a mortgage together. All borrowers’ lowest average credit score is considered in a joint mortgage application. (585) 704-7095 Contact Now Search Homes Home Fair Housing S.O.P.

Debt-to-income ratio

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

Your Credit Score With a better credit score , you will find it easier to get a mortgage and with better terms from the lender. A mortgage lender will check your credit score and financial history to decide how much they can lend to you. (585) 704-7095 Contact Now Search Homes Home Fair Housing S.O.P.

Purchase and sale agreement

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 17, 2025

Are you keeping an eye on mortgage rates today, March 17, 2025? Well, according to the latest data, mortgage rates are still on the higher side and have even seen a bit of an increase recently. Today's Mortgage Rates March 17, 2025: Rates Are Rising Again Slowly Key Takeaways: 30-year fixed mortgage rates are averaging around 6.59%.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 8, 2025

They check for new debts, significant drops in your credit score, or changes to your employment. Let’s walk through the timing, purpose, and how to avoid any last-minute mortgage mishaps. Your job status hasn’t changed , as a sudden loss of income or job switch could affect your ability to repay the loan.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 6, 2025

Thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage? Well, today's mortgage rates, as of March 6, 2025, show an increase. Specifically, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is currently at 6.28% , and the 15-year fixed rate is 5.57%. Decoding Mortgage Jargon: What Does It All Mean? So, let's dive in.

Mortgages

The Close

JULY 1, 2025

A home is the largest purchase most people will ever make, and many buyers rely on mortgage financing. Note that specific requirements can vary depending on the specific type of mortgage loan being used, as well as the lender offering the financing. That’s where FHA loans can save the day for everyone. This limit will generally be 31%.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 13, 2025

For anyone dreaming of owning a home, or even just keeping their current one affordable, understanding where to find the lowest mortgage rates is paramount. As of today, May 13, 2025, the states offering the most attractive interest rates on 30-year new purchase mortgages might surprise you. Why the Rate Rollercoaster?

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 9, 2025

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is one of the first steps in the homebuying journey. But if you’re ready to start shopping for a home, you might be wondering: how long does it take to get pre-approved for a mortgage? What is mortgage pre-approval? How long does it take to get pre-approved for a mortgage?

Pre-approval

Housing Wire

APRIL 2, 2025

It also provides total lending efforts approaching $700 million annually when including down payment assistance programs. Importance of homeownership education Robinson laid out the invaluable nature of helping buyers understand the mortgage process, credit requirements and financial responsibilities of purchasing a home.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 24, 2025

If you're wondering where mortgage rates are headed and what the Fed's upcoming meeting on May 7, 2025, means for you, here's the deal: While most experts believe the Fed will hold steady on rates at the next meeting, the future is still uncertain. Will Mortgage Rates Go Down After Fed's Next Meeting in May 2025?

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

This is the age of majority—the legal age when you can sign binding contracts, including real estate agreements and mortgage documents. While minors technically can own property (say, through a trust or inheritance), they can’t legally enter into a mortgage or purchase contract on their own. That said, there are a few exceptions.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 22, 2025

Looking for the best mortgage rates? As of today, May 22, 2025, the states with the lowest 30-year mortgage rates are New York, California, Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Kentucky. Average Loan Size: The size of the average mortgage loan can also impact rates. Don't just settle for the first rate you see.

Mortgages

Housing Wire

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) has voluntarily dismissed a lawsuit against Vanderbilt Mortgage & Finance that accused the Tennessee-based lender of pushing borrowers into unaffordable loans that, in some cases, caused them to lose their homes.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

JULY 10, 2025

If you're in the market to buy a home, you're probably wondering, “Which states have the lowest mortgage rates today ?” Mortgage rates aren't set in stone; they fluctuate based on a variety of factors. Fixed-Rate Mortgage: The interest rate stays the same for the entire loan term. Why such a big difference?

Mortgages

The Close

MAY 6, 2025

The loan covers up to 75% of the purchase price of the home and the renovation costs, and the terms are similar to a typical mortgage of 15 or 30 years. On the other hand, personal loans often judge your eligibility by your income, credit score, and debt-to-income ratio.

Loans

Housing Wire

JULY 10, 2025

“Marry the house, date the rate” is a phrase that was popularized during the post-pandemic era of rising mortgage rates. This left many to be in an unintentional long-term relationship with their mortgage rate. “Most loans have a typical debt-to-income ratio of approximately 45%.

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 2, 2025

As of February 2, 2025, today's mortgage rates have dropped to the mid-6% range, providing a slight relief to potential homebuyers. The average mortgage rate is now around 6.50% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, down from approximately 6.71% in January. Mortgage rates fluctuate regularly due to various economic factors.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 8, 2025

Mortgage rates today, on February 8, 2025, have experienced a slight increase, averaging around 6.60% for a 30-year fixed mortgage. Today's Mortgage Rates February 8, 2025: Rates Increase But Remain Manageable Key Takeaways Current Mortgage Rates: 30-year fixed at 6.60%. What Factors Influence Mortgage Rates?

Mortgages

Housing Wire

MARCH 23, 2021

Wherever there is commerce, there will be fraud, and the mortgage industry is no exception. The full extent of fraud in the mortgage industry may be impossible to fully quantify, but the 2020 True Cost of Fraud study by LexisNexis Risk Solutions estimated that the cost of fraud has risen 7.3% across U.S. Data-driven analysis.

Lending