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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. You then make monthly payments, including principal and interest, over an agreed-upon term (usually 15 to 30 years) until the loan is fully repaid.

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What is PMI and Do You Need to Pay it?

Redfin

If your down payment is less than 20%, PMI is non-negotiable for most loan types. The good news is that you can discontinue this payment when you have paid off 20% of the loan’s principal amount – the equivalent of that 20% down payment. 4) Pursue a VA loan if you qualify. How to calculate PMI.

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15 Mortgage Questions to Ask Lenders Before Buying a House

HomeLight

Why must there be so many lending companies, all of which have different requirements and terms? 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.

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11 Big Factors That Affect Your Mortgage Rate: What Buyers Need to Know

HomeLight

Your mortgage company lends you $250,000. This $250,000 is called the loan principal. It’s a percentage you pay on top of the loan principal. So, let’s say you’ll pay 5% interest on top of the $250,000 principal. Conventional” means that a mortgage meets the lending guidelines defined by these GSEs.

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Here’s How to Apply for a USDA Loan in 9 Doable Steps

HomeLight

If you’re a would-be homebuyer searching for a home in a rural or even suburban area, you could potentially qualify for a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan. These loans — like FHA and VA loans — are backed by the government. Among its attractive features? “If

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What You Need to Buy a House in 2021

Redfin

Money that is not going against the principal of your mortgage. However, there are other types of home loans, such as FHA-backed loan, Conventional and VA loans if you have served in the military and qualify, that may allow you to put down less than twenty percent while avoiding PMIs altogether. Get Pre-approved.

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Home Buying Checklist: A Survival Guide for Buyers

Redfin

Here are the steps to determine how much house you can afford: First, determine your debt to income ratio (DTI). This is your monthly expenses versus your cash intake or the bills you pay divided by your gross monthly income. Debts include recurring bills, such as car payments, daycare payments, and student loans.