Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 31, 2024

30-Year VA 6.08% -0.04 15-Year VA 5.63% -0.07 5/1 VA 6.27% -0.03 30-Year VA 6.11% -0.03 15-Year VA 5.99% -0.01 5/1 VA 6.50% -0.04 Work with Norada in 2025, Your Trusted Source for Turnkey Investment Properties Discover high-quality, ready-to-rent properties designed to deliver consistent returns.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

FHA and VA Loans For low-income or first-time homebuyers, FHA loans provide essential options. These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and require lower credit scores and down payments. These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and require lower credit scores and down payments.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JULY 9, 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?

Equity

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? If you want to put zero down, try applying for a: USDA loan.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

According to the National Association of Realtors , 52% of first-time buyers used a conventional loan to finance their home, while 29% used an FHA loan, and 9% used a VA loan. The share of first-time buyers using an FHA loan has declined from 55% in 2009 to 29% in 2024.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 4, 2025

VA Loans: For eligible veterans, VA loans offer great benefits, including no down payment and often lower interest rates. FHA Loans: FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and are designed for borrowers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments. ARMs can be risky.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Government Loans (FHA/VA) : These loans typically cater to those who might not qualify for conventional mortgages. FHA loans have low minimum requirements for credit and down payments, making them accessible. VA loans are available to veterans and active military members with favorable terms and conditions.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Work with Norada, Your Trusted Source for Turnkey Investment Properties Discover high-quality, ready-to-rent properties designed to deliver consistent returns. As rates continue to fluctuate and economic conditions evolve, staying informed will be key to making strategic choices regarding home buying and refinancing.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 28, 2024

VA Loans VA loans provide flexible financing solutions, particularly for veterans and active service members. Work with Norada in 2025, Your Trusted Source for Turnkey Investment Properties Discover high-quality, ready-to-rent properties designed to deliver consistent returns.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 14, 2025

Today's Mortgage Rates – May 14, 2025: Rates Jump by 8 Basis Points After Inflation Data Key Takeaways Current Average Rates : 30-Year Fixed Mortgage : 6.84% ( 8 basis points) 15-Year Fixed Mortgage : 6.06% ( 1 basis point) Texas VA Loan : 5.78% (15-Year Fixed) Refinance Rates : Generally higher than new mortgage rates.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

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. Service requirements apply.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

FHA loans are fantastic if you have a lower credit score or fewer savings. The trade-off is you’ll pay FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP), which is usually for the life of the loan in most cases. VA loan (for veterans & service members): Often 0% down payment: That’s right, $0 down!

FHA loan

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

What many first-time buyers don’t realize is that there are national, state, and even local programs designed to help break down these barriers for new buyers. These are tailored specifically for first-time buyers offering down payment assistance, grants, or credits to reduce how much you pay in interest on your loan.

Pre-approval

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 27, 2025

VA Loans: Guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, these loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty military personnel, and surviving spouses. USDA Loans: These loans are offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are designed to help people buy homes in rural areas.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 25, 2025

VA Loan Advantages: If youre a veteran or on active duty, you should definitely pay attention to this. VA loans are government-backed and tend to have some seriously attractive rates. The 15-year VA refinance rate, at 5.89% , is particularly eye-catching, it is about 0.2% lower than conventional 15-year loans!

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

You’re buying in a designated redevelopment area, where certain programs have less strict rules. Here are the minimum credit scores needed to qualify for certain loans: Conventional loans: 620-660 Jumbo loans: 700 FHA loans: 500-580 VA loans: no requirement USDA loans: typically 620, but can be lower 8.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

What to do instead: Take time to research different loan types, including FHA loans with low down payment requirements, VA loans for eligible veterans, USDA loans for rural areas, and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) that may offer lower initial rates. FHA Loan: Require only 3.5%

VA loan

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

The seller must also be in good standing with their loan, meaning it cannot be delinquent. VA loans VA loans are specifically designed for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses.

Loans

The Mortgage Report

JULY 22, 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?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

MARCH 11, 2025

Veterans Affairs (VA) Loans : For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some members of the National Guard and Reserves, VA loans offer favorable terms, such as no down payment and lower interest rates, making homeownership more accessible to those who have served in the military.

Fixed-rate mortgage

The Mortgage Report

AUGUST 5, 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? In this article (Skip to.)

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

Look into first-time homebuyer benefits Many programs are designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time buyers by reducing upfront costs, lowering monthly payments, and helping with mortgage qualification. State and local programs: Cities and states may offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or closing cost help.

Purchase and sale agreement

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

As always, your agent should be able to point you in the right direction and your loan officer will be able to answer any FHA loan questions and provide guidance for filling out the mortgage application. Happy house hunting! The Most Common Mortgage Myths To Be Aware Of Myths exist in almost everything.

Finance

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 7, 2025

Government Loans Government-backed loans usually present favorable terms for first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores. FHA and VA loans are prominent in this category. FHA loans, with their lower down payment requirements, can be particularly attractive to those entering the housing market.

Mortgages

Redfin

APRIL 11, 2025

Government-backed loans : Low or no down payment loans that can be particularly beneficial for starter home buyers. FHA loans : Often feature lower down payment and credit score requirements. VA loans: May not require a down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty military.

Marketing

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

Credit score: Typically 640 Down payment minimum: 0% DTI: 40%-55% AMI: Cannot exceed 115% VA loans Veterans Affair (VA) loans are only for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their surviving spouses. Interest rates for these loans are lower, and they don’t require a down payment.

VA loan

HomeLight

MAY 15, 2025

This can extend to dual agency, designated agency, and more, and in states like New York, this is mandatory. Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans When you place your home on the market, its hard to predict if your top offer will come from a cash buyer or a buyer pre-qualified for a home loan.

As-is

The Mortgage Report

AUGUST 7, 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?

Equity

Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

There are a number of first-time home buyer benefits designed to make homeownership more affordable, from down payment assistance to tax credits and more. You’re buying in a designated redevelopment area, where some programs relax the rules (even for repeat buyers). Let’s break it down: FHA loans require as little as 3.5%

Debt-to-income ratio

Marco Santarelli

FEBRUARY 16, 2025

Understanding VA and FHA Loans For first-time homebuyers or those with limited funds for a down payment, VA (Veterans Affairs) and FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans are two excellent options to consider. VA Loans : These loans are backed by the U.S.

FHA loan

Redfin

JULY 31, 2025

If you own more than one property, only one can be designated as your primary residence at a time. Plus, policies are designed to reflect occupancy—vacant or tenant-occupied homes need different coverage. A primary residence (also known as a principal residence) is the home you live in for a majority of the time.

Principal

AAOA

JUNE 9, 2025

Duplex with a Bigger Owner’s Unit Some duplexes are designed with one unit that’s larger or more upgraded than the other. In that case, you might qualify for loans with lower down payments, like FHA or VA loans. However, if you’re renting out both units, you’ll likely need a conventional loan.

Property Management

Redfin

JULY 24, 2025

It’s not designed to protect you, the homeowner. Lenders typically require PMI on conventional loans when your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. VA loans are backed by the U.S. With traditional PMI, you can usually get it removed once you reach 20-22% equity.

FHA loan

HomeLight

MARCH 7, 2025

Be aware of minimum property standards for certain loans When you place your home on the market, its hard to predict if your top offer will come from a cash buyer or a buyer pre-qualified for a home loan.

As-is

Redfin

JULY 17, 2025

Veterans may be eligible for VA loans, which offer more flexible income and employment requirements. VA loans If you’re eligible, VA loans are another option with less rigid employment requirements and no down payment needed. >> Military veteran? Re-entering the workforce?

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

MAY 10, 2025

FHA and VA Loans : These loans cater to specific groupsFHA loans are backed by Federal Housing Administration and are often popular among first-time homebuyers due to lower down payment requirements. VA loans are designed for veterans and active-duty military with competitive rates and no down payment requirements.

Mortgages

The Close

MAY 20, 2025

Loan terms: 15-30 year fixed rate Time to funding: Within 60 days Minimum credit score: 620 Visit Pennymac Conventional commercial mortgage loans SBA 504 SBA 7(a) SBA microloans Business loans and lines of credit Commercial mortgage loan terms: Loan amount: $250,000-$5 million Interest rates: As low as 4.5%

Loans