The Mortgage Report

JULY 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? Check your best options to tap home equity.

Equity

The Mortgage Report

JULY 8, 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? Check your best options to tap home equity.

Equity

AAOA

APRIL 14, 2025

Down payments for apartment buildings usually range between 20% and 30%, but the exact amount depends on factors like your credit score, property type, and financing options. In this article, youll learn the key factors affecting down payment requirements, tips for creative financing, and strategies to make your investment more affordable.

FHA loan

Calculated Risk Real Estate

JULY 7, 2025

Pockets of vulnerability can be seen in rising negative equity, increased use of mortgage products that improve short-term affordability, and exposure to student loan debt. Softening home prices expand from the Sunbelt to Western states, driving increased negative equity.

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? How Much Home Can I Afford?

FHA 203k rehab loan

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Mortgage refinance rates hold significant importance for homeowners who aim to lower their monthly payments or leverage their home equity for new financial opportunities. Understanding these rates and how they can impact your financial decisions is crucial as you navigate your home financing options.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 17, 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

The Close

NOVEMBER 25, 2024

When looking into your finances, consider the following factors: Closing costs: These are generally 2% to 5% of the property’s sales price and include lender fees, title insurance, property insurance, and property taxes. On the other hand, if you’re purchasing a property that needs renovations, consider taking a hard money loan.

Purchase and sale agreement

The Mortgage Report

JULY 1, 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? Meanwhile, FHA loans comprised 15.3%

Loans

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 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? Verify your home buying eligibility.

FHA 203k rehab loan

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? Verify your home buying eligibility.

FHA 203k rehab loan

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. In this article: Is it harder to buy a house the second time?

Debt-to-income ratio

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

Norada Real Estate

JULY 3, 2025

Similarly, refinancing rates show a comparable pattern as homeowners assess their options to either secure lower payments or cash out equity. Today's Mortgage Rates – July 3, 2025: Slight Drop in Home Loans and Refinance Rates Key Takeaways Mortgage Rates : The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is now 6.78%.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

Key takeaways for your down payment strategy 20% isn’t required: You don’t always need a 20% down payment to buy a home, thanks to various loan options. Faster equity: Putting more money down means you build equity in your home more quickly. Government-backed loans like USDA and VA allow down payments as low as 0%.

FHA loan

The Close

JUNE 9, 2025

House hacking is a real estate move where you live in a part of your home while renting out the rest, so your tenants help cover your mortgage while you build home equity. Build home equity faster: Tenants help you pay down the mortgage, so your investment grows over time. What is house hacking? It’s perfect for first-time landlords.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

DECEMBER 21, 2024

Current Rate : 6.04% Pros : Lower overall interest; quicker equity build-up. 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.

Mortgages

The Mortgage Report

JUNE 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? How Much Home Can I Afford? The good news: you can.

FHA 203k rehab loan

AAOA

JUNE 9, 2025

They’re usually run by “mom‑and‑pop” owners, so rents sit below market, maintenance is behind, and seller financing is common. Audit Your Finances Spend a weekend gathering bank statements, credit scores, and tax returns. Improve operations, force appreciation, and refinance equity out.

FHA loan

Marco Santarelli

JANUARY 4, 2025

When you're navigating the complex world of home financing, mortgage rates can significantly influence your financial plans. Cons Higher Total Interest Payments : Though payments are smaller, prolonging the term means you pay more in total interest over the life of the loan.

Mortgages

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

The Mortgage Report

JULY 28, 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? Authored By: Erik J.

FHA 203k rehab loan

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

From finding houses to tour and what financing options you have, theres a lot to learn about buying a home in foreclosure. These properties are often priced below market value, making them attractive to buyers looking for a good deal or hoping to build equity quickly.

Pre-approval

Redfin

JANUARY 28, 2025

However, there are other costs you need to account for in addition to the loan itself, such as: Equity payment: Youll need to pay the seller for the equity theyve already built up in the home. FHA loans are assumable , but the buyer must meet the lenders approval criteria, including a sufficient credit score and stable income.

Loans

Rochester Real Estate

NOVEMBER 5, 2015

There’s also the matter of home equity to consider. On top of monthly payments and home equity, there are tax deductions for homeowners that you might qualify for and take advantage of once your purchase your home. It’s possible to get a conventional loan for as little as 3% down, and an FHA loan for 3.5%

Loans

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 30, 2025

The lower interest rates mean borrowers can save significantly on interest paid over the life of the loan. Moreover, paying off the loan in half the time allows homeowners to build equity more quickly. FHA loans require only a 3.5% This is a crucial metric to consider when weighing whether to refinance.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

JULY 21, 2025

Loan Types : Government-backed loans typically offer lower rates than conforming loans. Rates Impact : Slight increases in refinance rates may affect homeowners looking to tap equity. Refinance rate increases may limit homeowners' appetite to tap home equity or reduce monthly payments.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

MAY 14, 2025

VA Loans : Offered to veterans and active-duty military personnel, these loans typically require no down payment and have favorable terms. FHA Loans : These are designed for lower-income borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. FHA loans have more lenient requirements but come with mortgage insurance premiums.

Mortgages

Marco Santarelli

JUNE 17, 2025

This rate shows no change from the previous week, indicating a period of stability in the housing finance market. Exploring Other Mortgage Options In addition to fixed-rate loans, various mortgage options cater to different financial situations and risk profiles.

Mortgages

Redfin

APRIL 11, 2025

In the past, many homeowners stayed in their starter homes for around three to seven years building equity. One of the biggest advantages of buying a starter home is that you start building equity , which is like a long-term savings plan. >> See more: How to Calculate Home Equity But starter homes have their limitations.

Marketing

Redfin

JULY 23, 2025

Many lenders offer low-down-payment loans, like FHA loans with as little as 3.5% down or VA/USDA loans with 0% down for eligible buyers. While you’ll pay more over the life of the loan, a smaller down payment can help you get into a home sooner.

Mortgages

The Close

MAY 20, 2025

An investment property loan is any type of financing you use to buy or refinance a property that generates income, like a rental property (single-family home or a multifamily property) or a commercial property. One of its most unique features is that they base loan terms off of your credit score and business history.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 28, 2025

It offers a $2,500 borrower credit toward the down payment or closing costs of a home, and considers positive rent payments towards loan eligibility. While you will need to pay PMI, you have the ability to cancel it once you reach 20% equity. A homeowner’s education course is also required to qualify for this loan.

VA loan

Marco Santarelli

APRIL 2, 2025

The data also includes rates for VA and FHA loans, which are government-backed mortgages often favored by veterans and first-time homebuyers, respectively. Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart move if you can secure a lower interest rate, shorten your loan term, or tap into your home equity.

Mortgages

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

These are key criteria lenders and programs use to determine if you’re eligible for financing and special perks like down payment assistance. In this Redfin article, we’ll be going over what counts as a first-time buyer, what qualifications you’ll typically need to meet, and how to get your finances in shape for your home purchase.

Debt-to-income ratio

Norada Real Estate

JUNE 7, 2025

In recent weeks, as jobs reports have come in strong, investors shifted capital towards equities, pushing bond prices down and yields up. 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.

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. >> It’s important to note, however, that your credit score influences your interest rate and loan options.

Pre-approval