article thumbnail

51 Brilliant Real Estate Tips for Buyers to Edge Past the Competition

HomeLight

Your mortgage payment is more than just the cost of the principal and interest on your loan. to 1% of the loan amount annually. Make sure you budget for the entirety of your monthly mortgage payment, not just your principal and interest! Know your loan types. Conventional loan. This can spell trouble.

article thumbnail

From Contract to House Keys: Breaking Down the House Closing Process

HomeLight

When you submit the application, be sure to ask your loan officer if the company needs any additional information or paperwork from you. In that case, you could get your earnest money back if you have an inspection contingency and make the decision within the period the contract specifies. Interest rate.

Closing 78
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

21 Dos and Don’ts When Buying a Home

HomeLight

Even in a competitive housing market, where buyers are waiving inspection contingencies , it’s always a good idea to get an inspection so you know what exactly is wrong with the house before you take ownership. Additionally, you may qualify for a conventional loan with as little as 3% down.

article thumbnail

What You Need to Buy a House in 2021

Redfin

PMI is an added insurance charged by mortgage lenders to protect themselves in case you default on your loan payments. Money that is not going against the principal of your mortgage. The fast pre-approval usually encompasses a credit report and a loan officer review and can be done in less than a couple of hours.