Redfin

JUNE 27, 2025

Not getting pre-approved for a home loan before starting your search A common mistake for first-time homebuyers is jumping into the search without first getting pre-approved for a mortgage. Options like FHA loans , VA loans , and USDA loans offer low down payments and more lenient credit guidelines.

Pre-approval

Redfin

MARCH 4, 2025

If the auction accepts financing, make sure you have a pre-approval ready. Government-owned properties Some mortgages are government-backed, like VA loans and FHA loans. If a buyer with a government-backed loan goes into foreclosure, the government will take control of the property.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) Another major factor that a lender will consider when approving your mortgage loan is your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). FHA loan: These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and primarily help low-to-moderate-income borrowers who are less likely to qualify for conventional loans.

Earnest money deposit

HomeLight

JULY 31, 2022

While an appraisal is not in the same category as the more in-depth home inspection, different mortgage types (such as conventional loans or government-backed FHA , USDA, or VA loans ) have different minimum property standards. How does a buyer’s loan type affect minimum property standards?

Closing

Windemere Buying

OCTOBER 18, 2021

Not getting pre-approved Getting pre-approved is a key component of the early stages of the buying process and will help to maximize your chances of getting your offer accepted. Because new credit changes your debt-to-income ratio, lenders will likely want to review your mortgage approval and your risk of non-payment.

Pre-approval

Redfin

FEBRUARY 10, 2021

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. How much should you save for a single-family home?

Debt-to-income ratio

HomeLight

MARCH 6, 2023

Closing costs in California average about 1% of the home’s sale price , and there are other pre-paid costs to consider as well. Typically, the higher your credit score, the lower your interest rate will be, which saves you money over the life of the loan. Loans are between 3%-3.5%

Earnest money deposit