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First-Time Homebuyer Qualifications: A Beginner’s Guide

Redfin

Key takeaways: First-time homebuyer: Anyone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the past three years Common first-time homebuyer qualifications: Credit score, debt-to-income ratio, down payment, income limits, employment history, purchase limits, homebuyer education Buying your first home? Let’s get started. Generally, no.

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23 Common First-Time Homebuyer Questions: Your Questions Answered

Redfin

A shorter mortgage term will result in a higher monthly payment since you’ll be paying off the principal balance faster. With a longer mortgage term, you’ll have a lower monthly payment because the principal is stretched over more years. Should I get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage?

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Second-Time Homebuyer: What to Expect This Time Around

Redfin

rate, financing a $400,000 home with a typical 20% down payment, your monthly principal and interest would run about $2,050—compared to roughly $1,435 at a 4% rate (all else being equal). Get pre-approved to show sellers you’re serious and financially ready. Example cost impact: At a 6.8%

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Mortgage Rates Today June 28, 2025: Rates See Big Drop Across the Board

Marco Santarelli

This amount includes principal, interest, property tax, and homeowners insurance, typical of fixed monthly payments. It's essential to factor in that for larger loan amounts, many lenders may require a larger down payment or stricter qualification criteria.

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Home Loans With Small Down Payment: FHA, VA, and USDA Explained

The Mortgage Report

Getting Pre-Approved Down Payment Assistance Buying With Low Credit Buying With Low Income Buying With A Disability Who Has The Best Mortgage Rates? Determine what you can afford by estimating your homeownership costs, which means principal and interest payments as well as property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, and maintenance/repair costs.

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LPT launches international luxury brand Aperture Global

Housing Wire

In addition to Palmer and Valdes, Aperture Globals leadership team also includes Mercedes Saewitz, a former principal broker and founding agent of Compass. We do have qualification for agents coming into the Aperture brand because weve seen a lot of the other luxury brands allow anyone to enter their brand and it becomes a bit diluted.

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How Much House Can I Afford Without Feeling Strapped Every Month?

HomeLight

Your pre-tax income Your pre-tax income, also called your “gross income,” is the amount of money you make before deducting for state and federal taxes. People know their pre-tax salary off the top of their head. If you’re buying a home with a partner, you should add your pre-tax incomes together to get your full buying power.