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? How Much Home Can I Afford? But not everyone can afford to put 20% down.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

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. Several loan options, such as FHA or VA loans, only require a down payment of 3.5%

Pre-approval

Redfin

JULY 30, 2025

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.

Debt-to-income ratio

Lab Coat Agents

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

If you are the buyer, this means you inherit the loan’s principal balance, interest rate, and repayment terms. When you assume a mortgage, you do not apply for a new loan rather take over the existing owner’s loan. The buyer must also meet qualifications for demonstrated creditworthiness.

Purchase and sale agreement

HomeLight

AUGUST 16, 2021

Second mortgages : These are loans you can take out to subsidize the down payment in addition to taking out a principal mortgage. You can qualify for loans with as little as 3.5% Service members, veterans, and surviving spouses qualify for these loans with 0% down. down if you have a minimum credit score of 580.

Loans

Redfin

JULY 11, 2023

Essentially, a mortgage enables individuals to become homeowners by providing the necessary funds upfront, with the property serving as security for the loan. You then make monthly payments, including principal and interest, over an agreed-upon term (usually 15 to 30 years) until the loan is fully repaid.

Pre-approval

Redfin

AUGUST 29, 2024

A mortgage calculator will estimate your mortgage payment, including the principal and interest, taxes, insurance, HOA, and PMI. These loans are typically issued for more expensive homes and come with stricter qualification requirements. VA loan: Backed by the U.S.

Earnest money deposit