FHA Appraisal Requirements for Homes and Condos
To use an FHA loan, both the borrower and property must meet certain criteria. You’ll have to satisfy your lender’s financial requirements, and the property will have to satisfy the…
Beth Buczynski
Beth Buczynski has reported on mortgages and homeownership at NerdWallet since 2017. Her writing has been featured by The Associated Press, The Washington Post, USA Today and Nasdaq, among others. Beth holds an M.S. in public communication from Colorado State University. She’s also survived two home purchases, two mortgage refinances and one home sale. (Selling was the most stressful.) Email: bbuczynski@nerdwallet.com
Posts by Beth Buczynski:
What Is an FHA 203(k) Loan?
The name might sound complicated, but the concept behind FHA 203(k) loans is simple: Buy or refinance a home that needs work and roll renovation costs into the mortgage. Because…
What First-Time Home Buyers Should Know About Fixer-Uppers
A perfect home can be hard to find these days, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer on a budget. That could be why nearly 60% of home shoppers age…
The Choice Renovation Loan From Freddie Mac
A renovation loan is a smart way to purchase a home that’s in less-than-perfect shape. The CHOICERenovation loan is one of several home renovation mortgages buyers can consider. Like FHA…
Buying an Energy-Efficient Home: A Financially Bright Idea
Whether you give a hoot about the environment or not, it could pay to think about energy efficiency when shopping for a home. Although energy conservation might not sound as…
5/1 ARM vs. 10/1 ARM: How to Choose
If you’ve decided to get an adjustable-rate mortgage, the next step is to choose a term. The 5/1 ARM and 10/1 ARM are among the most common rate adjustment terms.…
Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage Right for You?
If you’re confident you’ll relocate or pay off your mortgage in 10 years or less, an adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, may be the best home loan option for you. There…
Build Your Down Payment With a Sweat Equity Mortgage
Saving a down payment is challenging for many first-time home buyers, and even if they manage it, more obstacles lie ahead. After choosing a lender and getting approved, buyers still…
Answers to 9 of the Most Googled Mortgage Questions
Mortgages are a lot like cars: Even those who have one don’t always understand what’s going on under the hood. Whether you’re dreaming of your first house or living in…
Buying a Home by Age 35 Is Worth It Now — and Later
Nicole Christianson, a 26-year-old sales rep, was tired of writing big checks for tiny apartments. And she wanted to do more with her cash than stash it in a savings…
