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Beth Buczynski

Beth Buczynski is a mortgages and homeownership editor whose work has been featured by The Associated Press, The Washington Post, USA Today and Money magazine, among others. She's also survived two home purchases, two mortgage refinances and one home sale. (Selling was the most stressful.) Email: [email protected]

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Posts by Beth Buczynski:
How to Buy a House Without Help From Your Parents

How to Buy a House Without Help From Your Family

Beth Buczynski
Sept. 18, 2019

On the highway to homeownership, coming up with a sufficient down payment continues to be one of the biggest roadblocks. In fact, many prospective home buyers, particularly first-timers, find it…

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best-mortgage-lenders-for-jumbo-loans

Jumbo Loans: When a Regular Mortgage Isn’t Enough

Emily Starbuck Crone & Beth Buczynski
Dec. 15, 2020

What is a jumbo loan? A jumbo loan is a mortgage used to finance properties that are too expensive for a conventional conforming loan. The maximum amount for a conforming…

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6 Types of Conventional Loans All Homebuyers Should Know

6 Types of Conventional Loans All Home Buyers Should Know

Beth Buczynski
Oct. 25, 2019

Conventional loans are a popular mortgage option, even for first-time home buyers. But it may surprise you to learn there’s more than one type of conventional loan. Keep reading to learn more…

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Conventional Loan Requirements and Guidelines for 2019

Conventional Loan Requirements for 2021

Beth Buczynski & Kate Wood
Dec. 15, 2020

When buying a home, many people opt for a conventional loan, a type of mortgage that’s readily available from most lenders. Conventional loans aren’t backed by a government agency, but…

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GettyImages_886865106_Story.jpg

FHA Appraisal Requirements for Homes and Condos

Beth Buczynski
Nov. 21, 2019

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…

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GettyImages_970034660_Story.jpg

What Is an FHA 203(k) Loan?

Beth Buczynski
Dec. 17, 2019

An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to buy or refinance a home that needs work and roll the renovation costs into the mortgage. You’ll get a loan that covers both…

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5 Tips for Finding the Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Buyers

Beth Buczynski
July 2, 2019

The best mortgage lenders for first-time home buyers embrace FHA, VA and USDA loans and have low minimum down payments. Here are tips to find the best lender.

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GettyImages_966347324_Story.jpg

What You Should Know About Buying a Fixer-Upper

Beth Buczynski & Kate Wood
June 29, 2020

Buying a fixer-upper can provide a shortcut to homeownership for first-time home buyers, or a way for repeat buyers to afford a larger home or a better neighborhood. With the…

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choice-renovation-loan

The Choice Renovation Loan From Freddie Mac

Beth Buczynski
June 27, 2019

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…

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buy-energy-efficient-home

Buying an Energy-Efficient Home: A Financially Bright Idea

Beth Buczynski
May 1, 2019

Whether you give a hoot about the environment or not, it could pay to think about energy efficiency when shopping for a home. Newer houses certified by Energy Star —…

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