What Is a USDA Loan? Am I Eligible for One?
Perhaps you feel more at home surrounded by pastures than pavement. If so, buying a home might be well within reach, thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture mortgage program.…
Hal M. Bundrick, CFP
Hal M. Bundrick is a personal finance writer and a NerdWallet authority in money matters. He is a certified financial planner and former financial consultant and senior investment specialist for Wall Street firms. Hal advised families, business owners, nonprofits, and trusts, as well as managed group employee retirement plans in the South and Midwest. Since hanging up (burning) his suits and ties, Hal now works to make financial topics understandable and jargon-free. Email: [email protected]
Posts by Hal M. Bundrick, CFP:
Government Home Loans: A Comprehensive Guide
Government home loans are issued or guaranteed by a federal agency. While there are well over a dozen variations of government loans, the three highest loan-volume programs are backed by…
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac: Why They Matter When Getting a Mortgage
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the financial fuel that power the mortgage loan industry. The two entities are officially named the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA or “Fannie Mae”)…
What Happens If You Lose Your Job Right Before Closing on a Mortgage?
A temporary or permanent loss of employment in the middle of applying for a mortgage to buy or refinance a home can seem like a nightmare scenario. If you’re losing…
The First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit: 2020
Looking for the first-time home buyer tax credit? You may be thinking of the federal program implemented under the Obama administration. We hate to be the bearer of bad news,…
The Closing Disclosure Form: What It Is, How It Works
The Closing Disclosure is the final document you’ll see in the mortgage loan process — just prior to that massive pile of paperwork you’ll face at closing. It’s only five…
Is It Time for Me to Stop Renting?
The answer to the question of whether to continue renting a place or hold your nose, jump in and buy a home will require just a little math. Or you can let…
How Can I Buy My Own Place?
Hey, it’s difficult to buy a home — but not sneeze-with-your-eyes-open impossible. Breaking it down into first this and then that steps can help. First, the down payment. Then, a…
Closing on a House: How Long It Takes, What to Expect
There are two major edge-of-your-seat suspenseful situations when buying a home: getting preapproved for a mortgage and closing on a house. Both are filled with anticipation and anxiety. First, there’s…
First-Time Home Buyer Down Payment Strategies
Socking away a pile of money for a down payment on your first home is easier said than done. First-time home buyers often combine saving for a down payment with…
