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Mortgages

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Why Might Your Mortgage App Fail? Learn From 2020’s Denials

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Elizabeth Renter

Mortgage Brokers: What They Are and How to Find One

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Taylor Getler, Linda Bell

How Much Do Mortgage Brokers Make?

From lender-paid commissions to borrower fees, mortgage broker earnings come from various moving parts.

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Taylor Getler

Using a Mortgage Broker vs. a Bank

A mortgage broker can offer a wider array of options and streamline the mortgage process, but working directly with a bank gives you more control and may cost less.

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Kate Wood

How Much Does It Cost to Build a House?

How much building a house costs depends on factors such as the home’s size and location, as well as the costs of material and labor.

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2
Taylor Getler, Robin Rothstein

FHA Streamline Refinance vs. FHA Cash-Out Refinance: Which Is Right for You?

With an FHA refinance, you can lower your monthly payments, shorten your loan term or access a lump sum of cash.

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Robin Rothstein, Kate Wood

First-Time Home Buyer Metro Affordability Report – Q4 2020

A seasonal dip in supply along with high prices further constrained options for first-time buyers in the fourth quarter.

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Elizabeth Renter

How Soon Can You Refinance a Mortgage? Here Are the Rules

Some mortgages let you refinance immediately after getting the original loan. Others require a "seasoning" period to elapse.

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Kate Wood

What is a Rate and Term Refinance?

A rate and term refinance can lower your mortgage rate or change the time you'll be paying off your loan.

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2
Abby Badach Doyle, Hal M. Bundrick, CFP®

Physician Loans: Flexible Mortgage Lending for Doctors

Physician loans don't require PMI, or private mortgage insurance, and allow more expansive debt-to-income ratios.

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Holden Lewis

What Is APR and How Does It Affect Your Mortgage?

Mortgage APR reflects the interest rate plus the fees charged by the lender. APR helps you compare mortgage offers.

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Robin Rothstein

What Is a USDA Loan? Am I Eligible for One?

USDA loans are zero-down-payment mortgages that can open paths to homeownership for rural and suburban home buyers.

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2
Taylor Getler, Robin Rothstein

Good Neighbor Next Door Program: How It Works

This federal program offers bargain-priced homes to teachers, police officers, firefighters and EMTs, but very few homes are available.

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2
Robin Rothstein, Barbara Marquand

Teacher Next Door Program and Other Home Buyer Assistance for Educators

Closing cost assistance, down payment programs and home loans for teachers are available from a variety of sources.

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2
Kate Wood, Bella Angelos

Homes for Heroes: Assistance for Home Buyers and Sellers

If you are a current or former first responder, teacher, health care worker or service member, Homes for Heroes may help you save money on closing costs.

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Kate Wood

What Are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac don't issue mortgages, but they do set the home loan standards you may have to meet.

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Bella Angelos

VA Appraisal Fees, Requirements and What to Expect

Understanding the process, requirements and cost of a VA appraisal will prepare you for the homebuying process.

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Barbara Marquand

How to Avoid PMI When Buying a Home

There are several ways to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance, starting with making a 20% down payment.

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Barbara Marquand

FHA-Approved Condos: A Buyer’s Guide

HUD's search tool can help you find FHA-approved condo complexes, but you can also get an FHA loan for a condo that's not in an approved development.

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2
Kate Wood, Bella Angelos

Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast

Oil price spikes push mortgage rates to a 10-month high.

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Taylor Getler