
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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


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.


Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast
Rates inch up as inflation hits a three-year high.


VA Renovation Loan Options for Home Improvements
A VA renovation loan combines the cost of repairs with a VA mortgage.


FHA vs. VA Loan: Which One Is Right For You?
FHA and VA loans both offer eligible borrowers affordable paths to homeownership. The best option for you will depend on your circumstances.


How to Get a VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility
The quickest way to get a VA Certificate of Eligibility is usually to ask a VA-approved lender to obtain it for you.


How Are Mortgage Rates Determined?
Mortgage rates are affected by credit score, loan-to-value ratio, inflation and more.


How the Federal Reserve Affects Mortgage Rates
For mortgage interest rates, Federal Reserve policy wields an indirect influence, along with inflation and jobs.
