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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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.
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Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast
Mortgage rates ticked up this week as hot inflation data and a tech-fueled bond-market shake-up both pushed rates in the same direction.
VA Renovation Loan Options for Home Improvements
A VA renovation loan combines the cost of repairs with a VA mortgage.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Jumbo Loans: When a Regular Mortgage Isn’t Enough
You may need a jumbo loan for homes that cost more than $832,750. Jumbo loans have stricter qualification rules.
Mortgage Closing Costs: How Much You’ll Pay
Mortgage closing costs typically run from 2% to 6% of the loan amount, including property taxes, title insurance and more.
6 Common Types of Conventional Loans: How They Work
Conventional loans are popular among home buyers, but they come in more than one flavor. Each type has its own costs and qualification requirements.
Conventional Loan Requirements for 2026
Conventional loan requirements are generally stricter than government-backed mortgages.
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FHA Appraisal Guidelines: A Beginner’s Guide
You’ll need an FHA appraisal to buy or refinance with an FHA loan. Knowing what to expect makes it less intimidating.
What Is an FHA 203(k) Loan?
An FHA 203(k) loan combines a renovation loan with a primary mortgage. Because they’re government-insured, 203(k) loans have more lenient qualifications than conventional loans.
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No-Closing-Cost Mortgage: You Pay One Way or Another
A no-closing-cost mortgage can save you money upfront but cost more over the long term.
