What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low?
With home prices dare I say a little frothy these days, low appraisals are becoming a concern again for home buyers. It wasn’t uncommon for… Read More »What Happens If the Appraisal Comes In Low?
Mortgage Tips
This was the first category I created when this website was created in 2006.
And it’s really why I launched the site to begin with. To educate prospective home buyers and existing homeowners.
Simple guides and practical mortgage tips can help you better understand and prepare for the home loan process.
Same goes for answering mortgage questions and brushing up on the latest mortgage lingo.
Sometimes home buyers focus exclusively on the real estate piece while ignoring the home loan part.
This can result in some bad decisions when it comes to getting a mortgage. Or simply overpaying because of missteps (or a lack of shopping around!).
Learn how to get a mortgage, refinance an existing loan, and discover the many different loans programs available today.
You’re not financing a TV, or a car for that matter. It’s a big purchase and it deserves a lot more time and attention.
Arm yourself with knowledge early on and you’ll likely enjoy a better outcome.
The Largest HELOC Lenders in the Nation (Updated for 2025)
Now that tapping home equity is back in fashion, I figured it’d be helpful to see who the top HELOC lenders are. This is especially… Read More »The Largest HELOC Lenders in the Nation (Updated for 2025)
FHA Life of Loan Premiums Might Be Scrapped Under Trump
Well, we’re just one day into Trump’s second term and there are already rumblings of new residential housing policy. While it’s still all just talk,… Read More »FHA Life of Loan Premiums Might Be Scrapped Under Trump
HELOC Rates Expected to Continue Falling in 2025
Let’s talk about HELOC rates. If you’ve had a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for a while, you likely saw your interest rate rise… Read More »HELOC Rates Expected to Continue Falling in 2025
What Is a Letter of Explanation? Your Chance to Talk to an Underwriter
Mortgage Q&A series: “What is a letter of explanation for a mortgage?” If you’re currently going through the joyful process of obtaining a home loan,… Read More »What Is a Letter of Explanation? Your Chance to Talk to an Underwriter
What Is a 3/1 ARM? A 30-Year Loan That’s Only Fixed for the First Three Years
If you haven’t been feeling 30-year mortgage rates recently, maybe an ARM could suit you better. This is especially true if you don’t plan to… Read More »What Is a 3/1 ARM? A 30-Year Loan That’s Only Fixed for the First Three Years
10 Simple Ways You Can Save Money on Your Next Mortgage
You’ve heard the news – mortgage rates jumped from close to 6% back in September to over 7% in less than a few months, before… Read More »10 Simple Ways You Can Save Money on Your Next Mortgage
Can You Refinance a Home Equity Loan or a HELOC?
With second mortgages like home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) growing in popularity lately, I figured it’d be prudent to talk… Read More »Can You Refinance a Home Equity Loan or a HELOC?
What Is the Downside of Getting a Mortgage?
I saw his seemingly straightforward question posed and was surprised I’d never really addressed it. I’ve been writing about mortgages on this blog since 2006,… Read More »What Is the Downside of Getting a Mortgage?
Should You Drive Until You Qualify for a Mortgage?
In the mortgage/real estate world there’s a saying: “Drive until you qualify.” It’s a cute way of saying if you can’t afford a home in… Read More »Should You Drive Until You Qualify for a Mortgage?