The 3 Economic Indicators We Watch Every Week (and Why They Matter to Mortgage Rates) If you've been following mortgage rates lately, you've probably noticed they seem to change for reasons that aren't always obvious. One week rates improve, the next they climb — even though the Federal Reserve hasn't [...]
How to Know When You're Ready to Buy a Home Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll ever make — and for most people, it's also one of the best paths toward building long-term wealth. But that opportunity comes with real responsibility, which is exactly why [...]
What Do Mortgage Lenders Look At? Here's the Simple Breakdown: If you're getting ready to buy a home, you've probably heard a dozen different opinions about what it takes to qualify for a mortgage. The good news? Lenders are really just looking at five main things. Once you understand them, [...]
For decades, mortgage lending has relied on a narrow set of “classic” credit scoring models—primarily older versions of FICO—to evaluate borrowers. That’s beginning to change in a meaningful way. As of April 2026, government officials announced that lenders are now permitted to use VantageScore 4.0 as part of the mortgage [...]
Saving for a home doesn’t require extreme budgeting or giving up everything you enjoy. It comes down to understanding your numbers, building a few solid habits, and being realistic about what “affordable” actually means. Start with your real numbers: Before setting a savings goal, look at your last few months [...]
The collapse of the housing bubble affected banking practices and increased the difficulty of loan approval. Nearly all loans today require a down payment when closing, but there are two loan programs with 100 percent financing. Veteran Affairs Loans VA loans are available for veterans and presently serving military members. [...]
You may have been hearing about reverse mortgages lately. It seems that the topic has been everywhere, in the news, and on the internet. But many are still in the dark as to what exactly a reverse mortgage is; so let’s discuss the basics. What is a Reverse Mortgage? Simply [...]
Are you trying to apply for a mortgage? What if you have bad credit? Believe it or not, your dream of owning a home can still become a reality. If you have credit problems due to bankruptcy, foreclosure, or late payments to your credit card or other bills, there is [...]
Are you in the market for a new home? Have you found a home that’s a perfect match for your needs and personality? Instead of purchasing an existing home, a home construction loan can provide you with the resources needed to build your ideal living space. Take a look at [...]
If you are self-employed, you probably already know that securing a home loan may be more difficult for you than it is for other people. However, getting a home loan as a self-employed person is not impossible. How the Self-Employed Get Home Loans Essentially, securing a home loan as a [...]
