Mortgage News, Tips and Resources

5 tips to keep your home safe while you are away on vacation this summer.

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgages provided to home buyers by FHA-approved lenders. Such loans include, but are not limited to, conventional FHA loans, 203(k) loans, refinance loans and reverse mortgages.

Fast Fact Friday: 30% of first-time home buyers are now Millennials

Fast Fact Friday: Is there such a thing as getting Pre-Approved too early? First of a continuing series of Fast Fact Friday blog posts.

There are five main factors that influence your credit score, specifically your FICO credit score. They include your payment history, amount of money you owe from taking out other loans, length of your credit history, types of credit you utilize and number of new accounts you have.

The Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly referred to as FNMA or Fannie Mae, offers the HomeStyle® Renovation Mortgage. This loan is specifically designed to help home buyers purchase and remodel a property, or in some cases, refinance and update their current home.

A mortgage escrow is an arrangement between the buyer and seller of a property. The process involves an escrow agent taking control of the property until both parties meet the purchase agreement terms and are ready to close.

VA loan benefits include: no down payment or private mortgage insurance requirements, minimal closing costs, more flexible DTI ratio requirements, bankruptcy forgiveness, and financial counseling services.

Tips for getting a mortgage loan include: determining a budget, improving your credit score, and saving as much money as possible, among others.

203(k) loan requirements include: providing proof of income, living in the property full-time, and making certain renovations that cost at least $5,000.

Four types of mortgage loans to consider: traditional mortgage loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, and reverse mortgage loans.

Mortgage dos and don'ts include ensuring all your financial documents are in order, and refraining from making expensive purchases, respectively.

USDA loan income requirements are dependent upon the area in which an applicant wishes to purchase a home, as well as the number of people present in the household.

A jumbo loan limit varies, depending on location. In areas where the cost of living is higher, the limit also tends to be a higher amount.

Assumable loans let home buyers assume the remaining debt of a property's previous owner. In most cases, VA loans are assumable.

USDA loan closing costs vary depending on the size of the loan and the down payment. Other factors include lender and notary fees.

While conventional mortgage loans are not insured by the federal government, FHA loans are. Therefore, they are less of a risk for lenders.

You can get a home renovation loan through FHA-approved lenders that offer 203(k) loans, which could finance certain changes you want to make.

Over the past decade, jumbo mortgage rates have become more affordable for home buyers. However, these rates can change on a daily basis.

A duplex can be a good investment, as it as several advantages. But be sure to also consider the disadvantages before making a decision.