The Difference between Big Banks and Private Lenders

In 2019, borrowers have more options when it comes to home loans than ever before. Traditionally, big banks have dominated the mortgage market. But increasingly, new homeowners are finding it easier a...

Your credit score and how it differs from your credit report

What is your credit report? A credit report is an extensive record of your financial history and how you’ve handled the obligation to repay your loans. Depending on how long you’ve been attached to li...

DTI: More Important Than Your Credit Score?

By definition, your debt-to-income ratio is a calculation of your total gross monthly debts or payments divided by your total gross monthly income. DTI is calculated both prior to a mortgage and with ...

A History of Mortgage Rates

Inflation and Mortgage Rates In 1971, the average mortgage rate was 7.31% - a rate that may seem relatively high compared to today’s rates. However, in 1974 the average annual rate of inflation began ...

Mortgage Rate Predictions for 2022

The Fed is Fighting Inflation – Expect to see Rates Climb First, what is the Federal Reserve? The Federal Reserve (Fed) is the central bank of the United States that serves to regulate the U.S. bankin...

Understanding Special Purpose Credit Programs: Empowering Homebuyers to Reach Financial Success

Homeownership is a dream for many Americans, and it can be out of reach for some homebuyers who have limited financial resources or who have been traditionally denied mortgage approvals. Given the rec...

The No. 1 Sign That We May See a Cooler Spring Home-Buying Market

This year's spring home-buying season, when the frenzy typically kicks off for the year, appears to be off to a slow start—particularly in and around some of the nation's most expensive, coastal citie...

How to Save for a Down Payment While Working in the Gig Economy

Set a Budget The very first thing any future homebuyer should do -- regardless of their career structure -- is to set a monthly budget. This enables you to determine how much you are capable of puttin...

What You Need to Know About the 20% Down Payment Myth

How Low Can You Go? Once upon a time, saving for a 20% down payment was an expected part of buying a home. However, the introduction of the FHA mortgage in the 1930s did away with this hefty savings r...