About Mortgages - Page 9

What is a portfolio mortgage? It's a loan that the lender doesn't sell to investors. Instead, it keeps the loan on its own books. That means the lender can make its own rules, and be creative about its products.

Very few houses turn into “forever” homes. But that begs a question: What the minimum amount of time you should stay put before moving?

Many soon-to-be parents strive to buy a home and stop renting. But they may not be able to afford a home in their current location. That’s why it pays to at least consider the least expensive city to have a baby in.

When Freddie Mac published its latest mortgage rate forecast on May 15, it contained good news for homeowners and homebuyers alike. It reckons mortgage rates will probably rise only a little between now and the end of 2020.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has a unique way of looking at income. Instead of the total number, it’s most interested in “residual income,” the cash you have left over after all major expenses.

New research shows making the down payment is the greatest financial barrier to homeownership. But the good news is you may not have to put down as much as you think. The trick is choosing the right loan or assistance program. Find out what you can afford and qualify for. And consider creative strategies to help save for the down payment.

FHA is one of the most popular home buying programs in existence. What does it take to qualify? Do you make too much to be eligible for FHA?

FHA credit score eligibility depends on just a few special numbers. That, at least, is the quick take. But if you look deeper you can see that the relationship between FHA mortgages and credit scores is more complicated.

If you’re looking for a tiny house finance you’ll need to be creative and resourceful, but that doesn’t mean you can’t come up with the dollars you need. Here’s where to look.

The FHA down payment is just 3.5% for most borrowers. As down payments go it’s certainly a lot less than the 20% up front some mortgage programs require. But is there a way to make the FHA down payment even easier?

FHA or USDA mortgages, which should you choose? It’s not an easy question and there’s no single answer which is right for everyone. But it’s a question many borrowers should ask. The right answer can mean big mortgage savings.

Instructions for military borrowers on how to buy a home after a foreclosure event. Zero-downpayment options available via the VA Loan Guaranty Program.

A few months ago, it didn't make sense for many homeowners to refinance. But almost overnight, nearly 5 million of them can cut their monthly payments. What's going on?

You're not a criminal. You just want to buy a home with a mortgage. But you could accidentally commit mortgage fraud unless you avoid these mistakes.

Mortgage rates and mortgage loan fees usually work in opposite directions. The lower the rate, the higher the fees. Here's how to find your "sweet spot" and get the right balance of fees and interest rates for your situation.

Mortgage reserves to buy a home are funds that you will have after closing. So you can make your payments if your income stops temporarily or you have an unexpected financial emergency.

When you shop for a mortgage, compare quotes from a mortgage broker with those of a direct lender or bank. Mortgage brokers compete with banks and may offer a better deal.

It is difficult to avoid mortgage insurance if you buy a home with less than 20 percent down. But it's possible. There are also many ways to pay less for mortgage insurance, and we're going to show you how.

Yes, there is a series of videos on YouTube instructing mortgage loan officers and brokers on how to limit competition and how to sell higher prices and mortgage rates. And if they are teaching lenders how to foil consumer attempts to get their best deal on a home loan, we thought we'd teach you how to avoid this tactic.

What's happening with the government shutdown and mortgage closings? Find out how you will (or won't) be affected.