Articles by Erik J. Martin - Page 7

2021 was a tough housing market. Will things improve in 2022? Read our housing market predictions from 7 real estate experts to find out.

Streamline Refinancing is a faster way to lower your rate on an FHA, VA, or USDA loan. Why aren't more homeowners using it?

Fannie Mae's RefiNow program can help lower-income homeowners refinance into a lower rate and monthly payment. Learn how it works and who qualifies.

Freddie Mac's Refi Possible helps low-income homeowners save on their interest rate and monthly payments. Learn how it works and who qualifies.

It might be worth refinancing to save $100 per month if you can break even on your closing costs. Here's how to decide if refinancing is worth it for you.

Over 14 million veterans own their homes. But only 24% of those have tapped their VA loan benefits. Learn more about VA loan benefits and how to use yours.

Freddie Mac's HomeOne loan can help first-time home buyers qualify with a low down payment and flexible requirements. Find out if HomeOne is right for you.

If you're buying a new construction home, the builder may have a preferred mortgage lender. Should you work with this company? Here are the pros and cons.

What's better, a 15-year or 30-year mortgage loan? Explore the pros and cons of 15 vs. 30-year mortgages and compare rates and costs.

The VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL) can be a fast and easy way to lower your VA mortgage rate and payment. But when is refinancing worth it?

Should you pay discount points for a lower mortgage rate? The savings can be huge. But discount points aren't right for everyone. Learn more here.

Learn how to make a cash offer on a house and improve your chances in a bidding war. Today, there are even cash offer options for buyers without cash.

How much do real estate agents make? And who pays the real estate agent? The amount Realtors and agents make depends on the home price and the local market.

Will rates drop again in 2021? Or will they keep going up? We asked 10 experts for their mortgage rate predictions. Here's what we found.

Stipend income typically doesn't count as income for a mortgage. But it might still help you qualify. Here's what to know before you apply.

When should you lock a mortgage rate? Ideally, after you're approved for the loan and found the lender offering your lowest rate.

Is buying a house a good investment? It depends on your goals. A house is a great investment if you need a place to live, but may not maximize your returns.

Historic home renovations can be expensive. Luckily, there are loans, grants, and tax breaks that can make the renovation process more affordable.

Is there a conventional Streamline Refinance? No, but you can use a different refinance option to get similar Streamline benefits. Here's how.

Buying a condo vs. renting can be a tough decision. Renting offers flexibility, but buying a condo builds wealth. See more pros and cons here.