If I make $50K a year, how much house can I afford?
You may be able to buy a home on $50,000 a year with today’s low interest rates and special mortgage programs. Learn more here.
Mortgage Products
July 30, 2021
- 9 min read
Michele Lerner, contributor
Michele Lerner, author of New Home 101, is an award-winning freelance journalist with more than two decades of experience. Her work appears in The Washington Post, New Home Source, Fox Business, MSN, Yahoo, Realtor.com, and more.
Articles by Michele Lerner
Homeownership Topics
December 30, 2020
- 8 min read
How the mortgage interest deduction helps homeowners
The mortgage interest deduction is a tax break for those who itemize their deductions on a Schedule A. Here’s how the mortgage interest deduction helps you.
About Mortgages
November 11, 2020
- 10 min read
5/1 ARM or 15 year fixed? What’s better in 2021?
Compare 5/1 ARM rates and 15-year fixed rates. Find out which loan program, 5/1 ARM or 15-Yr FRM, is best in today’s ecomony.
About Mortgages
May 24, 2019
- 3 min read
15-Year Refinance Mortgage: A Smart Move In 2021
The 15-year refinance mortgage can get you a lower rate and shorten your payoff. Even when interest rates are rising.
FICO & Credit Scores
December 19, 2018
- 4 min read
Mortgage shopping with a 640 credit score? You have options
Can you get a mortgage with a 640 credit score? Yes, if you follow these guidelines and choose the right mortgage lender.
About Mortgages
October 16, 2017
- 4 min read
9 ways to keep your mortgage payments low
Home affordability depends on your mortgage payment. Here are several ways to keep your mortgage payment as low as possible.
FHA Home Buying
August 1, 2017
- 5 min read
Guide To FHA Home Loans: How Much Income Do You Need?
What is the debt-to-income ratio for FHA home loans? It’s pretty flexible, and higher than you’re likely to get with other programs without fantastic credit and a big down payment.
Buying a home
May 27, 2017
- 4 min read
Homebuying Tips: How To Choose Your Neighborhood
Homebuying tips: How to choose your next neighborhood. New and old school search methods to check out your next location.
USDA Loans
May 5, 2017
- 3 min read
USDA Property Eligibility: You Don’t Have To Live In “The Sticks”
USDA property eligibility depends on the location of your home. While you can’t live in the center of a major population center, can can live fairly near the big city and still qualify.