Buying a homeOctober 13, 2020U.S. home prices hit a record high in 2020. Is home buying still affordable?The median U.S. home price hit a record high during coronavirus. But thanks to low rates, home buying is still affordable for many.
Buying a homeOctober 12, 2020FIRE and home buying: Can you retire early with a mortgage?Financial Independence Retire Early (FIRE) requires you to reduce debts and save most of your income. But home buying with a mortgage is still possible.
First-Time Home BuyersOctober 6, 2020Seller financing is risky. Use these mortgage programs insteadMortgage alternatives, like seller financing, lease-purchase, and contract-for-deed, are risky. And you might qualify for a mortgage without them.
Buying a homeSeptember 14, 2020Should climate change dictate where you buy a house?Climate change is putting millions of homes at risk. Use these climate change maps and expert advice to help inform your next home buying decision.
Mortgage RatesSeptember 9, 2020How mortgage rates are determined and why you should careLearn how mortgage rates are determined, what causes lenders to offer you a higher or lower rate, and why mortgage rates rise and fall daily.
Buying a homeSeptember 2, 2020Parents: Should you buy a bigger home for remote learning?Many families want to buy a bigger house to support work from home and remote learning. Does buying a house during COVID make sense for you?
Mortgage StrategyAugust 26, 2020How to Qualify for a Mortgage Using Investment IncomeYou're allowed to use investment income for mortgage qualification. Lenders will accept two forms: dividends and interest. Here's how to qualify based on investment income.
FHA Home BuyingAugust 17, 2020FHA mortgage qualifying gets tougher for the self-employedDue to coronavirus, there are new rules for self-employed home buyers who want to use FHA loans. Learn about new lending rules here.
Mortgage NewsAugust 11, 2020Homeownership hit a 12-year high during COVID — or did it?A new report put today's home- ownership rate at a 12 year high. But can home buying data during COVID be trusted? Experts are skeptical.
Buying a homeAugust 3, 2020Coronavirus has “die-hard urbanites” moving to the ‘burbsTons of people are moving during coronavirus. Home buying numbers are up 21% from last year. Considering a move? Here's what to know.
Mortgage StrategyJuly 31, 2020Seller concessions: How a seller can pay your closing costsA seller concession is an agreement where the home seller pays the buyer's closing costs. Learn how seller concessions work here.
Buying a homeJuly 29, 2020Want to buy a house with cash? Read this firstIf you can buy a house with cash, you'll be in a strong position to negotiate. But don't forget the drawbacks that come with cash home buying.
Mortgage NewsJuly 22, 2020Mortgage denial stats by race: What we can learnA recent report showed racial divides in mortgage approval and denial. We look closer at the data to see why, and how anyone can improve their chance of mortgage success.
Buying a homeJuly 15, 20206 Tips to find a great real estate agentA great real estate agent is key to the home buying process. Here are 6 tips to find a real estate agent who fits your needs as a buyer.
Buying a homeJuly 13, 2020How many times my salary can I borrow for a mortgage?How much mortgage can you afford? Maybe up to 6 or 7 times your salary, but the answer depends on other factors, too. Get the full story here.
Mortgage NewsJune 16, 2020Can you get down payment assistance during COVID-19?Buying your first house during COVID-19 presents unique challenges. But help, in the form of down payment assistance, is still available.
USDA LoansJune 9, 2020The USDA loan map could soon shrink. Should you apply before it does?The USDA loan map might shrink after the 2020 census. If so, far fewer homes could qualify next year. If you want a USDA loan, here's what you should know.
Real Estate NewsMay 27, 2020Will sellers or home buyers have the advantage this summer?Sellers typically have the advantage over home buyers in summer. But could COVID-19 flip the housing market? Experts weigh in on both sides.
First-Time Home BuyersMay 26, 2020First time home buyer programs in all 50 statesFirst time home buyer programs can have a low down payment, lower interest rate, or funds to help with down payment and closing costs. List of first time home buyer programs by state.
Buying a homeMay 11, 2020Buying a home during coronavirus: How a contactless sale worksBuying a home during coronavirus is still possible. Here's how to navigate the contactless home buying process and move forward with your purchase.