PMI Mortgage Insurance: You Can Pay Less

June 13, 2017

PMI mortgage insurance is a necessary evil if you buy or refinance more than 80 percent of your property value. But there are are things you can do to reduce what you pay.

Debt-to-income ratio, taxes, and insurance: How your DTI is calculated

January 12, 2021

DTI, your ‘debt-to-income ratio,’ includes taxes and insurance as part of your mortgage payment. Here’s how to find your DTI with taxes and insurance.

What is PITI? Mortgage payments explained

December 30, 2020

PITI stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance: the 4 parts of your monthly mortgage payment. Find out why your PITI payment matters.

How to shop for a mortgage and find the best mortgage rate fast

December 3, 2020

You want the lowest mortgage rate, but you feel rushed to lock in a loan. Here’s how to shop for the best mortgage or refinance rates if you’re in a hurry.

Get rid of PMI and lower your mortgage payment

November 6, 2020

Mortgage insurance (either PMI or MIP) adds yet another cost to homeownership. Learn how to get rid of mortgage insurance faster with a refinance.

Who has the best mortgage rates? 24 top lenders, ranked

September 30, 2020

The top 24 lenders ranked for the lowest mortgage rates and fees. Plus, tips on how to find the best mortgage rates for your unique situation.

FHA cash-out refinance guidelines and mortgage rates for 2021

September 3, 2020

The FHA cash out refinance is available to more homeowners thanks to lenient guidelines. Pay off debt, or get cash for any reason with this program.

Mortgage closing: Why does my lender want so much escrow money?

April 6, 2019

At a mortgage closing, you typically pay mortgage costs and escrow

PMI mistakes to avoid: How to pay less for mortgage insurance

February 17, 2019

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.

What is mortgage insurance?

March 14, 2018

Mortgage insurance may be a necessary evil, but it has more benefits than you know. Here’s how to use mortgage insurance, and how to get rid of it.

Do homeowners need mortgage life insurance?

February 3, 2018

Mortgage life insurance: Should you accept that offer? Once you buy a home, expect offers to purchase mortgage life insurance. Yes folks, step right up, sign on the dotted line, […]

5 Mortgage Calculator Features You Are Not Using, But Should

August 28, 2017

A mortgage calculator should let you determine much more than a monthly payment. Look at all affordability factors with these little-known features.

Flood Insurance: Should You Buy It Even If Your Lender Doesn’t Make You?

November 21, 2016

Flood insurance may be required by your mortgage lender. Even if not required, it might be a good idea.

How Do I Avoid Paying Mortgage Insurance On My Mortgage?

October 30, 2016

Frightened about mortgage insurance? Don’t be. In most cases, paying MI is temporary and, in others, a well-timed refinance can erase it completely.

Cancel FHA MIP As Home Values Rise & Mortgage Rates Drop

October 24, 2016

Home values are heating up, giving FHA homeowners across the country enough equity to cancel their FHA mortgage insurance forever.