Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially when there is so much information — and misinformation — out there. One of the biggest myths we still hear from buyers is that you need 20% down to purchase a home. That is not always true. While a larger down payment may be the right fit for some buyers, many loan programs allow qualified buyers to purchase a home with much less down. Depending on the loan program, credit profile, income, property type, and other qualifying factors, some buyers...

Many homebuyers hear the terms “pre-qualification” and “pre-approval” used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. A pre-qualification is usually an early estimate based on basic information. It may include a review of credit, income, assets, debts, and the type of loan a buyer may be considering. It can be a helpful starting point, but it is not as strong as a true pre-approval. A pre-approval goes deeper. For a stronger pre-approval, we review supporting documentation such as...

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is whether they should refinance now or wait to see if rates drop. The honest answer is: it depends on your goals. Mortgage rates can change for many reasons, and no one can guarantee exactly where rates will go next. While many people associate rate movement with the Federal Reserve, the Fed does not directly set mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are influenced by a variety of market factors, including bond market activity, inflation expectations,...