Homebuying Looking for all Freddie Mac blog posts about homebuying? You'll find them here. How Much Home Can I Afford? We're breaking down the factors that help determine how much home you can afford, which is an estimate you'll need to make before you begin house hunting. Qualifying for a Mortgage When You’re Self-Employed Learn approaches to prove your income and employment history, as well as tax considerations for managing your debt-to-income ratio if you’re self-employed. What Is Mortgage Underwriting? Learn about what underwriting is and the underwriting process so that you understand how your loan application will be evaluated. 5 Steps to Prepare for House Hunting These five steps will help you shop smarter once you’ve hit the homebuying market. Understanding Lenders and How They Help Homebuyers Learn more about lenders and the important role they play in your homebuying journey. How Community Land Trusts Can Make Homebuying More Affordable Learn what a community land trust is, how it works and how this structure may make it possible for you to buy a home. 5 Steps to Prepare for Buying a Home If you are planning to buy a home, getting educated and organized before you start house hunting can help the homebuying process go more smoothly. What Are HOAs? Learn about the services HOAs typically offer, the types of rules you may need to follow, and why it’s important to pay your HOA fees. Moving Costs to Consider During Your Next Move Whatever your situation, there are several common costs you should consider as you budget for your next move. How to Get the Best Interest Rate for Your Mortgage Understanding how lenders determine interest rates, and how you may be able to lower your rate, can help you secure the best mortgage for you. Loan Options for Building Your Home Learn about construction loans, including your options for securing a mortgage after construction is complete. What’s the Difference Between Interest Rate and APR? When it comes to buying a house, knowing the difference between these two rates is important and could save you thousands of dollars on your mortgage.