Homebuying Looking for all Freddie Mac blog posts about homebuying? You'll find them here. What You Need to Know About Discount Points Learn how discount points affect your mortgage and when you should consider buying them. Learn more What Homebuyers Can Expect with an Appraisal — and What to Do If It's Below Your Offer Price Buying a home is one of the most important financial investments you'll make, and getting a professional evaluation of its condition and value before you finalize the purchase is critical. Learn more How Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Into Your First Home Down payment assistance programs can help you secure the funds you need to buy a home. Learn more 5 Steps to Success Before Closing Day With support from a qualified team, and by staying on top of key actions, you can help ensure that you’re prepared for closing day. Learn more What Is Earnest Money and How Does It Work? Making an earnest money deposit as part of your homebuying offer can be more attractive to sellers. But how does it work and what should you expect to pay? Learn more What to Know About Co-Buying a House Although the arrangement may not be for everyone, co-buying with friends and family could be an option in challenging housing markets. Learn more Should My Offer Include an Escalation Clause? If you and your real estate agent are confident that there will be multiple offers on a home, you may consider including an escalation clause in your offer. Learn more Considering an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Should Know Learn about different types of ARMs, when an ARM may be a good option, and when to think about refinancing. Learn more Understanding HUD’s Mortgage Program for Native Homebuyers Learn about the federal loan program designed to increase access to housing in Native communities. Learn more What Is Escrow? Whether you are a homebuyer or homeowner, here’s what you should know about escrow. Learn more Everything You Need to Know About Loan Estimates Learn more about what information is included in a loan estimate and how they can help choose the right loan. Learn more Understanding Common Types of Mortgage Loans There are many different types of mortgage loans. It’s important that you understand your options and the different factors you’ll want to consider before deciding which mortgage is right for you. Learn more