Homeownership Looking for all Freddie Mac blog posts about homeownership? You'll find them here. What If I Don’t Qualify for a Loan? Learn why your lender might deny your loan application and steps you can take to improve your financial situation and chances of getting approved in the future. Loan Programs to Help You Buy a Home in a Rural Area If you’re one of the 46 million people in the U.S. living in a rural area, and you’re in the market to buy a home, you should know about the loan programs designed to make purchasing a home more affordable. Making a Homebuying Wish List Creating a wish list can help you prioritize what’s important and keep you on track when you look for homes in person or online. How to Navigate a Hot Homebuying Market Learn how you can set yourself up for successful long-term homeownership when buying in a competitive market. Mortgage Servicers: Who Are They and How They Can Help Mortgage servicers are an essential part of homeownership. They help make sure that monthly payments are collected on time and are a key point of contact if any hardships arise. How a Refinance Can Help You Finance Home Renovations Home renovations are a great way to increase the value of your home, but they can quickly grow expensive. Do Energy-Efficient Improvements Increase Resale Value? Studies have shown that green homes sell faster and for more money than homes without energy-efficient designations. 3 Tips for Buying an Energy- and Water-Efficient Home From windows to water heaters and insulation to certifications, learn how to look for efficiency in a home you’re considering buying. What to Know Before Buying a Home at Higher Risk of a Natural Disaster When you are in the market to purchase a home, it’s important to think about how your home might fare in the event of a natural disaster. How You Can Make Your Home More Energy- and Water-Efficient Learn about home upgrades that can help you reduce your energy and water use and save you money. 6 Simple Ways to Save Energy and Water in Your Home Here are six easy home improvement projects that can save you money while reducing your energy and water consumption. What Is Private Mortgage Insurance? In considering the total costs of buying and owning a home, don't forget to factor in private mortgage insurance (PMI).