The Essential Guide to Creating a Homebuying Budget Understand how much you can afford and how to prepare for the costs of buying and owning a home. Energy Efficient Mortgage: What is It and How Do I Get One? If you’re in the market for a green home or need financing for efficiency upgrades, an EEM could be right for you. Build Wealth with a Starter Home A starter home can give you experience in owning a home and the financial benefits that come with it, without the pressure of finding your forever home immediately. How to Ensure a Smooth Closing Before closing day arrives, follow these steps to make sure you are prepared. 5 Rules for Making an Offer on a Home Once you find a home that meets your wants and needs, your real estate agent will help you make a strong offer. Tips for Online House Hunting Modern technology is changing a lot of things – including the way buyers search for homes. How to Find the Right Mortgage You will need to consider these three things when choosing a mortgage. How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Here's what you need to know to get pre-approved for a mortgage. Do I Need to Put 20% Down on a Home? Contrary to popular belief, you can put as little as a 3% down payment on a home. Budgeting for Upfront Costs: The Homebuyer’s Guide Learn which expenses you’ll need to cover out of pocket, so you can factor them into your final homebuying budget. 8 Steps to Buying a Home Are you ready to buy a home? Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the homebuying process. 5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Green Home Are you in the market for an eco-friendly home? Work with your team to understand all your options. What is a Green Home? Buying an eco-friendly home can be a great investment. But what does “green” mean? What Happens When COVID Forbearance Ends Learn what happens when forbearance ends and how repayment works. Mortgage Rates: Still the Deal of the Century If you're in the market to buy a home, today's average mortgage rates are something to celebrate compared to almost any year since 1971. Who Does What? Each member of your homebuying team will perform different, but complementary roles. 5 Tips for Mobile House Hunting Can apps simplify the search for your next home? Making a [Homebuying] List, Checking it Twice. Use our homebuying checklist if you're looking to become a homeowner in the new year. In the Know: Manufactured Homes For many, the term "manufactured housing" doesn’t conjure images of spacious and updated homes, but perhaps it should. Winter Housing Market = Buyers’ Wonderland Find out why winter might be the best time to buy a house, and read tips for homebuying in colder weather. Would You Buy a Home Next to a Cemetery? Buying a home near a cemetery may not be as grave a mistake as you think. 5 Homebuying Reality TV Myths How real is reality TV? Here are some homebuying lessons you won't learn from binge watching your favorite shows. The Best Week to Buy a Home With kids back in school and the days getting shorter, some families may think it wise to wait for the spring or summer buying season to find a great deal on a new home. Clearing Up Commission Wondering how real estate agents get paid? It's time to learn about the real estate commission fee. Pricing Out PMI We're here to explain what PMI is and how it can be to your benefit. Self-Employed Mortgage Application Tips Learn how to qualify for a mortgage if you have a non-traditional work situation. Mortgage Rates: Are Your Stars Aligned? Today's low mortgage rates can give you extra purchasing power, potentially making a home once unaffordable, affordable. 10 Homebuying Acronyms You Need to Know PMI, APR, LTV… say what? Learn some of the most important industry acronyms and their definitions, so you can sound like a pro as you go through the homebuying process. Renovations, Rates and Refinancing Freddie Mac's new CHOICERenovation mortgage saves both time and money by providing cost-effective options for financing or refinancing home renovations, repairs, or improvements. Finding Your Perfect Match Looking for a new place to call home? With so many options to consider, we suggest starting with the classic mantra: location, location, location. Together, We Make Home Possible For all of us, it's more than just a job, it's our passion. Lenders Make Home Possible Buying a home can be an overwhelming experience, but lenders provide a steadying hand. What's the Magic Number? Breaking Down Down Payments Contrary to popular belief, you don't need a 20% downpayment to buy a home. Agents Make Home Possible Your real estate agent is responsible for finding the right home for you - at the right price Housing Counselors Make Home Possible Buying a home can be intimidating - if you're not sure how to get started, consider working with an experienced housing counselor. Making Home Possible We're proud to be part of the industry that helps turn dreams into reality for people like first-time homebuyer Patrick Mineo of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Memory Lane: Spring Homebuying That's a wrap! Test your knowledge in our homebuying quiz to see what you've learn this spring. Cruise Control: Settling into Homeownership You purchased your dream home and you're a homeowner. Now what? Amortization: Filling Up Your Tank Learn how this important table serves as the financial fuel gauge of your mortgage. Last Stop: Closing Day Your destination is on the horizon and it's time to close the deal. Here's what to expect on closing day. Making Your Offer: No U-turns You’re moving full speed ahead and preparing to make an offer on your dream home. Here's what you need to know. Beginner's Guide to Home Equity What is equity and how can you build it? Stuck at a Crossroads? How to Find the Right Home There are many different routes you can take on your journey to homeownership, how do you decide which home is right for you? Pit Stop: Time to Test Your Knowledge You're half-way through the homebuying road trip. Let's take a quick break to see what you've learned so far. Interest Rates: How to Navigate the Roads Ahead Lenders set interest rates based on several factors- here's what steps you can take to secure the best rate possible. Know About Mortgages Before You Go Which mortgage product is best for you? Budgeting for Your Journey: Part II Now is when the rubber meets the road, finalizing your loan and preparing for your monthly mortgage payments. Budgeting for Your Journey Budgeting for your journey is never as much fun as the trip itself, but it's a critical part of the ride. Gas Up for Your Down Payment Be sure you have the right tools when thinking about your down payment. Pre-approval Letter: Passport to Homeownership What is a pre-approval letter and how do you get one? More
