Mortgages
kate_sept2004/Getty Images: Illustration by Issiah Davis/Bankrate FHA loans are government-backed mortgage loans with more lenient buyer requirements than conventional loans, providing a viable option for first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores. These loans can make homeownership more attainable, although they do require borrowers to pay mortgage insurance premiums…
Key takeaways A first-lien HELOC merges a first mortgage with a variable-rate credit line, becoming the primary loan for the property. This type of HELOC can function as a cash flow management and mortgage prepayment tool, automatically applying funds towards the HELOC balance every time income is deposited through a…
irina88w/GettyImages; Illustration by Hunter Newton/Bankrate Key takeaways Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is an extra fee for conventional mortgage borrowers putting down less than 20%. The amount you’ll pay for PMI depends on your loan and down payment size, whether it’s a fixed- or adjustable-rate mortgage and your credit score. The…
David Papazian/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate Key takeaways FHA loans and conventional loans are both issued by private lenders, but FHA loans are insured by the federal government, and conventional loans are not. FHA loans have lower credit hurdles. You can qualify for an FHA loan with a…
Key takeaways Home equity loans and HELOCs (home equity lines of credit) both allow you to borrow against your ownership stake in your home, using the property as collateral. Home equity loans’ fixed rates are a good fit for people who want payment stability and know how much they need…
Key takeaways When you owe more on your mortgage than your house is worth, your mortgage is “underwater,” or in a state of negative equity. Being underwater on your mortgage can make it more difficult to sell the home or refinance. If you have an underwater mortgage, your options include…
Skyhobo/ Getty Images; Illustration by Austin Courregé/Bankrate If you’re in the market for a home, affordability is likely top of mind — perhaps now more than ever. The record-high home prices of recent years, plus mortgage rates not seen since the 00s, have led to record-high monthly mortgage payments, according…
There’s no way around it: Getting a mortgage to buy a home is complex and time-consuming — about as enjoyable as doing your taxes. Lenders need to know seemingly everything about your finances before writing a check for hundreds of thousands of dollars to help you buy a home. But…
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy, so you can trust that…
Key takeaways Getting preapproved for a mortgage before you start looking for an agent can help inform your decision. A referral from a trusted friend or family member is very helpful, but it’s still smart to do your own research. Look for someone with solid experience in the specific location…
