Bella Mertz We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free – so that you can make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has partnerships … Read more
Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but saving up for the down payment can often be the biggest hurdle, especially for first-time homebuyers. That’s where FHA loans can help. An FHA mortgage requires just a 3.5% down payment, making homeownership more accessible. In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover all the key details on FHA … Read more
Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is one of the factors lenders consider when making decisions about whether to approve you for a student loan or how much you can borrow. This ratio is calculated by dividing how much you pay in regular debt payments, including your student loan payments, by your gross monthly income. Student loans … Read more
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free – so that you can make financial decisions with confidence. Bankrate has partnerships … Read more
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with a lot of financial questions. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to finance your home purchase. For most homebuyers, a property loan is the best option to cover the cost. I know – loans can feel intimidating when you’re … Read more
A VA loan can help you achieve your dream of homeownership with more flexible lending criteria. However, these loans are only available for eligible veterans, active duty service members, and surviving spouses. If you’ve used your VA loan before or are considering using your entitlement to purchase your first house, you might wonder, “How many … Read more
There are loan programs, along with home buying assistance programs, that can help put the dream of homeownership within reach for single mothers. “It can be tough to support a family on one income. But, if a single mom has decent credit, they could qualify for a mortgage,” says Mark Gundersen, a senior loan officer … Read more
40-year home loans aren’t very common, but they can provide some benefits for borrowers who qualify With lower monthly payments spread out over a longer time, 40-year mortgages can increase buying power and affordability However, these loans also come with higher interest costs and slower equity building. If you think a 40-year mortgage could be … Read more
Buying land to build a home or start a business can be an exciting endeavor. However, financing the purchase requires specialized land loans that are more complex than regular mortgages. Land loans have unique requirements, rates, and terms that you need to understand before applying for financing. This comprehensive guide will explain land purchase loan … Read more
USDA loans come with great benefits, but not all homes are eligible. All homes financed by a USDA loan must first meet the minimum property standards set out by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. These ensure borrowers are getting a functional, safe and sound home to live in. Let’s look at the requirements … Read more