The Benefits of Mortgage Rate Buydowns

When purchasing a home, every detail matters, especially your interest rate. One strategy that many buyers overlook is the mortgage rate buydown. A buydown allows you to lower your interest rate for the first few years of your loan, or even permanently, by paying upfront fees at closing. This option can significantly reduce your monthly payments, offering financial relief when you need it most. Types of Mortgage Rate BuydownsThere are two common types of buydowns. A temporary buydown, such as a two one buydown, reduces your interest rate for the first two years. For example, your rate might be reduced…
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Are Low Down Payment Programs Right for You?

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone, but for many buyers, saving for a large down payment can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, low down payment programs can offer a solution, making homeownership more accessible than ever before. However, before choosing one of these options, it is important to understand both the benefits and potential drawbacks. Low down payment programs are designed to help buyers secure a home with as little as three percent to five percent down, depending on the loan type. Popular options include FHA loans, conventional loans with reduced down payment requirements, and programs backed by agencies such as…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 21st, 2025

While inflation has slowed down since the pandemic, it is showing a faster-than-expected rise for consumers, as the CPI (Consumer Price Index) has reported a higher than expected 0.3% increase, contrasted to the 0.2% expected increase. Meanwhile, the PPI (Producer Price Index) has proven to be entirely flat, with the largest takeaway being that signs of tariff-related inflation are — at best — scattered among data reports, leading to many speculating that the impacts have been overestimated. Given continued inflation for consumers, it is very unlikely the Federal Reserve will make any adjustments to the rate as it adopts a…
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Could You Save Money by Refinancing Right Now?

Understanding the Real BenefitsThe most common reason to refinance is to lower your monthly payment by getting a better interest rate. But refinancing can also help you pay off your loan faster, switch from an adjustable to a fixed rate, or tap into your home equity for important expenses. If your credit score has improved, or if your home has gained value, you may qualify for better loan terms now than when you originally purchased. Lower Monthly Payments or Faster PayoffEven a small drop in your interest rate can make a big difference over the life of your loan. For…
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The One Number More Important Than Your Credit Score for Mortgage Approval

When it comes to getting approved for a mortgage, most people immediately think of their credit score. While it is definitely important, there is another number that can play an even bigger role in your approval, our debt-to-income ratio. Also known as DTI, this number gives lenders a clearer picture of your ability to manage monthly payments and overall debt. What Is Debt-to-Income RatioYour debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward paying debts. This includes things like credit cards, car loans, student loans, and the projected mortgage payment. It does not include groceries, utilities,…
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