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Getting pre-approved for a home loan before house hunting helps set a realistic budget, improves negotiating power, and speeds up the buying process. It shows sellers and agents you're serious, increasing your chances of securing a home. To get pre-approved, check your credit score and debt-to-income ratio, gather financial documents, and apply with lenders. Pre-approval…

America celebrates its 250th birthday, highlighting the enduring dream of homeownership as a symbol of independence and stability. Modern mortgage options, including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans, offer low or no down payment choices for first-time buyers. Local assistance programs also help with down payments. Success in homebuying involves a trusted team of a…

Gen Z now accounts for nearly 20% of rate locks and about a third of first-time homebuyer loans, relying heavily on government-backed financing. Non-traditional down payments, including family gifts and loans, have reached a seven-year high at 29%. Gen Z and Millennials make up two-thirds of purchase mortgage volume, while Baby Boomers hold 11%. Home…

A separate survey found most US adults still saw homeownership as part of the American Dream, showing ownership goals remained strong despite higher buying costs. For new buyers, the guidance stressed that taxes, insurance, interest rates and other ownership costs can meaningfully change total housing expenses overall. Buyers were urged to focus on the full…

Buying at 50 can still support retirement planning when income is steady, savings are already building, and the home fits a long-term plan. A fixed mortgage can help stabilize housing costs later, while ownership also builds equity for owners who expect to stay put for years. The biggest caution: avoid draining retirement accounts for a…

Refinancing replaces an existing mortgage with a new loan, often to lower the current rate, adjust terms, or access cash from home equity. An expert said refinancing usually makes more sense when the new rate cuts at least a full percentage point from the existing mortgage. Upfront closing costs can run ~2% to ~5% of…

A majority of Americans now prefer buying a home over renting, with 53% favoring homeownership despite affordability challenges. Most view homes as valuable investments and sources of stability. High prices and interest rates remain obstacles, but fewer are delaying purchases. Over half of current homeowners plan to buy again, and AI tools are increasingly used…

Debt consolidation before applying for a mortgage can help reduce your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and lower monthly payments, potentially improving mortgage approval chances. However, it may temporarily lower credit scores due to hard inquiries and reduced credit age. Evaluate loan terms carefully, comparing interest rates and repayment periods. Calculate your DTI, get rate quotes, and…

Commercial and multifamily mortgage originations ↑52% yearly in Q1 2026, signaling broader lending momentum across income-producing property markets for borrowers and investors. Healthcare led sector gains with loan dollar volume ↑209% yearly. Retail ↑148%, hotels ↑85%, industrial ↑56%, and multifamily ↑49% in Q1 2026. Investor-driven lenders showed strongest source growth, with loan dollar volume ↑133%…

Construction loans help finance a new home before it exists, but they are usually harder to qualify for than traditional mortgages overall. Unlike a traditional mortgage, this short-term loan has higher interest and releases money in stages as building milestones are completed along the way. Typical qualification standards include a 20% down payment, strong credit,…