Category: News

A piggyback loan—often called an 80/10/10 or combination mortgage—is a clever way to buy a home with less cash up front. Instead of a single mortgage plus private mortgage insurance (PMI), you take out two loans at closing: one for 80 percent of the home’s value and a second for 10 percent. You then cover the remaining 10 percent with your own down payment. This structure lets you sidestep PMI, which can add hundreds to your monthly payment, and keeps your main mortgage under the conforming loan limit so you avoid the stricter requirements of a jumbo loan. Beyond skipping PMI and jumbo-loan hurdles, piggyback loans let you stretch your cash reserves. In a standard 80/10/10 setup, you’re only putting 10 percent down instead of 20. Some lenders even offer…

When it comes to mortgage rates, you might wonder how much influence the Federal Reserve really has. While the Fed doesn't directly set mortgage rates, its decisions significantly impact the borrowing environment for homeowners. Recently, the Fed chose to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 4.25–4.5 percent, signaling stability after several changes throughout 2024. This decision encourages lenders to keep mortgage rates relatively steady, which can offer some comfort to potential homebuyers. Mortgage rates mainly track the yield on the 10-year Treasury bond rather than the Fed's rate directly. When the Fed keeps rates unchanged, it can reassure bond markets, often leading to slightly lower Treasury yields and, consequently, more affordable mortgages. For instance, after the Fed’s recent announcement, the bond market responded positively, lowering the 10-year Treasury yield. This…

Inheriting a home with an outstanding mortgage can be a springboard to new opportunities rather than a source of anxiety. By gathering the loan statements, confirming the servicer’s details, and keeping payments current, you safeguard the property while the estate is settled and gain precious time to weigh your best options. Reviewing the loan’s balance, interest rate, and payment schedule—ideally alongside an estate-planning attorney—equips you with clarity and confidence, ensuring the process stays smooth and compliant with state-specific rules. Armed with the numbers, heirs can choose a path that turns the property into an asset. Thanks to federal protections, relatives who wish to live in—or rent out—the home can assume the loan without triggering a costly due-on-sale clause. If several heirs are involved, one party can finance a buy-out (via…

Many people assume that once you retire, your chance to qualify for a mortgage disappears—but that’s not the case. Thanks to fair lending laws, age cannot legally be used against you when applying for a home loan. Whether you're downsizing, helping a family member, or relocating for lifestyle or tax reasons, it's absolutely possible to get approved for a mortgage later in life. What matters most is your financial profile—your income, credit, debt-to-income ratio, and assets. Understanding the Challenges Older Borrowers May Face While lenders cannot reject your application based on age, retirees may face some practical hurdles. Often, fixed incomes or distributions from retirement accounts can make it harder to meet traditional income requirements. Additionally, existing mortgage debt or high monthly obligations can increase your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders…

familiar with private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance is typically required by lenders to protect themselves in case a borrower defaults. For a few recent tax years, homeowners had the opportunity to deduct PMI premiums on their federal returns, offering some relief on their overall tax burden. However, that deduction expired after the 2021 tax year, and currently, PMI is no longer tax-deductible. Between 2018 and 2021, eligible homeowners who itemized their deductions could write off PMI premiums. This was a welcome break for many, especially those paying hundreds annually in PMI costs. If you didn’t take advantage of the deduction during those years, there's still a chance: you may be able to file an amended return and claim those missed deductions. Just keep in mind that your mortgage must…

Buying a home is often a team effort, whether it's with family, friends, or business partners. A common question among potential homebuyers is how many people can join forces on a mortgage. Although there's technically no legal limit, most lenders typically allow up to four borrowers on a conventional mortgage. This limitation usually comes down to underwriting software, which comfortably accommodates up to four borrowers without requiring manual handling. Applying for a mortgage with co-borrowers offers several great benefits. It can make qualifying for a loan easier, as combined incomes and credit scores often increase your buying power and help secure more favorable mortgage terms. Plus, sharing costs makes homeownership more affordable and accessible. This arrangement works especially well for multi-generational households, co-living setups, or friends investing together. However, having…

Refinancing a second home or investment property can be a smart financial move, but it’s essential to understand the process and requirements before making a decision. Homeowners and investors refinance for various reasons, such as securing a lower interest rate, reducing monthly payments, or accessing equity through a cash-out refinance. However, refinancing a second home or rental property comes with additional considerations compared to refinancing a primary residence. Lenders impose stricter qualification requirements, including higher credit score thresholds, lower loan-to-value (LTV) limits, and additional cash reserves. One of the most common reasons to refinance a second home or investment property is to take advantage of lower interest rates or change the loan term. If your credit score has improved since you originally obtained your mortgage, you may qualify for a…

Saving for a down payment can sometimes feel like a constant uphill climb. Between rising home prices, elevated interest rates, and everyday financial demands, it’s easy to see why many would-be buyers feel stuck. Even with careful budgeting, unexpected costs and competing priorities can easily derail the goal of buying a home. The good news is that with a few strategic moves, you can get back on track and make homeownership a reality sooner than you might think. One of the main roadblocks for many first-time buyers is simply keeping up with everyday expenses while trying to stash extra cash for a future house. Rents have climbed steadily in recent years, and credit card debt continues to be a burden for many households. On top of that, grocery bills, gas…

Mortgage rates edged lower recently, with the average 30-year fixed rate now hovering around 6.84 percent—down from around 7.0 percent just a short time ago. This slight drop marks one of the lowest levels seen in recent months, creating an opportune moment for buyers and those looking to refinance. At the same time, many lenders report that the average discount and origination points remain relatively manageable, offering further incentives for prospective borrowers to explore their options. For a typical family making the national median income of around \$97,800 and purchasing a home at the median price of \$396,900, the monthly mortgage payment on a 30-year fixed rate of 6.84 percent (with a 20 percent down payment) comes in around \$2,078. That equates to roughly 25 percent of the household’s monthly…

A balloon mortgage is a unique type of non-qualified (non-QM) home loan that offers lower monthly payments upfront but requires a large lump sum—known as a balloon payment—at the end of the loan term. Typically structured for five, seven, or ten years, balloon mortgages are appealing for those looking for short-term affordability. However, they also come with risks, including higher interest rates and the potential for financial strain if the borrower cannot afford the final payment. Since these loans don’t conform to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s standards for a qualified mortgage, they are less common and often come with more flexible application requirements. How Does a Balloon Mortgage Work? Unlike traditional mortgages, balloon loans can have different payment structures depending on the lender. Some loans require both principal and…