Articles by Erik J. Martin - Page 7

If you're buying a new construction home, the builder may have a preferred mortgage lender. Should you work with this company? Here are the pros and cons.

What's better, a 15-year or 30-year mortgage loan? Explore the pros and cons of 15 vs. 30-year mortgages and compare rates and costs.

The VA Streamline Refinance (IRRRL) can be a fast and easy way to lower your VA mortgage rate and payment. But when is refinancing worth it?

Should you pay discount points for a lower mortgage rate? The savings can be huge. But discount points aren't right for everyone. Learn more here.

Learn how to make a cash offer on a house and improve your chances in a bidding war. Today, there are even cash offer options for buyers without cash.

How much do real estate agents make? And who pays the real estate agent? The amount Realtors and agents make depends on the home price and the local market.

Will rates drop again in 2021? Or will they keep going up? We asked 10 experts for their mortgage rate predictions. Here's what we found.

Stipend income typically doesn't count as income for a mortgage. But it might still help you qualify. Here's what to know before you apply.

When should you lock a mortgage rate? Ideally, after you're approved for the loan and found the lender offering your lowest rate.

Is buying a house a good investment? It depends on your goals. A house is a great investment if you need a place to live, but may not maximize your returns.

Historic home renovations can be expensive. Luckily, there are loans, grants, and tax breaks that can make the renovation process more affordable.

Is there a conventional Streamline Refinance? No, but you can use a different refinance option to get similar Streamline benefits. Here's how.

Buying a condo vs. renting can be a tough decision. Renting offers flexibility, but buying a condo builds wealth. See more pros and cons here.

Home buyer grants can help first-time buyers who had a financial setback during Covid. Learn about current assistance programs and how to qualify.

APR vs. interest rate: Both numbers are important for comparing mortgages. But which one matters more? That depends on your home buying goals.

Buying a house sight unseen can give you an edge in a competitive market. But there are risks that come with sight-unseen homes. Here's what to know.

An iBuyer uses technology to make instant cash offers to home sellers. Buyers can then purchase homes on the iBuyer platform. Here's how it works.

You have extra cash — should you pay off your mortgage or invest? There are pros and cons to both strategies. Here's how to decide.

You have extra cash — should you pay off your mortgage or invest? There are pros and cons to both strategies. Here's how to decide.

DTI, your 'debt-to-income ratio,' includes taxes and insurance as part of your mortgage payment. Here's how to find your DTI with taxes and insurance.