Articles by Gina Freeman - Page 3

Investment property mortgage rates are above current market rates. Learn what impacts your rate and how to find the best rental property financing.

VA loans are usually the best option for U.S. military veterans, but not always. When to choose another loan type, plus, see today's mortgage rates.

What determines the mortgage rate you're offered by lenders? A lot. You have control over some of these factors. Here's how to get the best rate you can.

Most people still think you need at least ten percent down to buy a home, according to the NAR. That's just not true. You can buy with zero, three, 3.5 or five percent down with many products.

Choosing an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) instead of fixed-rate loan can be a great way to save money on your loan. But, is it really your best choice?

Demand for condos is increasing nationwide and getting approved for a mortgage just got a little easier. How to qualify, plus access to today's rates.

How long does it take to get pre-approved for your mortgage? Not as long as you think, if you start with a folder and have fun with some paper airplanes.

You can buy a new manufactured home with a USDA mortgage if you and the property meet the USDA's guidelines. Here's what you need to know about qualifying for a loan and buying an eligible home.

Your credit union might offer a good deal on a mortgage when you buy or refinance. Or not. Here's what you need to know about credit union mortgages, and how to get the lowest rate no matter who provides your financing.

The Freddie Mac HomeOne program removes income and geographic restrictions from its 3% down loan. Buyers can qualify for a low down payment even without low-income status.

Home Possible Advantage, offered by Freddie Mac, and HomeReady, offered by Fannie Mae, are similar programs for homebuyers without large down payments. Here's an explanation of the program differences, and how they might matter to you.

When you shop for a mortgage, compare quotes from a mortgage broker with those of a direct lender or bank. Mortgage brokers compete with banks and may offer a better deal.

Yes, there is a series of videos on YouTube instructing mortgage loan officers and brokers on how to limit competition and how to sell higher prices and mortgage rates. And if they are teaching lenders how to foil consumer attempts to get their best deal on a home loan, we thought we'd teach you how to avoid this tactic.

Your mortgage rate depends heavily on your credit score. And because the mortgage is usually your largest debt, improving your credit score could save you more than you think. In fact, the consumer with good credit could save enough while paying their mortgage to buy a car. With cash.

This month's Fed meeting provided few surprises. No interest rate increase, but it's still on the table for December.

Most of us know intuitively that the more education you have (at least, the right kind of education), the better your job possibilities and the higher your average income will be. So, how does that translate to home affordability? How much home can you buy at your education level?

If you want to get the best mortgage rate available to you, many consumer finance experts that you compare mortgage rates from competing mortgage lenders. And the easiest way to do this is usually by completing a form on a website dedicated to mortgage shopping.

One of the factors that influences how much you'll pay for a home loan is gold prices. But how do gold prices affect mortgage rates?

Here's how oil prices affect your mortgage rate, and what to do about it.

What's happening with the government shutdown and mortgage closings? Find out how you will (or won't) be affected.