Category Archives: Mortgage

Mortgage Options: How to Choose the Right Home Loan

Updated July 24, 2026

Choosing among mortgage options involves more than comparing interest rates. The right home loan depends on your credit profile, available cash, monthly budget, tolerance for possible payment changes, plans for the home, and even the characteristics of the property itself.

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What Is a Mortgage Buydown?

What Is a Mortgage Buydown? Pam Fraser picture of a house, calculator, pencil and coins

Mortgage rates have more than doubled in a matter of months. This is making homes much less affordable for today’s buyers. It’s also softening the strong seller’s market we’ve experienced over the last few years. Because of this, it’s important for home sellers to use all of the tools at their disposal to make their homes as marketable as possible. It’s equally important for home buyers to make their home purchases as affordable as they can. One way you can do this is with an interest rate buydown. An interest rate buydown reduces the monthly mortgage payment for the home buying borrower.

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Fast Track Rental Property

Fast Track Rental Property

FHA allows you to purchase properties with up to four units with a minimum 3.5% down payment. But to do this, you must be an owner-occupant. This is a great opportunity to buy rental property without having to make a large cash investment. It might allow you to fast track rental property. You can use the rent you collect on three units to help make the payment, and your cost would be quite a bit less.

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What’s Your Home Buying Power?

What's Your Home Buying Power?

If you’re in the market for a new home or investment property, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is, “What can we afford?” To answer this question, you must look at more than just the asking price of a home. You need to understand what your total buying power is, and the factors that will affect it.

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Reverse Mortgage

What Is a Reverse Mortgage?

Updated February 2, 2026

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Homeowners considering a reverse mortgage should consult with qualified professionals to determine whether it is appropriate for their individual circumstances.

With encouragement from celebrity spokespersons such as Fred Thompson, Robert Wagner, and Henry Winkler, awareness of reverse mortgages increased significantly over the past decade. As the population continues to age, the topic remains relevant, with more than 25 million homeowners meeting the minimum age requirement.

A reverse mortgage allows homeowners age 62 or older who live in their home as a primary residence to access a portion of their home equity. The amount available is based on the borrower’s age, the home’s current value, and prevailing interest rates. Loan proceeds may be received as a single lump sum, a line of credit, or as periodic payments. Closing costs can be paid in cash or rolled into the loan amount.

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