First-time Homebuyers Information

What is PMI or Private Mortgage Insurance?

PMI, or private mortgage insurance, is required for low down payment mortgage loans. Learn about how it can affect the final cost of your mortgage.

How first-time homebuyers put down roots without giving up their travel goals

Here’s how you can put down roots and buy a house without having to give up your dreams of traveling the world.

What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?

Getting a mortgage pre-approval letter from an online lender can be one of the fastest and most accurate ways to calculate how much you can actually afford.

6 first-time homebuyer myths

Don’t let these common first-time homebuyer myths and misconceptions scare you away from buying your dream home.

How to choose the right neighborhood when buying a house

Choosing the right neighborhood is one of the most important (and difficult) parts of buying a house. Here are some tips to help you make that decision.

Making a Competitive Offer

These days, bidding wars and homes that just fly off the market are increasingly common. Here’s how to make a competitive offer so you can win your dream home.

How your property affects how much you can afford

You may have gotten pre-approved to buy a home, but the property itself can impact what house you can afford.

How to Pick a Real Estate Agent

If the real estate agent you pick could make the difference between landing your dream home in a few weeks or losing bids, why wouldn’t you shop around?

Assembling your Homebuying Team

Your homebuying team is crucial in helping you make a winning offer on your dream home. Here's how to assemble the right homebuying team.

Getting your Docs in a Row

Before you can get a mortgage, your lender will need information about your finances. This post is all about getting your application materials in order.

Q&A: How a first-time homebuyer beat the competition with less than 20% down

What do you do when there are multiple offers on your dream home? We asked a first-time homebuyer in Seattle who beat the competition with just 12.5% down.

What do mortgage lenders look for on your tax returns?

When you apply for a mortgage, your lender will ask for your tax returns. Here's exactly how those tax returns will affect your mortgage application.

Getting a mortgage with student loans

Can you still buy a home if you have student loan debt? Turns out you have some options. Here’s what you should know about getting a mortgage.

Breaking Down Mortgage Rates and Costs

Chances are you want to get a good deal on your mortgage. This post is all about breaking down mortgage rates and costs, so you can be a savvy shopper.

How to budget for your monthly mortgage payment

Wondering how much house you can actually afford? One way to figure it out is seeing how much you can put toward a monthly mortgage payment.

Understanding Your Home Financing Options

Mortgages aren’t one-size-fits-all. To help you assess your options, this post is all about understanding different financing options.

Should you add a co-borrower to your mortgage?

Buying a home with a significant other, family member, or close friend? Here’s how to decide whether or not to include them on the mortgage.

Knowing Your Mortgage Numbers

Buying a home is the biggest financial transaction most people will make. To help you prepare for it, this post is all about knowing your mortgage numbers.