Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
If your down payment on a home is less than 20 percent of the appraised value or sale price, you must obtain private mortgage insurance, known as PMI, with your lender. This will enable you to obtain a mortgage with a lower down payment because your lender is now protected against any default on ... more...

A Critical Guide to Home Loans: Your Options and How They Affect Your Future
Understanding Mortgage Loans-An Insiders GuideThere was a time in the not-so-distant past when financing the purchase of a home was relatively uncomplicated. You went to your local savings and loan and signed up for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage loan. Those days are gone, probably forever. Today, ... more...

Ending Your Private Mortgage Insurance Early
Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is the safety net of the lender. PMI benefits lenders because it guarantees payment on the balance of loans not covered by the sale of foreclosed properties.If a borrower makes a down payment of 20% of the cost of the home, the lender can generally trust that he ... more...

Easing Your Way Into Homeownership: A Guide To Low Down Payment Mortgage Programs
Theres no question about it: Buying a first home is a big financial commitment. In most cases, a home is the largest single purchase an individual or family will make in a lifetime. However, because of the tax advantages afforded to homeowners, buying a home also can be one of the best financial ... more...

Do Your Homework - Find the Mortgage That Fits Your Lifestyle and Your Budget
You've been looking at houses for months, and finally youve found it--the house that's just right. So now, all you have to do is to purchase your new home, move in, and get settled, right? Not quite. Theres one more big step to go-getting a mortgage loan. Youre going to want to decide on the type ... more...

Tips For Getting A Low Downpayment
There's also a lot of personal satisfaction in living in a home that you own. Real estate is still considered a valued investment which can have many financial advantages and tax benefits. The amount of interest you pay on a home loan and the real estate taxes you pay on your home are among the few ... more...

Zero Down Mortgage Loans - Understanding No Money Down Loans
In many housing markets across the country, the increase in home prices does not match the average household income. Hence, many people are unable to save money for a down payment. Ideally, mortgage companies prefer applicants to have a down payment of at least 5%, in addition to paying ... more...

Mortgage Glossary - A Glossary of Mortgage Terms You Should Know
Acceleration Clause A clause in a mortgage defining that the entire outstanding balance can become due and payable should mortgage default occur. If the entire balance is not paid, the property will be foreclosed.Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) Mortgage with interest rates that may be adjusted by ... more...

3 Strategies For Buying Property With No Money Down
Everyone has heard a story or read about someone who bought a property without paying a single dime as a down payment. But how does this work?There are several "classic" methods commonly used to purchase real estate with no money down. There are an infinite variety of situations in a real estate ... more...