How to Build Credit

Building a credit score is crucial in the years leading up to buying a home. If you’ve never opened a credit card or taken out a loan, you might have zero credit, which can make it difficult for a lender to assess your reliability as a borrower. Without a credit history, getting approved for a loan

7 Types of Refinance Loans

Homeowners refinance their mortgages for a variety of reasons, such as securing a lower interest rate, shortening the loan term, or tapping into their home equity for cash. In fact, a survey found that 59% of homeowners with a mortgage who haven’t moved in the past year have refinanced their cu

Conventional Loans: Requirements and What You Need

What is a Conventional Loan? A conventional loan, also known as a conventional mortgage, is a loan offered by private lenders such as banks, credit unions, or mortgage companies. These loans are not backed by the government. Many conventional loans are purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, so le

New Construction: A Guide to Buying a Newly Built Home

How is buying new construction different from buying an existing home? When purchasing a newly built home, you'll likely get modern designs, up-to-date construction standards, and brand-new appliances. Since many new homes are sold before they're fully finished, you may even have the chance to perso