When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home?
3-minute read
The best time to buy a house is unique to you, but you might find more choices in the spring and less expensive homes in the winter. Learn more.
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
3-minute read
Learn VA loan eligibility requirements so you can unlock an earned homebuying benefit and take the next step toward owning or refinancing your home.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Loans, Programs, and Grants
3-minute read
FHA loans can offer a more affordable down payment option than conventional mortgages. Learn about minimum FHA loan down payments in our guide.
9 Handy Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
3-minute read
Buying your first house can be exciting. Check out our practical advice that can save you time, money, and worry! Insights from Freedom Mortgage.
Popular Articles
Property Easement: Definition, Types, and Impact
3-minute read
Learn what an easement is, the different types of property easements, and why they matter when buying or owning a home.
9 Popular House Styles in America
3-minute read
Whether you want to buy your first or next home, check out these popular house styles for ideas! View insights from Freedom Mortgage.
For Sale by Owner: How to Buy FSBO Homes
3-minute read
For sale by owner (FSBO) homes can be a great option for buyers, with some considerations to keep in mind. See if an FSBO home is right for you.
What Is the Mortgage Application Process?
3-minute read
What happens after you apply for a mortgage? Learn about the Freedom Mortgage application process including loan disclosures, loan approvals, closing, and more.
What Is a Home Inspection?
3-minute read
Home inspections evaluate the condition of a home. Prepare for this important homebuying step with tips about scheduling and more—from Freedom Mortgage.
What Are Seller Concessions?
3-minute read
Seller concessions can make closing costs more affordable when you buy a home. Learn more about seller concessions, limits on concessions for FHA and other loans, and more.
Guide to VA Loan Appraisals
3-minute read
Learn how VA loan appraisals work, what fees to expect, and which VA property requirements the appraisal focuses on.
VA Loans and Earnest Money: What You Need to Know
3-minute read
Homebuyers may want to consider using earnest money on a VA loan in some situations. Learn about VA loan earnest money and when you should use it.
Guide to VA Home Inspection Requirements
3-minute read
Understand VA home inspection requirements, how appraisals differ, and why a full inspection is recommended for homebuyers using a VA loan.
Termite Inspections for Home Purchases
3-minute read
Learn about termite inspections for homebuyers, what different loans require, how to prevent termite damage, and the cost of fixing a termite problem.
What Is a Property Title Search?
3-minute read
Learn about property title searches, title companies, and why it’s important to do a title search when you buy a home. Insights from Freedom Mortgage.
What Is a Proof of Funds Letter for Real Estate?
3-minute read
A proof of funds letter documents that you have enough money to make a down payment on a house. Learn more about proof of funds letters and how to get them.
What Is the Mortgage Underwriting Process?
3-minute read
The mortgage underwriting process is the final step when you're applying for a mortgage. Learn what to expect when you apply with Freedom Mortgage.
How to Make a Successful Offer on a House
3-minute read
How can you make your offer more appealing to home sellers? What should you include in your bid to buy a home? Learn more about homebuying offers here!
How to Get a USDA Home Loan: 6 Steps
3-minute read
Learn how to get a USDA home loan in our step-by-step guide so you know what to expect from prequalification to closing.
How To Get a Mortgage Preapproval
3-minute read
Learn how to get a mortgage preapproval step by step, including what you need and how you could improve your chances of getting approved
10-Step Guide To Closing on a House
3-minute read
From inspections and escrow to final walk-through and signing day, learn every step to ensure a smooth home closing process.
How to Buy a House
3-minute read
Recommended: From figuring out what you can afford to closing on your new home, learn how to buy a house with our step-by-step guide.
How To Apply for a VA Home Loan: 7 Steps
3-minute read
Understanding how to apply for a VA home loan is an important first step to homeownership. Learn more about the VA home loan application process.
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?
3-minute read
How long it takes to find a house and how long it takes to close affects how much time it takes to buy a home! Learn more from Freedom Mortgage.
How to Buy a Condo or Townhouse
3-minute read
Learn how to buy a condominium or townhouse, what the differences are in the buying process—compared to a single-family house—and which option is right for you.
How to Apply for an FHA Loan
3-minute read
FHA loans can make buying or refinancing a home more affordable. Learn about how to apply for an FHA loan with Freedom Mortgage.
What Disclosures Does a Seller Have to Make About Their House?
3-minute read
Learn about real estate disclosures which provide details about the property that a seller is legally obligated to share with a potential buyer.
9 Handy Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
3-minute read
Buying your first house can be exciting. Check out our practical advice that can save you time, money, and worry! Insights from Freedom Mortgage.
What Is a Final Walkthrough When You’re Buying a Home?
3-minute read
A final walkthrough is an important step before you close on your new home. Learn what a walkthrough is and what to look for—with Freedom Mortgage.
FHA Appraisal Requirements: What To Know
3-minute read
Explore FHA appraisal requirements, checklist standards, and how the process ensures your home meets FHA safety and value criteria.
Escalation Clause: What Homebuyers Need To Know
3-minute read
An escalation clause allows you to automatically increase your offer on a home. Learn how they work, when to use them, and their pros and cons.
Common Types of Homebuying Contingencies
3-minute read
Including contingencies in your offer to buy a home can protect you from risks and expenses. Learn more about common contingencies in real estate sales.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a House?
3-minute read
Young Buyers Need to Understand the Legal and Financial Requirements that Come with Purchasing a Home
VA Loan Debt-To-Income Ratio
3-minute read
DTI ratio for a VA loan is an important factor lenders consider when you apply for a VA-backed mortgage. Learn how to calculate DTI and how to improve it.
VA Loan Credit Score Requirements
3-minute read
Qualified borrowers can access VA loans to buy or refinance a home. See if you meet the minimum credit score requirements for a VA loan in our guide.
VA Entitlement: What It Is and How It Affects Homebuying
3-minute read
Learn how VA loan entitlement works, including full vs. partial and basic vs. bonus, and how to calculate your benefit when buying a home.
USDA Loan Eligibility and Qualifications
3-minute read
See if you meet USDA qualifications for a home loan based on income, credit, and property to start your path to affordable rural homeownership.
Qualifying for a VA Loan After Bankruptcy
3-minute read
You can be eligible for VA loans after Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy or foreclosure.
What Are the Pros and Cons of 55+ Communities?
3-minute read
Thinking about buying a home in a 55+ community? Consider these advantages and disadvantages before you make your decision.
Open House Tips for Homebuyers
3-minute read
Open houses can give you important information about homes you might want to buy. They can help you make the best offer and negotiate with sellers, too.
Mortgage Prequalification
3-minute read
Learn what mortgage prequalification is and how it helps you better understand how much home you can afford.
Can You Get a VA Loan with Bad Credit?
3-minute read
Veterans and service members with bad credit can still qualify for VA loans. Learn more from Freedom Mortgage.
How to Save Money for a House
3-minute read
When you buy a home, you’ll need money for a down payment, closing costs, and more. Check out our practical tips for saving money to buy a house!
How Do You Qualify for a Mortgage?
3-minute read
Learn how your credit score, income, employment, debts, assets, and other factors affect whether you qualify for a mortgage to buy or refinance a home.
How Much House Can You Afford with an FHA Loan?
3-minute read
Wondering how much house you can afford with an FHA loan? Learn what affects your budget and estimate costs with our affordability calculator.
How to Improve Your Credit Score
3-minute read
Learn how to monitor your credit score, as well as techniques for increasing it, before you buy a house. Insights from Freedom Mortgage.
See If You’re Ready to Be a Homeowner
3-minute read
Buying a home is an important step and one that comes with many considerations. Determine if you’re ready.
Debt-to-Income Ratio for Mortgages
3-minute read
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is an important factor when you want to get approved for a mortgage. Learn what DTI is and how lenders calculate it.
How to Decide Where to Live
3-minute read
Where you choose to buy a house is just as important as the house you choose to buy! Ask yourself these 11 questions before you move to a new community.
FHA Loans for Bad Credit Scores
3-minute read
You may still qualify for an FHA loan even if you have bad credit or a bankruptcy. Learn more about the credit score and other requirements for FHA loans.
FHA Loan Requirements
3-minute read
FHA loans make homeownership more affordable for you and your family. Learn more about current FHA loan requirements from Freedom Mortgage.
Do FHA Loans Have Income Requirements?
3-minute read
Learn about current income requirements and debt-to-income ratios for FHA loans from Freedom Mortgage, a top FHA lender in the United States.*
FHA Loan Credit Score Requirements
3-minute read
Learn more about the minimum credit scores required for buying a home, refinancing a home, or getting cash from your home's equity with an FHA loan.
Credit Score to Buy a House: What You Need to Know
3-minute read
Find out how credit scores can impact your approval odds, interest rate, and more when buying a home.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Home?
3-minute read
The best time to buy a house is unique to you, but you might find more choices in the spring and less expensive homes in the winter. Learn more.
VA Loan Eligibility Requirements
3-minute read
Learn VA loan eligibility requirements so you can unlock an earned homebuying benefit and take the next step toward owning or refinancing your home.
Can I Use My 401(k) To Buy a House?
3-minute read
There are ways to use your 401(k) to buy a house, but there are pros and cons of choosing this option. Learn about some long-term financial aspects here.
VA Loan Closing Costs: What to Expect
3-minute read
Learn what VA loan closing costs include, who pays them, and how much you can expect to pay when buying or refinancing a home with a VA loan.
Student Loan Debt and the Dream of Homeownership
3-minute read
Buying a home remains a key part of the American dream, with 87% of Americans describing homeownership as part of living the good life. What's standing in the way of would-be buyers, and why are Americans waiting so long to buy a home of their own?
Should You Put a Down Payment on a VA Loan?
3-minute read
VA loans don't require a down payment, but making a payment can lower the funding fee. Learn more about VA loan down payment requirements from Freedom Mortgage.
What Percentage of Your Income Should Go Toward Your Mortgage?
3-minute read
Following the 28%- and 36%-income guidelines can help make sure your monthly mortgage payments are affordable. Learn more about income percentages.
What Are Mortgage Discount Points?
3-minute read
Some homebuyers consider mortgage discount points to lower their interest rate. Learn more to discover if discount points are right for you.
Mortgage Buydown: What It Is, Types, and When It Makes Sense
3-minute read
Mortgage buydowns can lower interest rates and monthly payments. Learn how buydowns work, who pays for them, and when they make sense.
How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a House?
3-minute read
Determining your budget is the first step in the home-buying process. Learn what factors you should consider and how much money you may need.
How Much Should You Spend on a House?
3-minute read
Homebuying requires understanding how much money you can spend and how much you should spend. Learn how much home you can afford.
How Much Is a Mortgage?
3-minute read
Learn what is included in mortgage costs, from your down payment and closing costs to your monthly payment.
How Much Can You Afford With a VA Loan?
3-minute read
Find out whether you can afford a new home with a VA loan and the factors that impact your approval, such as income, credit score, and DTI.
How Much Do Housing Prices Rise a Year?
3-minute read
Learn how much home prices increase on average. Also learn how supply and demand, the economy, interest rates, and other factors affect housing prices.
How to Make Buying a Home More Affordable
3-minute read
Buying a new home can be a challenge when mortgage interest rates are high. Here are some ways that might help make homebuying more affordable for you.
Are There First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credits?
3-minute read
The first-time homebuyer tax credit no longer exists, but you can take advantage of other incentives to maximize your first home purchase. Learn more.
First-Time Homebuyer Guide: Loans, Programs, and Grants
3-minute read
FHA loans can offer a more affordable down payment option than conventional mortgages. Learn about minimum FHA loan down payments in our guide.
Guide to FHA Loan Down Payments
3-minute read
FHA loans can offer a more affordable down payment option than conventional mortgages. Learn about minimum FHA loan down payments in our guide.
FHA Closing Costs: What’s Included and How Much You’ll Pay
3-minute read
Discover what’s included in FHA closing costs, how much homebuyers can expect to pay, and the options available to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
A Guide to Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants
3-minute read
Learn about down payment assistance programs and ways you can make your homeownership dreams come true based on your current financial standing.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a House?
3-minute read
Learn how much it costs to build a house, what expenses are included, how to finance a home construction, and whether building or buying is right for you.
The Cheapest States to Buy a House in the U.S.
3-minute read
We've compiled a list of states with the cheapest houses and their average home prices. Learn where your money goes the farthest when buying a home.
Can You Buy a House with No Money Down?
3-minute read
You may be able to buy a home with no money down, but you’ll need to meet certain criteria. Find out here what it takes and if it’s right for you.
Does Buying a Home Build Wealth?
3-minute read
Learn how buying a home might help you build wealth and how homeownership fits in the “big picture” of your personal finances.
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