Articles
Do I Have to Put 20% Down on a House?
Do I have to put 20% down on a house? The short answer is no. Some lenders may require this, but it's rare. For some people, 20% down is simply not realistic.
Cash-out refinance explained in 4 easy steps
What is a cash-out refinance? How does it work? Find everything you need to know about cash-out refinance explained in just four simple steps. Learn more.
Pros and cons of 0-down home loans in Washington State
This article walks through the pros and cons of 0-down home loans in Washington State so you can decide if this option for homeownership is right for you.
What additional monthly costs need to be paid when owning a home?
Private mortgage insurance costs may be a payment for which future homeowners need to plan. Also, homeowner's insurance, maintenance costs, HOA fees and so on.
How to fix an error on a credit report
Here's how to fix an error on a credit report. Errors make you look riskier to a lender, so protect your creditworthiness by correcting any mistakes.
Understand the loan-to-value ratio and what it means for a mortgage refinance
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio for a refinance is determined by the amount borrowed compared to the current market value of the home.
Refinance checklist: Are you ready?
Find everything you need to make sure you’re ready to refinance: from determining your options with a free mortgage refinance calculator to important documents.
What is home equity and how can it be accessed?
Home equity is a home’s value after subtracting the mortgage from the market value. It can be accessed through a home equity loan, HELOC or cash-out refinance.
Getting pre-approved and why it’s essential to your home search
When purchasing a home, determining what you can afford to buy is a great place to start. Instead of looking at homes that are out of your price range, knowing how much y...