The loan-level pricing adjustment (LLPA) system raises mortgage rates for conventional mortgage borrowers. How LLPAs work, and how to reduce your costs. Continue reading

Fannie Mae survey shows that consumers expect mortgage rates to be higher in 2016 — but that’s what they say EVERY year. Are consumers finally right? Probably not. Continue reading

When you’re buying a home or refinancing one, good credit scores get you access to lower mortgage rates plus a wider selection of loan products. Continue reading

Analyzing 15 years of home sales and 32 million home sales, a pattern of “good days” and “bad days” to buy a home emerged. Can you guess which day is best? Continue reading

Mortgage rates are defying expert forecasts, and have just dropped to their lowest levels in 55 weeks. Analysis of mortgage rates plus float/lock advice. Continue reading

Having two mortgages attached to your home is not a bad thing. For years, U.S. homeowners have used second mortgages for basic financial security. Continue reading

Is a better to buy a condo or a single-family, detached home? Recently, condos have held value better. Analysis of the condo market, plus live condo mortgage rates. Continue reading

The VA mortgage program is a homeownership benefit available to U.S. military personnel, veterans, and spouses and families. A complete reference guide. Continue reading

FHA loan guidelines are flexible about downpayments. The funds can come from a number of sources besides the buyer’s own bank account. Continue reading

Case-Shiller Index reports home values up more than 36% since 2012. How valid is the data, though? San Francisco, Denver, and Portland lead the pack. Chicago and Washington, D.C. lags. Continue reading