Finance

Paying off a mortgage can feel like an endless obligation you simply check off each month. While there’s no immediate reward, each payment builds home equity—an asset you can convert into cash when needed. Put simply, it is how much of your house you actually own. You can compute it by taking your house’s market value and subtracting the remaining amount you owe on your mortgage.

You are not alone if you are wondering whether a low credit score means homeownership is out of reach. Many people assume that bad credit is a deal-breaker when applying for a mortgage, but that’s not necessarily true. In reality, there are several options for homeownership, even if your credit is not perfect. It may take extra work, but it is very possible, and in some cases, smarter than waiting.

A mortgage loan originator connects clients with lenders who empower them to achieve their dreams. Being an MLO is not just a job; it is a powerful opportunity to change lives, forge meaningful relationships, and uplift communities.

Mortgages are already intimidating as it is, and many popular mortgage myths make it much harder to take one. From being told it’s too risky and to rent instead, misguided warnings scare people out of looking at home and loan options.

A conventional mortgage is a home loan that is not insured or guaranteed by any government agency, such as the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Veterans Affairs (VA), or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

An FHA mortgage is a government-insured loan backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Its purpose is to make homeownership achievable for a broader audience, especially those who might struggle to meet the strict requirements of conventional loans. The FHA doesn’t lend money directly but instead insures loans issued by approved lenders.

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) offers down payment assistance to qualified homebuyers. The program provides funds to cover down payments and closing costs, making it easier for individuals and families to afford a home.

A 2-1 buydown is a mortgage financing option designed to make the first two years of homeownership easier by temporarily reducing your interest rate. In the first year, your rate is reduced by two percentage points, and in the second, it is reduced by one percentage point. By the third year, the loan reverts to the full fixed interest rate for the remainder of the term.

Unlocking the value of your home does not have to mean taking on more debt or adding another monthly bill to your budget. With a Home Equity Agreement (HEA) loan, you can use your home’s equity in exchange for a share of its future value without the added monthly payments.

A USDA construction loan is a type of financing offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help individuals or families build, purchase, and own homes in eligible rural areas. Unlike traditional construction loans, which often require multiple construction and permanent financing loans, a USDA construction loan is a single-close loan. This means you get both construction financing and a permanent mortgage in one package.