MORTGAGE BLOG

Mortgage Terminology 101: What Every Home Buyer Should Know

Blog posted On January 15, 2026

Like any field or industry, a boatload of terms goes hand-in-hand with the mortgage world. For home buyers, it can be an overwhelming process, with unfamiliar terms being flung at you left and right. But just because it can be a lot at once doesn’t mean it has to be. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly used words and phrases that are pertinent to the home buying process. We hope this helps set you up for success as your home loan gets closer to the finish line!

Is Now the Right Time to Refinance?

Blog posted On October 17, 2024

If you’re a homeowner, you’ve likely been paying attention to the news, waiting for any positive shifts in the housing market. And with the Fed’s recent benchmark rate drop, you’re probably wondering, is now the right time to refinance? Let’s help you figure out when a refi could make the most financial sense for you to pursue and when to hold off and evaluate your other options.

HUD Holds FHA Premiums Steady, Home Buyers Still Win

Blog posted On April 06, 2021

Last week, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge announced that there would be no cuts to FHA mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs). Most of the housing industry had hoped for a 0.25% reduction, but for now the benchmark annual MIP rate will remain at 0.85%. 

Removing Insurance from an FHA Loan

Blog posted On March 04, 2021

The FHA Loan is one of the most popular government-backed loans. With lower down payment options and less restrictive requirements than conventional loans, it’s an especially appealing program for home buyers like first-time buyers who may struggle to qualify for a conventional loan. If you decide to finance your home with an FHA Loan, you will be required to pay mandatory mortgage insurance.

Private Mortgage Insurance Explained

Blog posted On August 06, 2020

Although some home buyers believe it’s necessary to put down a 20% down payment when buying a home, rising home prices are making it more difficult for buyers to reach that savings goal.  There are many low down payment loan programs available to make buying a home more accessible, especially for first-time home buyers.  In addition to the familiar government programs like the FHA Loan for low income and first-time home buyers and the VA Loan for Veterans and active-duty military, that allow for low to no down payment, there are also conventional options like the Fannie Mae Home Ready and Freddie Mac Home Possible loans.   In fact, the National Association of Realtors reported in 2017, 61% of first-time home buyers put down 6% or less on their home purchase.