VantageScore 4.0 Is Now Available to All Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Lenders

A major change to mortgage credit scoring is now underway. VantageScore 4.0 is now available to all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac-approved lenders for eligible conventional mortgages. The two government-sponsored enterprises announced the expanded availability on September 9, 2026, following an initial limited rollout to approved lenders. That means VantageScore 4.0 is no longer limited […]

Seller Concessions Explained: How Seller Credits Can Help With Closing Costs

When you’re buying a home, it’s easy to focus almost entirely on the down payment. But the down payment isn’t the only cash you’ll need at closing. Closing costs and prepaid expenses can add thousands of dollars to the amount a buyer needs to bring to the closing table. One tool that may help is […]

Mortgage Rates Are Near 7% — So Why Do Buyers Have More Leverage?

If you’re thinking about buying a home right now, you may feel like the odds are stacked against you. Mortgage rates are still hovering around 6.7%, keeping monthly payments considerably higher than they were several years ago. And with rates still elevated, many potential buyers are wondering whether they should simply wait for mortgage rates […]

How Much Mortgage Can I Afford? Here’s What Decides the Answer

If you’ve started house hunting, you’ve probably typed some version of “how much mortgage can I afford?” into Google more than once. It’s one of the most common questions homebuyers have, and for good reason. The answer shapes almost everything else about your home search — from the neighborhoods you consider to the price range […]

FHA vs. Conventional Loan: Which Is Right for You in 2026?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, and one of the first questions many home buyers ask is: Should I choose an FHA loan or a conventional loan? The answer depends on your credit score, down payment, debt-to-income ratio, financial goals, and even how long you plan to stay […]

Pitfalls & Pluses of Doing Business with Family or Friends When Getting a Mortgage

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. Because of that, many homebuyers naturally feel more comfortable working with someone they already know. I hear this frequently: “We’re using a friend.” “My cousin is handling the loan.” And sometimes that works out wonderfully. There are real advantages to […]

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