Applying for a Mortgage
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How Mortgage Rates Are Set: Key Influencing Factors
Understanding the Factors That Influence What You Pay If you’re planning to buy a home or refinance your mortgage, you’ve probably noticed that mortgage rates fluctuate, and often. But how are these rates actually determined? Let’s break down what goes into the calculation of mortgage rates and the major factors that can impact what you…
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Bay Area Home Buyers: New $200k Down Payment Assistance
If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home in the Bay Area but keep hitting a wall when saving for a down payment, there’s some good news on the horizon. A new down payment assistance program is making it a little easier for first-time buyers to literally get their foot in the door. What’s the…
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Pre-Qualified vs Pre-Approved: Key Differences Explained
Chances are you’ve heard the terms pre-qualified and pre-approved thrown around. While they may sound similar, they serve very different purposes in the homebuying process, and understanding the difference can help you shop smarter and with more confidence. What Does It Mean to Be Pre-Qualified? Pre-qualification is often the first step in the mortgage process.…
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How Much Down Payment Do You Really Need to Buy a Home?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make—and for many people, the most intimidating part is the down payment. You’ve probably heard the old rule that you need to put down 20%. But is that really true? Not exactly. The good news is, there are several types of home loans that…
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How Your Credit Score Affects the Mortgage Process – and How to Improve It
If you’re thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the most important factors in the mortgage process. It impacts everything from the interest rate you qualify for to the type of loan options available to you. Understanding how lenders view your credit and how you can improve it could save you…


