fha-loans – Bay Area Homebuyer

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…

April 15, 2025

Nicole MacLeish

Applying for a Mortgage, Down Payment

alameda county, contra costa county, Down Payment, fha-loans, finance, first time homebuyer, home-buying, housing-market, loans, mortgage, Real Estate, realtor

Bay Area Home Buyers: New $200k Down Payment Assistance

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…

April 4, 2025

Nicole MacLeish

Applying for a Mortgage, Down Payment, Home Loan Basics

Down Payment, fha-loans, finance, first time homebuyer, home-buying, loans, Real Estate, realtor, usda-loans, va-loans

Let’s break down PMI and MIP

If you’re looking to buy a home, you’ve probably come across the terms PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) and MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium). These are important costs to understand, as they can significantly impact your monthly mortgage payment. Let’s break down what PMI and MIP are, when they apply, and how you can minimize or avoid…

April 2, 2025

Nicole MacLeish

Home Loan Basics

Down Payment, fha-loans, finance, first time homebuyer, home-buying, mortgage, Real Estate, realtor

A Quick Overview of Some Common Loan Options

When it comes to purchasing a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, understanding the various loan options available is crucial. Different loan products cater to different financial situations, credit profiles, and eligibility requirements. Below is an overview of some of the most common loan types: Conventional, FHA, ARM, USDA, and VA loans. 1. Conventional Loans…

March 18, 2025

Nicole MacLeish

Home Loan Basics

Adjustable rate mortgage, Conventional loan, credit-score, FHA Loan, fha-loans, first time homebuyer, home-buying, mortgage, USDA Loan, VA Loan