The 20% Rule for Down Payments

A good down payment can save you money in the long run. The traditional rule of thumb has been 20% down on a house. Putting at least 20% down can help you in several ways: 1. Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Any borrower who puts down less than 20% is required by the lender to carry…

Ways to Increase Your Down Payment

Saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest barriers to home ownership, and with lenders tightening credit over the past few years, a substantial down payment is even more crucial to securing a home loan. However, that’s not to say you cannot secure financing without a large upfront investment. Many mortgage lenders…

Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

This will be a great year for first-time homebuyers. With so many houses on the market, and mortgage rates so low, buyers can find great deals. Here are a couple of tips for those looking to buy their first house: 1) Talk with a loan officer from a local mortgage company (such as Keystone Mortgage)…