Mortgage
Jumbo loans: reserves and credit overlays
Above conforming limits, lenders often ask for more assets and history.
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Mortgage
HOA dues in your DTI: what underwriters count
Monthly association fees reduce buying power like other debts.
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Title insurance: owner’s vs. lender’s policy
One-time premiums at closing; coverage types protect different parties.
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Second homes vs. investment property loans
Rates, down payments, and rental income rules are not interchangeable.
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Refinance break-even: a simple month counter
Divide closing costs by monthly savings to see how long you must keep the loan.
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Gift funds for down payment: documentation basics
Lenders want letters and paper trails—plan ahead with donors.
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Home inspection vs. appraisal: different jobs
One protects you as a buyer; the other supports the lender’s collateral check.
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ARM caps and margins: reading the rider
Initial rate, index, and margin together determine future adjustments.
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Cash-out refinance: use cases and LTV limits
Tapping equity resets amortization—model total interest, not just the payment.
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Escrow accounts: taxes and insurance monthly
Shortages trigger payment shocks—review the annual escrow analysis.
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FHA vs. conventional at a glance (educational)
Mortgage insurance, down payment, and credit overlays all differ by program.
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PMI removal on conventional loans: LTV paths
Automatic termination rules differ from borrower-requested removal—know both.
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Rate locks: float down vs. extended lock fees
Market movement and your closing date determine whether extras are worth it.
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First-time buyer programs worth bookmarking
State and local options can pair with conventional loans—eligibility and caps vary widely.
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Points, lender credits, and APR: a quick glossary
Translate closing disclosures into dollars so you can compare offers on equal footing.
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