Finance

What Income Do Banks Look at When Buying A House?

Mortgage lenders consider factors like a strong credit report, steady income and employment, a savings buffer, an adequate down payment and the ideal loan type. Youve found your dream home and youre ready to make whats probably the biggest purchase of your life. While a lucky few can pay for a home with cash, most … Read more

Can You Switch from an FHA Loan to a Conventional Loan?

You can refinance an FHA loan to a conventional mortgage, and it may be worth it if you’ll reap a specific financial benefit — like lowering your monthly mortgage payments, saving on overall interest charges or reducing your mortgage insurance costs. However, you’ll also need to meet more stringent qualifying requirements in order to trade … Read more

should retirees pay cash for a house

Paying off the mortgage after 30 years was a rite of passage for Americans approaching retirement age, but this once-common scenario is no longer the norm. According to research from Fannie Maes Economic and Strategic Research Group, baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1965, are carrying more mortgage debt than earlier generations and are … Read more

Can I Use My Credit Cards While Closing on a House?

“Expert verified” means that our Financial Review Board thoroughly evaluated the article for accuracy and clarity. The Review Board comprises a panel of financial experts whose objective is to ensure that our content is always objective and balanced. Bankrate is always editorially independent. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to … Read more