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Mortgage Guide

All the information you need to buy a home.

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    Mortgage homeowner's insurance

    How homeowner’s insurance works when you have a mortgage

    When you buy a home, your lender will require a homeowner’s insurance policy to protect both you and the property. In this guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right coverage,..

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    VA loan closing costs Chicago

    How much are closing costs on a VA loan?

    Buying a home with a VA loan means you won’t need a down payment. But what about closing costs?

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    VA Loan Credit Score 580 or higher

    VA loan credit score 580+

    Think your credit score is too low for a VA loan? You may still qualify, with a score as low as 580. Here's how it works.

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    Mortgage insurance FHA Loan

    How much is mortgage insurance for an FHA loan?

    Buying a home with an FHA loan means paying two types of mortgage insurance: a one-time upfront fee at closing and a monthly premium added to your payment. In this guide, you’ll..

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    Mortgages for non-permanent residents with a pending asylum status

    How to get a mortgage with pending asylum status

    Can asylum seekers get a mortgage to buy a home? Yes—but there are some additional steps and important rules to be aware of. In this article, you’ll learn how to qualify for a..

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    Chicago real estate transfer tax calculator

    Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculator | Chicago metro area

    Real estate transfer taxes are fees that the state, counties, and local municipalities charge buyers and sellers when transferring property ownership. Use our real estate transfer..

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    Mortgage staffing agency worker

    Can I get a mortgage if I work through a temp or staffing agency?

    Yes, you can get a mortgage if you work through a staffing agency. But there’s a catch. Most big banks and online lenders won't count your staffing agency income when approving..

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    Stop Mortgage Trigger Leads

    Mortgage trigger leads: How to stop unwanted sales calls

    Mortgage trigger leads can result in a deluge of unwanted sales calls. You apply for a home loan with a lender you trust, and suddenly, your phone rings nonstop with offers from..

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    rental income investment property mortgage

    How future rental income can help you buy an investment property

    When buying an investment property, you can use a portion of the future rental income to help you get approved for the mortgage. However, only some real estate investors can use..

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    Mortgage Insurance How much is PMI?

    Mortgage Insurance | How much is PMI?

    The cost of private mortgage insurance (PMI) varies depending on several factors, including the lender. Some lenders charge more than others for the same PMI. In this article,..

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    Can the real estate agent also be the loan officer?

    Can the real estate agent also be the loan officer?

    You can simultaneously hold licenses as a real estate agent and a mortgage loan officer in Illinois. Under certain conditions, you can also serve as the agent and the loan officer..

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    Mortgage Contingency Real Estate Sales Contract Jim Quist NewCastle Home Loans

    Mortgage Contingency | How it works when buying a home

    In this article, I'll explain the mortgage contingency, show you where to find it in a real estate contract, and tell you why you need to know about it when buying a house. First,..

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