Who is the best mortgage lender in Chicago?

NewCastle Home Loans is a top choice for Chicago buyers who need a fast, reliable, and competitively priced mortgage.

What is loan-to-value (LTV) for a mortgage? How to calculate LTV

Loan-to-Value | How to calculate LTV for a mortgage

Loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is a measure that compares the amount of the mortgage loan to the value of the property. Lenders use it to determine the risk of lending you money for a..

Earnest Money Deposit Explained Chicago Homebuyers

What Is Earnest Money When Buying a Home?

An earnest money depositis money a homebuyer submits with a purchase offer to show serious intent to buy a property.

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,..

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..

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,..

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..

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,..

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.

Can I get a mortgage if I owe federal tax debt to the IRS?

Can you get a mortgage if you owe federal tax debt to the IRS?

Owing federal tax debt makes it harder to get approved for a mortgage, but it’s not impossible to get a home loan with this debt factored in. With careful planning, you can still..

Mixed-use 2-to-4 units FHA loan Jim Quist NewCastle Home Loans

How to buy a mixed-use property with an FHA loan

Home buyers can use an FHA loan to buy a mixed-use, multi-unit property with a down payment of only 3.5% of the property's purchase price. FHA's low down payment option and..

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..

Mortgage Guide

All the information you need to buy a home.

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