Mortgage Guide

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Loan Estimate Explainer

What is debt to income ratio when buying a home?

Sales Contract Explainer

What is loan-to-Value when buying a home?

Mortgage Payment Calculator

FHA Self Sufficiency Calculator

Discount Points Calculator

Illinois Transfer Tax Calculator

When should I get pre-approved for a mortgage?

Maximum Seller Credit Calculator

When should I start shopping for a mortgage rate?

Mortgage debt-to-income ratio Calculate DTI

Debt-to-Income Ratio | How to calculate DTI

The debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares your debt to your income. Lenders use it to decide how much you can borrow for a home.

Seller Credit Mortgage Purchase Illinois

Seller Credit | Can the seller pay the homebuyer's closing costs?

This article explains how the seller can pay your closing costs when buying a house. You'll learn how they work, when to ask for them, and how to avoid common mistakes.

How a mortgage co-signer can help you buy a home

If your income or credit history isn't enough to secure a mortgage, adding a co-signer to your application can improve your chances of approval. This article will guide you..

Multi family property mortgage, 2-4 unit home loan

2-to-4-Unit Home | How to buy a multi-unit property

Multi-family, 2-to-4-unit homes are affordable and surprisingly easy to buy.

Illinois mortgage loan limits for 2025

The 2025 Illinois loan limits for conventional, FHA, and VA mortgages determine how much you can borrow depending on the type of loan and property you're buying.

Gift Letter | How to use gift funds for buying a home

This guide explains how to document gift funds for a mortgage and meet lender requirements. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth home-buying process.

Down Payment | How much is a down payment on a house?

Most first-time homebuyers need a down payment of at least 3% of the property's purchase price.

Mortgage Rate Lock | How do rate locks work?

Interest rates fluctuate. A mortgage rate lock freezes your interest rate for a set time, protecting you if it rises. As a result, you know how much your loan will cost before..

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..

How a mortgage credit check affects your score

Multiple inquiries from mortgage companies within 45 days are grouped and counted as a single inquiry, which minimizes the impact on your credit score. In this article, I'll show..

Mortgage Discount Points | Calculator

Paying mortgage discount points is a way to lower your interest rate. You pay a lump sum at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate on your home loan. Points allow you to..

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,..