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Loan Estimate Explainer
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Sales Contract Explainer
Mortgage Payment Calculator
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FHA Self Sufficiency Calculator
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Discount Points Calculator
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Illinois Transfer Tax Calculator
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Maximum Seller Credit Calculator
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Can a non-permanent resident get a mortgage?
A non-permanent resident of the U.S. can get approved for a mortgage to buy a home. However, the process may have additional requirements compared to U.S. citizens. In this..
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 | 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..
How to Get a DACA Mortgage Loan
Getting a loan to buy a home is easier than you think for people in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In this article, I'll outline the mortgage process..
How to get a mortgage working in the cannabis industry
If you work for a state-legalized marijuana business, getting a mortgage can be challenging. Many lenders don't count cannabis income, which leads to mortgage application..
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.
How to get a mortgage with pending asylum status
In this article, I'll explain how to get approved for a mortgage to buy a home while waiting for the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to decide on your..
How to buy a condo with an FHA loan
Buying a condo with an FHA loan can be tricky. The condo must be FHA-approved. But unfortunately, there are few. The chances of finding one in the neighborhood where you want to..
7-Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (7/6 SOFR ARM)
A 7-year Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) is a home loan with an interest rate that stays the same for the first seven years, followed by adjustments every six months. After seven..
FHA Mortgage Insurance | How much is it? Can you cancel it?
All Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans require mortgage insurance. Homebuyers pay two types of mortgage insurance when purchasing a home using an FHA loan. First, you pay..
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..
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..
FHA Self-Sufficiency Calculator | 3-4 unit properties
An FHA loan is a good option for financing the purchase of a multi-unit property. However, 3-4 unit properties must be self-sufficient, which means they must have a positive cash..
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..
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..
Principal residence, second home, or investment property?
"Occupancy" refers to how you will use the property you plan to buy. Will it be your principal residence, second home, or investment property? Whether or not you will live there..
Can I pay mortgage closing costs with a credit card?
You can use your credit card to pay some of your closing costs when buying a home. But there are limits. I'll give you the details in this article.
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..
Earnest Money | How it works when buying a home
Earnest money shows sellers you're interested in buying their house. It's a small amount, like 1% to 3% of the house price, that you deposit upfront when offering to buy the..
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,..
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,..
Can you get a mortgage if you're already a co-signer?
As a co-signer, you've committed to another person's financial obligation to the loan. You probably co-signed a car loan, student loan, or mortgage to help out a friend or..
Homeowners Insurance | How much do you need for a mortgage?
When buying a home, you must purchase a homeowner's insurance policy that meets the lender's requirements. Homeowner's insurance protects you and the lender in an accident or..
Why a verified mortgage pre-approval is better
In this article, I explain how a verified pre-approval letter improves your chances of getting the home you want.
When should you get pre-approved for a mortgage?
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is generally a good idea before you start looking for a real estate agent or viewing homes to buy.
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..
Notice of Intent to Proceed
The mortgage lender must honor the terms of the Loan Estimate for ten days. If you wait more than ten days after receiving a Loan Estimate to give your intent to proceed, the..
Can you get a mortgage if you work through a staffing agency?
If you work for a staffing agency, you might need help buying a house. Most banks won't use your staffing agency income to approve your mortgage. And, unfortunately, without a..
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