Commonly known as “in-law” or “mother-daughter” units, accessory apartments are small living spaces within a single-family home that are rented out. In the past, rental income on apartments within a single-family home could not be counted as qualifying income for a mortgage. The newest programs from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as FHA…

Housing industry studies have shown that the number one barrier to buying a home is the lack of down payment funds. Interest rates are at their lowest in years, and home prices keep rising. Down payment assistance can make a difference between buying a home how– or  waiting years. Across the nation, there are cities…

Here’s another advantage to installing energy improvements in your home. Not only are you helping the environment and saving money, you can boost your loan affordability. Many conventional and government-insured mortgage programs allow debt-to-income (DTI) ratios to expand by two percentage points for borrowers who install energy-efficient features in their home. For applicants earning around…

“Sweat equity,” is a form of investment that replaces cash toward the down payment on a home. The amount of sweat equity is based on the buyer’s contribution of labor, plus reimbursement of any materials purchased. If you have the chance to buy a “fixer-upper,” you can cover all–or part of your down payment with…

Mortgage interest rates have been dropping, and currently hovering at 3 ½ percent. Over the past 12 months, the overall rate decline for 30-year fixed rate loans has reached one percent. There are many people who are financially qualified to make a purchase, but just can’t seem to find the right home in their price…

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