A million-dollar home may not sound especially extravagant anymore, at least not in markets where average home prices flirt with seven figures. But while that kind of listing price might feel like the norm, the monthly payment on a $1 million mortgage can still deliver serious sticker shock. Interest rates, down payment sizes, loan types, taxes, insurance, and fees all stack up fast, and the difference between “affordable on paper” and “comfortable to live with” is often thousands of dollars a month. St ...

Although mortgage rates may be rising, that can be good news for your savings. Some banks and credit unions are paying as much as 4% annual percentage yield (APY) on select accounts. Consider stashing your savings in one of the following:The median down payment for all homebuyers is 19%, according to the National Association of Realtors . First-time homebuyers make a median down payment of 10%.Once you’ve decided how much home you can afford , you can start deciding how much to put down on your house and ma ...

Core Insights - FHA loan limits have increased for 2026, with limits for single-family homes ranging from $541,287 to $1,249,125 depending on the area [2][3][6] Group 1: FHA Loan Limits - The FHA loan limits for one-unit homes are set at $541,287 for most areas and can go up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas [3] - For two-unit homes, the limits are $693,050 in most areas and $1,599,375 in high-cost areas [3] - The limits for three-unit homes are $837,700 for most areas and $1,933,200 for high-cost areas [3] - For four-unit homes, the limits are $1,041,125 in most areas and $2,402,625 in high-cost areas [3] Group 2: Determination of FHA Loan Limits - FHA loan limits are determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) based on conforming loan limits and local home prices [5] - The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) establishes the conforming loan limits each year, which influence the FHA limits [5] Group 3: FHA Loan Characteristics - FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and typically have more lenient qualification requirements compared to conventional loans [6] - FHA loan limits vary by location, with the general range for single-family homes in 2026 being between $541,287 and $1,249,125 [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses strategies for purchasing a home with a low income, emphasizing the importance of improving credit scores, managing debt-to-income ratios, and exploring various loan options and assistance programs. Group 1: Improving Financial Standing - Improving credit scores is crucial for mortgage approval, as lenders assess creditworthiness and set minimum score requirements [2][3] - Lowering the debt-to-income (DTI) ratio increases the likelihood of mortgage approval, with the 28/36 rule being a common guideline [4][5] Group 2: Budgeting and Costs - Calculating a home-buying budget involves understanding both front-end and back-end DTI ratios, with preferred ratios being 28% for front-end and 36% for back-end [6] - Homeownership costs extend beyond the mortgage payment to include property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, which should be factored into the budget [8] Group 3: Saving and Loan Options - Saving for a down payment and closing costs is essential, with options available for low down payments, such as 3% for certain loans [9][10] - Researching and shopping for mortgage lenders in advance can help identify suitable loan options and prequalification opportunities [11][12] Group 4: Co-signers and Loan Types - Adding a co-signer can enhance the chances of mortgage approval for individuals with low income, as lenders consider both parties' financial profiles [13][14] - Government-backed loans, such as FHA, VA, and USDA loans, offer flexible terms and lower down payment requirements, making them suitable for low-income buyers [15] Group 5: Assistance Programs - Various mortgage assistance programs are available to help low-income and first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs [17][19] - The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program allows eligible individuals to use Section 8 vouchers for home purchases, providing additional financial support [18]

Core Insights - Self-employed individuals can qualify for mortgage loans, but they face unique challenges in proving stable and sufficient income [2][9] General Mortgage Requirements for Self-Employed Buyers - Good credit, sufficient income, and stable employment are essential for self-employed borrowers [2] - Minimum credit score for conventional loans is typically 620, while FHA loans can allow scores as low as 500 with a 10% down payment [4] - Debt-to-income (DTI) ratio should ideally be around 36%, but some lenders may accept ratios up to 50% with a strong credit score [5] - Minimum down payment for conventional loans ranges from 3% to 5%, with FHA loans requiring 3.5% and VA/USDA loans having no down payment requirement [6] Income Verification for Self-Employed Borrowers - Lenders require proof of at least two years of self-employment income through tax returns and financial statements [7] - Self-employed income is typically assessed using a two-year average of net income, which is gross revenue minus business expenses [8][16] - Self-employed individuals who minimize taxable income may struggle to show sufficient income for mortgage applications [9] Options for Self-Employed Borrowers - Non-qualified mortgages (non-QM) offer flexible income verification methods but may come with higher interest rates [10] - Bank statement programs allow lenders to average deposits over 12 to 24 months, providing an alternative for those who do not qualify using tax returns [11] Steps to Secure a Mortgage as a Self-Employed Individual - Applicants should provide various documents to prove self-employment and enhance their financial profile, including tax returns, profit and loss statements, and business licenses [12] - Applying with a co-signer or co-borrower with a strong credit history can improve chances of approval [13] - Preapproval from multiple lenders is advisable to compare offers and understand varying income requirements [14] FAQs on Self-Employed Mortgages - Lenders typically require two years of stable income, which can be demonstrated through personal or business tax returns [15] - Net income is used for assessment, providing a clearer picture of available cash after expenses [16] - Mortgage rates for self-employed borrowers depend on credit score, DTI ratio, and perceived risk by the lender [17]

Core Insights - FHA loans are government-backed mortgages designed to make homeownership more accessible for borrowers with limited down payment funds and less-than-ideal credit histories [1] - The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) sets annual loan limits that vary by county and property type, reflecting changes in home prices [4][5] FHA Loan Limits - The FHA loan limit for 2025 is determined based on the national conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which is $806,500 for one-unit properties [4] - The lowest FHA loan limit in 2025 is $524,225, which is 65% of the national conforming loan limit, while the ceiling for high-cost areas is $1,209,750, calculated as 150% of the conforming loan limit [5] Comparison with Conforming Loans - FHA loan limits are generally lower than those for conforming loans, with a maximum FHA loan amount of $524,225 for single-family homes compared to $806,500 for conforming loans in most counties [6] FHA Loan Requirements - FHA loans require a minimum credit score of 580 for a 3.5% down payment, while a score between 500 and 580 necessitates a 10% down payment [7] - Lenders typically prefer a debt-to-income (DTI) ratio below 43%, although some may accept higher ratios depending on other financial factors [7] Additional Considerations - FHA loans require mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs) regardless of the down payment amount, including an upfront MIP of 1.75% of the loan amount and ongoing annual MIP [9][12] - Properties financed with FHA loans must meet specific appraisal standards to ensure they meet the FHA Minimum Property Standards [12]

Core Insights - A piggyback loan involves taking out a second mortgage alongside a primary mortgage to finance a home purchase, allowing buyers to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI) and jumbo loans [2][3][5] Summary by Sections Definition and Structure - A piggyback loan consists of two mortgages: the primary mortgage typically covers 80% of the home price, while the piggyback loan covers a portion of the down payment, often structured as 80-10-10 [2][6][7] Scenarios for Use - Piggyback loans are beneficial for buyers who cannot afford a 20% down payment to avoid PMI, which can cost between $30 to $70 per $100,000 borrowed [3] - They are also useful for purchasing homes exceeding the conforming loan limit, which is $806,500 in 2025 and will rise to $832,750 in 2026 [4] Types of Piggyback Loans - Piggyback loans can be structured as home equity loans or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), with home equity loans providing a lump sum and HELOCs offering a revolving line of credit [9][10][11] Pros and Cons - Advantages include lower upfront cash requirements, avoidance of PMI, and the ability to stay within conforming loan limits [12][18] - Disadvantages include potentially higher interest rates on the second mortgage, stricter qualification requirements, and the need to pay closing costs for both loans [12][18] Qualification Criteria - Qualifying for a piggyback loan typically requires a good credit score (usually 700 or higher) and a debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of 43% or lower [15][16] Alternatives to Piggyback Loans - Alternatives include FHA loans, USDA loans, VA loans, and conventional loans with lower down payment options, which may be more accessible for some buyers [19][20][21][22] Refinancing Options - Piggyback loans can be refinanced to obtain lower interest rates or consolidate into a single mortgage, but this typically requires a good credit score and sufficient home equity [23]

Core Insights - The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has been insuring home loans since 1934, making it easier for lenders to issue mortgages, particularly to first-time home buyers and low-to-moderate-income households [1][3] - FHA loans are designed to extend homeownership opportunities to borrowers with lower credit scores or higher debt levels [3] FHA Loan Requirements - Borrowers must have a minimum credit score of 500 to qualify for an FHA loan, with a down payment requirement of 10% for scores between 500-579 and 3.5% for scores of 580 or higher [5] - The maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio for FHA loans is typically 43%, although higher ratios may be acceptable with strong credit scores or other compensating factors [6] FHA Loan Limits - For 2025, the FHA borrowing limit for a single-family home is set at $524,225 in most areas, with a maximum of $1,209,750 in high-cost areas [7] - In Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the Virgin Islands, the loan ceiling is even higher at $1,814,625 for a single-family home [8] Mortgage Insurance Requirements - FHA loans require borrowers to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIPs), including an upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) of 1.75% and an annual premium as part of monthly payments [10] - If the down payment is less than 10%, MIP must be paid for the life of the loan; if 10% or more is put down, MIP can be canceled after 11 years [11] Home Appraisal - An FHA loan requires a home appraisal by an FHA-approved appraiser to ensure the property meets market value and HUD's minimum property standards [12] Income Requirements - There are no minimum or maximum income requirements set by the government for FHA loans, but lenders will assess affordability through the debt-to-income ratio [13] Disqualification Factors - Disqualification for an FHA loan can occur if the credit score is below 500, the DTI ratio exceeds 43%, or there is insufficient down payment [14] Qualification Difficulty - Qualifying for an FHA loan is generally easier than for a conventional mortgage due to lower credit score requirements and higher allowable DTI ratios, although FHA loans may incur higher costs due to ongoing mortgage insurance premiums [15]

Core Insights - SoFi is an online mortgage lender and bank that provides a wide range of banking, investing, and borrowing options, including various mortgage products, but its rates are slightly higher than most competitors and it lacks physical locations [1][6] Mortgage Products - SoFi offers several types of home loans, including conventional, FHA, VA, jumbo, and HELOCs, but does not provide USDA or home equity loans [6][9] - The mortgage application process is fully online or over the phone, with no physical branches available [6][21] Key Features - Notable features of SoFi's mortgage offerings include lengthy mortgage rate locks of 91 days, free rate float-downs if market rates fall by 25 basis points or more, and a close-on-time guarantee that provides up to $10,000 in credits if the loan does not close on time [2][6][9] - SoFi allows borrowers to access up to 90% of their home's equity through HELOCs and home equity loans, with a maximum borrowing limit of $500,000 [15] Loan Costs and Rates - SoFi's mortgage rates are reported to be higher than the median, with a score of 2 out of 5 stars for mortgage rates, indicating a higher-than-median mortgage rate of 6.625% [20] - The total loan costs score is 3 out of 5 stars, with average total loan costs reported at $5,275.852 [20] Online Features and Tools - The online platform provides various tools for homebuyers, including mortgage calculators, FAQs, and educational resources to assist in the mortgage process [23][24] - SoFi offers a verified preapproval program that allows potential borrowers to see their interest rates quickly through a soft credit pull [22] Comparison with Competitors - Compared to other lenders like Better Mortgage and Rocket Mortgage, SoFi offers similar loan options and buyer incentives, but lacks some unique features such as rapid closing times and down payment assistance programs [26][27]

Core Insights - A conforming loan is a common type of conventional mortgage that adheres to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) loan limits and is typically backed by government-sponsored enterprises like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae [2][11] Loan Types and Limits - The FHFA sets annual conforming loan limits, with the 2025 limit at $806,500 for single-unit dwellings in most of the U.S., and higher limits for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands at $1,209,750 [7] - The 2026 limits are set to increase to $832,750 for one-unit dwellings and $1,249,125 for high-cost areas [7] Qualification Criteria - To qualify for a conforming loan, borrowers typically need a minimum credit score of 620, a down payment of at least 3%, and must meet specific debt-to-income (DTI) ratio requirements, which can be as high as 50% under certain conditions [5][12] Comparison with Non-Conforming Loans - Non-conforming loans differ from conforming loans by offering more flexibility in borrowing limits and payment schedules, and they are not backed by Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae [5] - Jumbo loans are a type of non-conforming loan for larger amounts, requiring higher credit scores and proof of affordability [6] Advantages and Disadvantages - Conforming loans generally offer lower interest rates compared to jumbo loans, and many lenders allow a lower down payment of 3% [16] - However, borrowers cannot finance homes above the FHFA's conforming loan limits, necessitating a jumbo loan for higher-priced properties [16]