Tag Archive for: down payment

5 Reasons to Put Less Money Down

We often have borrowers who want to put as much down as humanly possible – to minimize their housing payment. But – we often talk them out of it for […]Read More

California Giving Away Down Payment Funds For Free!

We have received a ton of questions recently regarding the California Housing Finance Agency's (CalHFA) new program that offers a 10%, forgivable, interest-free loan to first-time homebuyers. So, we want to clarify the program's guidelines and touch on some serious tradeoffs buyers should consider.Read More

17 Ways to Lower Debt Ratios and/or Garner More Funds

I blogged recently about 8 Ways to Lower Debt Ratios When Rates Are Climbing – and I got numerous additional suggestions from a friend who owns a mortgage bank (Apex […]Read More

8 Ways to Lower Debt Ratios When Rates Are High

With rates rising so quickly, “debt ratios” are becoming a major issue for many borrowers. Hence, I am repeating this past blog where I set out various ways to lower […]Read More

What’s The Minimum Down Payment In The Bay Area?

Homebuyers have several options when it comes to the size of their down payment. The minimum amount required varies from one mortgage program to another. Here we’ll examine the minimum down payments required for a conventional mortgage in California.Read More

Down Payment Assistance Programs for Healthcare Workers

Buying a home while also being a healthcare worker can be difficult, especially for those who want to buy a home in California. The added stress of managing your finances to fund your down payment can make a home loan seem incredibly daunting. Luckily there are some excellent Down Payment Assistance programs in California (comprised of forgivable loans as well as grant programs).Read More

12 Tips For First-Time Homebuyers

Many first-time homebuyers are excited about the opportunity to invest in themselves and begin building generational wealth through their home's equity. Here are JVM's best tips for first-time homebuyers, founded on our team's expansive knowledge and experience with helping thousands of homebuyers navigate the mortgage process.Read More

Can Borrowers “Roll Closing Costs Into The Loan?” 1,000 Five-Star Reviews!

Buyers and agents frequently ask us if we can “roll closing costs” into the loan – particularly when buyers are tight on cash. Today was no exception when an agent asked if her buyer, with 100% USDA financing for a $94,000 purchase (in Texas, in case you’re wondering 😊), could roll his closing costs into his loan. Our answer was unfortunately “no,” but there are other options.Read More

14 Factors That Impact Your Mortgage Rate

We often have buyers or agents ask: “What is your 15-year rate today?” Or “What is today’s interest rate?” We always respond by explaining there is “no single rate” because […]Read More

How To Avoid PMI With Less Than 20% Down

It is possible to purchase a home with less than 20% down and avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI). Homebuyers have many options when it comes to their loan’s down payment amount. Many borrowers are not aware of the amount of flexibility within the mortgage industry.Read More

Down Payment Assistance Options For California Homebuyers

Saving up with the funds for a down payment can be difficult. Luckily, there are some mortgage down payment assistance options available to California homebuyers that are seeking as little as zero down. In California, the two most popular 0% down loan options are:Read More

Minimum Down Payment for a ‘Typical’ Home

Many homebuyers want to know what is the minimum down payment they need to purchase a home. These are some scenarios for homebuyers who are interested in buying a home in California or Texas.Read More

How To Minimize Your Down Payment

Homebuyers don't have to use a 20% down payment when purchasing a home. These are some tips on how you can minimize your home's down payment.Read More

Five Down Payment Choices for First-Time Homebuyers

A big part of buying a home is coming up with a down payment, but oftentimes there are many misconceptions surrounding down payment requirements. If you are a first-time homebuyer, there are many options for the details of your mortgage loan and down payment. Here are five things all first-time homebuyers should know about down payments.Read More