High-interest credit card debt at 20%+ costs more than a larger down payment saves. Paying it off first can boost your credit score and cut your mortgage rate by 0.25–0.50 percentage points.
Repeat builders often wait too long to lock rates. Lock at contract signing with a 270–360 day extension—the 0.25%–0.75% fee beats rate risk mid-build.
Most lenders require 2 years of documented overtime history before counting it toward your mortgage qualification. Here's how it affects your loan size and rate.
A 5/1 ARM saves roughly $8,400–$9,000 over five years compared to a 30-year fixed on a $375K starter home—but only if you move or refinance before rates adjust.
Refinancing a $400k mortgage from 3% to 6.5% costs $700+ extra per month. Here's when assumption saves money and when refinancing makes sense in divorce.
Teachers and government workers can stack discounts to cut loan rates by 0.5–1.25% below national averages. Here's how to access them without calling traditional banks.
A $75,000 savings account won't lower your rate if your credit score is 640. Lenders ignore cash reserves entirely—here's what actually drives loan pricing.
Fixed-rate loans beat step-rate structures when rates are falling. See why scheduled rate increases can wipe out your savings exactly when refinancing looks best.
A 20-point credit score jump can save thousands on mortgages and auto loans—but only if it crosses a pricing tier. See where the payoff peaks and where it flattens.
Self-employed borrowers with two years of loss carry-forwards don't automatically face rate premiums—underwriters can add back non-recurring NOL losses under Fannie Mae guidelines, preserving conventional pricing.