What Happens to Your ARM Rate When the Index It’s Tied to Gets Discontinued
Over $1.3 trillion in U.S. consumer ARMs were affected when LIBOR was phased out. Federal rules now require lenders to substitute a comparable index — here's how that works.
Category Interest Rate
How a Medical Debt Collection on Your Report Quietly Raises Your Next Loan Rate
One unpaid medical collection can drop your FICO score 50–100 points and push your personal loan rate up by 3–5 percentage points before a lender even calls you.
How Newly Divorced Borrowers Can Rebuild Their Rate Profile Before Applying for a Loan
Divorce splits your joint credit profile overnight. Fixing errors, cutting DTI below 36%, and building solo history can reset your rate in as little as 6–12 months.
Mortgage Rates for Retirees Using Investment Portfolio Income
Retirees with documented investment income qualify for conventional rates around 6.8–7.1%, same as salaried borrowers. Asset-depletion programs add 0.25–1.00 points.
Does Part-Time Income Lower Your Loan Interest Rate?
Part-time income won't change your base rate, but verified earnings over 12–24 months can lower your debt-to-income ratio and unlock better rate tiers.
5 Rate Negotiation Mistakes Repeat Homebuyers Make on Second Mortgages
Second mortgages carry 0.25–0.75% rate premiums, and repeat buyers often use first-home tactics that backfire. See what actually works when negotiating your second mortgage.
Shift Differential Income and Loan Rates: Why Your Lender Won’t Count It Like You Think
Lenders treat shift differential as variable pay, not guaranteed income. You need 24 months of consistent history to maximize what counts—here's how nurses and shift workers can qualify for better rates.
Discount Points vs Lender Credits: Which Rate Trade-Off Wins Based on How Long You Stay
Discount points win if you stay 6+ years; lender credits beat them in under 4 years. See the break-even math and closing costs that matter.
Why Lenders Charge 0.25% to 2% More When You Own Multiple Financed Properties
Own 5+ financed properties? Expect 0.25%–2% rate hikes due to reserve requirements and lender overlays that conventional guidelines don't require.
Construction-to-Permanent Loan Rates vs Standard Mortgages: What You’ll Actually Pay
Construction-to-permanent loans cost 0.75–2% more than standard mortgages, but one closing can save $3,000–$8,000. See the real numbers for August 2024.