Conforming Loan Limit Rises to $832,750 Amid Lowest Home Price Growth Since 2012

Both the FHFA and the S&P/Cotality Case-Shiller home-price indices released new data this week. The message remains consistent: home prices are still higher than a year ago, but the pace of appreciation continues to slow. FHFA’s national index shows prices up 1.7% year-over-year and flat 0.0% mo

How Long Is a Mortgage Preapproval Good For? Timeline, Tips, and What to Do If It Expires

If you’re planning to buy a home, getting preapproved for a mortgage is one of the most important early steps. But many buyers don’t realize these letters don’t last forever — and an expired preapproval can slow down your home search, whether you’re exploring a home for sale in San Diego, CA or eyei

Lender-Paid Mortgage Insurance (LPMI): What It Is, How It Works & Whether It’s Worth It

If you’re planning to buy a home with less than 20% down—whether you’re browsing a house for sale in Seattle, WA or checking out a home in Austin, TX—you’ll likely encounter mortgage insurance in some form. Most buyers are familiar with borrower-paid mortgage insurance (BPMI), the monthly PMI you pa

Settlement Statement vs Closing Disclosure: What’s the Difference?

When you’re preparing to close on a home, you’ll receive several final documents outlining your loan terms, closing costs, and the exact amount each party must pay or receive. Two of the most important are the closing disclosure and the settlement statement (also called an ALTA settlement statement