The Top Hidden Costs When Buying a Home

If you’re planning to buy a home, one of the most important questions on your mind is probably: What credit score do I need to qualify for a mortgage? I’m here to save you hours of research and give you the real facts that matter most. We’ll cover the minimum credit score requirements for various loan types, from conventional to FHA, VA, USDA, and portfolio loans. Plus, read to the end for a bonus tip on how to boost your credit score by 40 to 50 points—fast! Understanding Credit Scores for Mortgages  Not all credit scores are created equal. While you may see one score when checking your credit card or car loan, the FICO score used for mortgages could be different. There are over three dozen FICO models, but 90% of lenders rely on one specific version for mortgages. 💡 Pro Tip: The best way to know your mortgage FICO score is to check with a licensed mortgage lender. Minimum Credit Score Requirements by Loan Type

Are you exploring loan options and wondering if an FHA loan might be right for you? If you need leniency on credit, higher debt-to-income ratios, or have faced past credit challenges like bankruptcy or foreclosure, an FHA loan could be the key to achieving your homeownership dreams. Let’s unpack the details of FHA loans, including the latest 2025 updates, their unique benefits, and factors to consider. What Is an FHA Loan? FHA stands for the Federal Housing Administration, a government-backed entity that has been making homeownership more accessible since 1934. During its inception, only 1 in 10 people were homeowners. Today, that number has risen to 6 in 10, thanks in part to initiatives like FHA loans. FHA loans are designed to help borrowers with less-than-perfect credit or other financial challenges qualify for home financing. Every year, FHA adjusts its loan limits based on home value trends, providing a flexible and accessible option for buyers nationwide. FHA Loan Limits for 2025  In 2025, FHA loan limits have increased by approximately 5-6%, reflecting rising home prices across the country. For a one-unit property, the baseline limit is $524,225. However, limits can go much higher in high-cost areas like California, New York, and New Jersey. In these regions, FHA loans can reach up to $1,209,000 for a one-unit property. If you’re curious about the FHA loan limit in your county, use this handy lookup tool . FHA also allows financing for two, three, or four-unit properties with higher limits. This makes it a versatile choice for those interested in multi-family homes.

Are you curious about how conventional conforming loans work and how they might apply to you? Each year, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) reevaluates loan limits across the United States based on housing market trends. For 2025, these loan limits have increased again, making it easier for buyers to access affordable financing options with low down payments. This post dives deep into the latest updates, the benefits and drawbacks of conventional loans, and tips for maximizing your mortgage potential. What Are Conventional Conforming Loans?  You may hear the term Conventional Loan, or Conforming Loan or Conventional Conforming Loan. They are all the same. A conventional loan is a mortgage not backed by a government agency like FHA or VA loans. The term "conforming" refers to loans that adhere to the lending standards set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac , including loan size limits. For 2025, the baseline conforming loan limit is $806,500 , up from $762,000 in 2024. For high-cost areas, the maximum is $1,209,000 , making homeownership more accessible in regions with soaring property values. How Loan Limits Are Determined The formula for determining loan limits is based on the Housing Price Index (HPI) calculated by the FHFA. Here's how it works: The HPI for the third quarter of the current year is compared to the same period the year before. The percentage increase in home values dictates how much loan limits rise. In high-cost areas (think California, New York, and parts of Virginia), limits are adjusted to reflect regional property values. Areas like Hawaii, Alaska, and Key West, Florida , also fall into the high-cost category.

Struggling with your mortgage servicer can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. When facing financial struggles many homeowners struggle with the ability to effectively communicate with their servicer. It feels like hitting a brick wall. Unfortunately, this issue is more common than you might think. Most U.S. mortgage loans are managed by just a handful of large companies. Problems such as payment misapplication or lack of clarity can arise. If you’re in this situation, don’t lose hope—there are clear steps and reliable resources to help you. The Reality: Arlene’s Story Let me share the story of Arlene, a 70-year-old homeowner who found herself in a financial dilemma. A few years ago, Arlene successfully completed a loan modification and had been diligently making her payments. Recently, however, her mortgage was sold to another servicing company. Suddenly, payments were misapplied, and she began receiving late notices that were reported to credit bureaus. She was trying to get things fixed, but she was struggling with her efforts. Alone and unsure where to turn, Arlene’s situation highlights the challenges many borrowers face when trying to resolve errors with their servicer. Unfortunately, due to the late payments recorded on her credit report, refinancing with another lender was not an option for Arlene. However, there were steps she could take to address the issue directly with her current servicer and escalate the matter if needed. Key Steps to Resolve Issues with Your Mortgage Servicer If you find yourself in a similar situation, follow these tips to address the problem effectively. 1. Document Everything Keeping accurate and detailed records is critical. Start by saving every piece of correspondence, including emails, letters, and even screenshots of app communications. Most servicers will send you written communication—even if you’ve opted for electronic statements. These documents can become vital if you need to escalate the issue or provide proof of your efforts. Keep track of the dates you spoke to representatives. 2. Request Representative Identification Numbers Whenever you speak with a representative, ask for their name and ID number. This step ensures accountability and provides you with a way to track your interactions. If you need to follow up, referencing the representative’s name and ID can expedite the process. 3. Escalate When Necessary If your attempts to resolve the issue with the initial representative are unsuccessful, request to escalate your case. Use specific language, such as: "I would like to please escalate my file." "’I’d like to speak with your supervisor or manager please" Escalating your case often connects you with someone who has more decision-making authority and can provide additional support. 4. Stay Calm and Professional While it’s easy to feel frustrated or even angry, remaining calm and professional can make a significant difference. Representatives are human, and an aggressive or confrontational tone may hinder their willingness to assist. Mortgage companies generally want to avoid foreclosures—they’re more interested in helping you find a resolution. Being respectful and composed will make it easier for them to work with you. If you need to, tell them you have to put them on hold for a few seconds, put them on mute, take a few breaths to focus yourself on the task at hand, and then go back to the phone call. 5. Get a File Number When your issue is escalated, ensure you receive a case or file number. This number is critical for tracking the progress of your complaint and allows you to quickly reference your case if you need to call back. Ask for the name of the department you are talking to, as some corporations are very large and getting to the right department can be challenging. What to Do If Communication Fails If your mortgage servicer remains unresponsive or unhelpful despite your best efforts, don’t give up. You have additional resources available to escalate your complaint to higher authorities. File a Complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) The CFPB is a government agency tasked with protecting consumers in the financial marketplace, including the mortgage industry. To file a complaint: Visit ConsumerFinance.gov . Click on “Submit a Complaint” in the top-right corner. Create a login to access the complaint submission form. Upload any supporting documentation, such as letters, payment records, and notes from your interactions with your servicer. Clearly describe your desired resolution. For example, you might ask that your payment history be corrected or that a misapplied payment be refunded. Be realistic, fair, and keep to the facts. The CFPB will forward your complaint to the mortgage servicer and require them to respond within a specific timeframe. This process often helps expedite resolutions. Reach Out to HUD for Free Counseling The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers free resources and counseling to homeowners in need. HUD-certified counselors are trained to assist with mortgage issues and can provide guidance tailored to your situation. Visit HUD.gov . Use the search bar to locate services related to complaints or assistance. Many HUD counselors offer live chat or phone support to address your concerns in real-time. Why These Resources Matter  Both the CFPB and HUD are designed to protect homeowners like you. They serve as watchdogs for the mortgage industry, ensuring that servicers adhere to legal standards and treat borrowers fairly. The best part? These resources are free to use. Whether you file a formal complaint with the CFPB or seek counseling through HUD, you don’t need to worry about additional expenses during an already stressful time.

Are you considering buying a home that needs a little TLC, or do you want to refinance your current home and roll in improvement costs? The FHA 203(k) loan could be the perfect solution. This unique loan product allows homeowners to combine the cost of a mortgage with home improvement expenses, making it a great choice for those looking to upgrade or renovate their primary residence. What is an FHA 203(k) Loan? An FHA 203(k) loan is essentially a construction loan with a low down payment and flexible credit requirements, designed for primary residences with 1-4 units. It’s governed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This loan allows you to finance the purchase or refinance of a property when you are rolling in at least $5,000 in eligible home improvement costs. Whether it’s new paint, carpets, landscaping, foundation repairs, or even a full remodel, the FHA 203(k) loan makes it possible to transform your home while keeping costs manageable. How Does an FHA 203(k) Loan Work? Here’s how the process works: Identify Your Costs: Whether you're purchasing or refinancing, you’ll need a contractor to provide a detailed bid for the improvements. Your lender and realtor can help connect you with qualified contractors. Loan Calculation: The loan amount includes the purchase price (or existing mortgage balance for refinancing) plus the cost of the improvements. For example, if your home costs $300,000 and you’re rolling in $20,000 of improvements, your loan will be based on $320,000. Down Payment: FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5%, calculated from the total loan amount, not just the purchase price. Controlled Disbursement of Funds: The improvement funds are held in escrow and released to the contractor in stages, as inspections verify that work is completed according to the plan. Benefits of an FHA 203(k) Loan Low Down Payment: At just 3.5%, this is one of the most accessible renovation loans available. Flexible Credit Requirements: Borrowers with lower credit scores may still qualify under FHA guidelines. Customizable Improvements: From minor upgrades to major renovations, a wide range of improvements can be financed. Considerations and Challenges  While the FHA 203(k) loan is a fantastic tool, there are a few things to keep in mind: Extra Fees: You’ll need to budget for additional costs, including fees for a HUD-approved consultant, inspections, and title searches. Extended Timeline: These loans often take longer to close—typically 45 to 90 days—because of the required inspections and draw schedule setup. Make sure your seller is willing to wait if you’re purchasing a home with a 203(k) loan. Approved Lenders Only: Not all lenders offer FHA 203(k) loans, so it’s crucial to work with one that’s approved by FHA. Check out the FHA-approved lender list for more information.

When it comes to home financing, most homebuyers and investors are laser-focused on securing the lowest possible interest rate. After all, it seems like the most logical strategy—it is the single biggest factor to minimize the cost of borrowing! But here’s the thing: interest rates aren’t the end-all/be-all when it comes to buying a home. In fact, in my 29 years of experience as a mortgage originator, I’ve discovered that two powerful factors— appreciation and leverage —often have a much greater impact on your financial success than the interest rate itself. And when it comes down to getting your dream house, or the house that is in the right location, your peace of mind and having a space to call your own is worth a few extra dollars. Let’s dive deeper into why interest rates might not matter as much as you think. The Power of Appreciation In real estate, the term appreciation refers to the increase in the value of a property over time. This is one of the most significant long-term advantages of buying a home. Historically, homes in the United States have appreciated at a national average rate of 3-5% per year , a trend that has remained largely consistent since the 1960s. And if you live in areas of faster rates of appreciation, it just doesn’t make sense to keep sitting on the sideline, waiting for interest rates to drop, while you let tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars pass you by. Why Appreciation is Key  The beauty of appreciation is that it doesn’t rely on you doing anything other than owning the property. Your home’s value grows over time, making it an excellent investment that keeps up with or in some areas far outperforms inflation and other traditional investments. In markets where demand continues to rise, you will see the benefits more quickly. Here’s a quick example of how appreciation works: Home Price : $400,000 Down Payment : 5% ($20,000) Annual Appreciation Rate : 4% (the midpoint of the 3-5% national average) Year 1 Home Value : $416,000 Year 2 Home Value : $432,640 Year 3 Home Value : $449,000 Year 4 Home Value : $467,000 Year 5 Home Value : $486,000 In just five years, your home could increase in value by $70,000 , or a 350% return on your original $20,000 investment . This makes it clear that the growth in your home’s value can far outstrip the additional costs associated with a higher interest rate.

If building a home on your own land is a goal of yours, you will want to learn how the financing works for land loans and construction loans. If you're planning to buy land to build your dream home, you'll want to explore the ins and outs of land loans. Keep reading to learn all about: What are land loans? How are land loans different from traditional mortgages? How to get started with a Land Loan? Whether you’re looking for a plot to build on or considering agricultural land, this guide is designed to help you navigate the process with confidence. What is a Land Loan? A land loan is a type of loan used to finance the purchase of a parcel of land. Unlike a traditional mortgage, which is used to buy property with an existing home or structure, a land loan is specifically for vacant land or property without a house. This can include a lot where you plan to build your future residence, recreational land, farmland, or even larger properties for commercial use. Depending on your plans, the specifics of the loan can vary greatly, which is why it's important to work with a lender experienced in land loans. Pinnacle Bank, for example, offers land loans in Texas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, and Colorado. Jordan Monroe, a loan officer with Pinnacle, emphasizes the importance of working with a lender who understands the unique nature of land financing. Unlike conventional loans that are sold to investors, land loans are typically held by the lender for the duration of the loan, making them more specialized. Types of Land Loans There are several different types of land loans available, each suited to different needs. These can include: Raw Land Loans: Financing for undeveloped land that has no utilities or infrastructure. These loans are typically more difficult to secure due to the lack of improvements. Learn more about financing raw land here . Improved Land Loans: These loans are for land that already has some development, such as utilities, roads, or zoning in place. They are easier to secure than raw land loans, as they come with fewer risks for the lender. Land for Agricultural Use: If the land is intended for farming or livestock, lenders will consider agricultural exemptions. These loans can come with different terms depending on the region’s agricultural regulations. Residential Lot Loans: These loans are for people who plan to build a home on the land. They’re designed to help you purchase a lot, but they don’t include any funding for construction. When Should You Consider a Land Loan? You should consider a land loan if: You need time before building : If you’re a few years away from building your dream home and want to lock in the land now, a land loan can get you the property now. This is especially useful if the property is in a high-demand area. You want to secure a desirable lot : If you’ve found a property that’s hard to get, such as a waterfront lot, a land loan can help you act quickly before someone else buys it. Unlike traditional home loans, a land loan doesn’t require a building plan or budget in place, so you can secure the property first. Your land has a specific purpose : Whether it’s for farming, recreation, or future development, a land loan allows you to secure property before making all your decisions for the property. This is especially helpful for investors or individuals looking to develop the land into something specific. How to Finance Land Unlike conventional mortgages, land loans typically require a higher down payment . For most land loans, you can expect to pay at least 20% down . For example, if the land costs $50,000, you would need to put down $10,000. Keep in mind that this may vary based on the type of land and your lender’s requirements. The terms for land loans also differ from traditional mortgages. Typically, land loans are amortized over 20 years , but most lenders do not want you to keep the loan for that long. Many land loans come with a balloon payment after a few years, which means you’ll have to pay off the remaining balance after a certain period, such as 5 or 10 years. There are exceptions, so be sure you talk to an expert land loan lender. Closing Costs and Fees  Closing costs on land loans can be substantial. In addition to the down payment, you should also expect to pay various fees, such as: Admin Fees : Lenders charge fees for processing the loan. Title Company Fees : These fees ensure that the property’s title is clear and that there are no disputes over ownership. Attorney Fees : Some areas require legal documentation during the purchase. Filing Fees : These fees are for registering the land in your name. Always ask your lender for a full breakdown of the expected closing costs so you are not surprised when it’s time to close the deal. For more on understanding closing costs, check out this guide

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an essential step in the home-buying journey. It not only signals to sellers that you’re a serious buyer but also helps you understand how much you can afford. However, to get pre-approved easily and smoothly, you need to be prepared with the right documents. Here's a detailed guide to help you gather everything you need for a stress-free pre-approval process. Why Pre-Approval Matters Pre-approval is a thorough evaluation of your finances by a lender to determine your eligibility for a mortgage and the loan amount you qualify for. Unlike pre-qualification, which is a preliminary estimate, pre-approval involves verifying your financial details with documentation. Being pre-approved gives you a competitive edge in the market and helps streamline the home-buying process. In fact, without a pre-approval, buyers will not take your offer seriously. 1. Proof of Income Lenders need to confirm that you have a stable income to repay the loan. The type of documents required depends on how you earn your income: For Salaried or Hourly Employees: W-2 Forms : Provide W-2s from the last two years to show consistent income. Recent Pay Stubs : Submit pay stubs for the last month to verify your current income. For Self-Employed or Freelance Workers: Tax Returns : Supply your last two years of personal and business tax returns. Profit and Loss Statements : If you run a business, a profit and loss statement can further demonstrate financial stability. For Other Income Sources: Social Security or Pension Income : Include award letters or pension statements, along with bank statements showing regular deposits. Child Support or Alimony : If you’re counting these as income, provide court orders and proof of deposits. 💡 Tip : Non-salary income, such as Social Security or child support, must show that it will continue for at least 36 months to be considered by lenders. 2. Proof of Assets Assets are critical for showing that you have the funds necessary for a down payment, closing costs, and reserves. Be ready to provide: Checking and Savings Accounts: Bank Statements : Submit two months of recent statements, including all pages. Large Deposits : If you’ve made any large deposits, you’ll need to explain their source. For example, if the deposit is a gift from a family member, you may need a signed gift letter from them. Investment Accounts: Statements for retirement accounts, mutual funds, stocks, or bonds, showing their current value. Why Lenders Need These: Lenders scrutinize bank statements to: Verify your income deposits match your pay stubs. Check for recurring payments that might indicate debts not listed on your credit report. Confirm large deposits aren’t from loans you’ll need to repay. 3. Identification To confirm your identity, you’ll need to provide a government-issued ID, such as: Driver’s license Passport Permanent Resident Card (if applicable) Visa documentation for non-U.S. citizens Ensure your ID matches the name on all your financial documents to avoid delays. 4. Additional Documents (If Applicable) Depending on your financial situation, lenders may request additional paperwork: Bankruptcy or Foreclosure Records: If you’ve filed for bankruptcy or experienced foreclosure in the past, provide copies of discharge papers and court documents. Divorce Decrees and Child Support Orders: If you pay or receive child support or alimony, include copies of court orders and proof of payment or receipt. Other Properties Owned: For additional properties, provide: Recent mortgage statements Tax and insurance bills Homeowners Association (HOA) dues Note : This applies to investment properties, vacation homes, or undeveloped land.