Tips, trends and insights for homebuyers like you.
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Prequalification vs. Preapproval: Which one do you actually need?
Key takeaways: If your agent asked for a preapproval, a prequalification isn’t the same document and won’t do the same job. The harder part is that lenders don’t apply those two words consistently, so what’s printed at the top of the letter tells you less than you’d think. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says it… Read more
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2025 mortgage interest rate forecast
See how Tomo Mortgage’s head of Capital Markets breaks down the latest mortgage rate forecasts, predictions, and outlooks for 2025. Read more
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How to Rate Shop for a Mortgage Without Hurting Your Credit Score
Shopping multiple mortgage lenders does not multiply the hit to your credit score. Under current FICO scoring models, multiple mortgage-related hard inquiries made within a 45-day… Read more
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How to Get a VA Loan on a Condo
Yes, you can use a VA loan to buy a condo, but the condo project itself, not just your specific unit, has to be on VA’s… Read more
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Online Mortgage Lender Comparison: Rate, Fees, and Close Time (2026)
There isn’t a reliable, apples-to-apples ranking of online mortgage lenders by name on conventional, FHA, VA, and jumbo rates, fees, and close time, rate quotes change… Read more
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VA Loan Limits by State and County: 2026
Veterans with full VA loan entitlement have had no VA-imposed loan limit at all since January 1, 2020, under the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act.… Read more
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Are Online Mortgage Lenders Cheaper on Closing Costs? Here’s What’s Actually Comparable
Most of what shows up in your total closing costs, appraisal, title insurance, taxes, escrow, is priced by third parties or local government, not by whether… Read more
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What Is a Mortgage Appraisal and How Does It Work With an Online Lender?
A mortgage appraisal is an independent, licensed appraiser’s estimate of a home’s market value. Your lender requires it to confirm the loan amount is actually supported… Read more
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What Is a VA Loan Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
A VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is the document that proves to a lender you meet the VA’s service requirements for a VA-backed loan. It confirms… Read more
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VA Loan vs. FHA Loan: Which Is Better For Veterans?
For eligible veterans, a VA loan is almost always the better default: $0 down, no monthly mortgage insurance, and typically the lowest rate available. FHA can… Read more
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Can I Get a Mortgage Online If I’m Self-Employed?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers can qualify for and close a mortgage entirely online, the same as W-2 employees. What changes is the documentation, tax returns and income… Read more
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How Many Veterans Use VA Loan Benefits?
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) guaranteed 528,340 home loans in fiscal year 2025, a 26.9% increase over fiscal year 2024’s 416,376, according to VA’s 2025… Read more
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How to Refinance With a VA IRRRL: Step-by-Step Guide
Refinancing with a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL) takes six steps: confirm eligibility, pass the net tangible benefit test, verify your payment history, shop… Read more
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Nonbank Lenders Originate Two-Thirds of All U.S. Mortgages. Here’s Why
Nonbank lenders, mortgage companies that are not banks or credit unions, originated 64.2% of home purchase loans in the United States in 2025, against 30.1% for… Read more