Tips, trends and insights for homebuyers like you.
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What Is an Appraisal Waiver? Benefits, Risks, and Requirements
By: Tomo Mortgage Staff Reviewed by: Andrew Beck, Senior Loan Advisor | NMLS #1970720 November 12, 2026 An appraisal waiver lets eligible borrowers skip a traditional home appraisal when getting a mortgage. It can save money and remove a step from the closing process, but it also means going without an independent appraisal of the… 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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HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance: Which Makes More Sense?
By: Tomo Mortgage Staff Reviewed by: Steve Arniotes, Senior Loan Advisor | NMLS #2304427 November 10, 2026 Key takeaways HELOC vs. cash-out refinance at a glance… Read more
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Second Home Mortgage Requirements: The 5 Things Lenders Check
By: Tomo Mortgage Staff Reviewed by: Jeffrey Kriebel, Senior Loan Advisor | NMLS #30073 November 6, 2026 To qualify for a second home mortgage, lenders check… Read more
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Is a HELOC a Good Idea? Pros, Cons, and 5 Questions to Answer First
By: Tomo Mortgage Staff Reviewed by: Peter Grant, Senior Loan Advisor | NMLS #2063056 November 5th, 2026 Key takeaways A HELOC can be a good idea… Read more
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HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Right for You?
By: Tomo Mortgage Staff Reviewed by: Michael Welsh, Senior Loan Advisor | NMLS #1866716 November 4, 2026 Key takeaways HELOC vs. home equity loan at a… Read more
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How Does a HELOC Work?
By: Tomo Mortgage Staff, Reviewed by: Aaron Shaw, Senior Loan Advisor | NMLS #182019 November 3, 2026 Key takeaways What is a HELOC? A home equity… Read more
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Gift of Equity: How It Works When Buying a Home From Family
A gift of equity lets a family member sell you their home for less than it’s worth and use the difference to help cover your down… Read more
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What Is an Appraisal Gap? Costs, Examples & Your Options
An appraisal gap is the difference between what you agree to pay for a home and what it’s appraised for. If you offer $500,000 but the… Read more
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Cash to Close vs. Closing Costs: What’s the Difference?
Key Takeaways Closing costs Cash to close What it covers Lender fees, third-party services, taxes, prepaid expenses and initial escrow deposits, minus lender credits Closing costs… Read more
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Can You Buy a House on Disability?
Yes, you can buy a house using disability income. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), VA disability compensation and long-term disability insurance can… Read more
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Can Green Card Holders Buy a House?
Key takeaways Yes, green card holders can buy homes in the United States. You don’t need U.S. citizenship to own a home, and lawful permanent residents… Read more
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Can You Buy a House Without Your Spouse?
Yes. You can get a mortgage without your spouse as a borrower if you qualify on your own. Applying alone may help if your spouse has… Read more
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Can You Get a Mortgage on Social Security Income?
Yes, you may qualify for a mortgage using Social Security income, even without a paycheck. Eligibility depends on how much income you receive, your existing debts,… Read more