Tips, trends and insights for homebuyers like you.
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What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is a policy your lender requires when you put down less than 20% on a conventional loan. It protects the lender if you stop making payments. PMI typically costs between 0.46% and 1.5% of your loan amount per year. It’s not permanent, you can request that your loan servicer cancel PMI… 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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Who Is the Grantor on a Mortgage?
The grantor is the person transferring ownership of the property — typically the seller. Here’s how grantor role works in a real estate transaction and how… Read more
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Seller concessions: a quick guide for homebuyers
If you’re exploring the homebuying process, you’ve probably heard the term “seller concessions.” But what does it mean, and how can it benefit you as a… Read more
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How is the interest rate on a home loan calculated?
Navigating the world of home loans can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded (yikes,) especially when it comes to understanding interest rates. But… Read more
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What do contingent and contingencies mean when it comes to buying a house?
“Contingent” and “contingency” have related but distinct meanings in real estate: In short, “contingent” describes the state of a contract, while “contingency” refers to the actual… Read more
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Co-borrowing 101: when sharing a loan makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
A co-borrower is basically your mortgage sidekick—someone who applies for a loan with you and shares the responsibility of paying it back. This could be your… Read more
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What does rent-to-own mean? A blueprint of key things to know
Let’s be real, rent-to-own is kind of a unicorn in the U.S. housing market. Roughly around 5% of home deals go down this way, so it’s… Read more
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Real estate liens explained: what they are and how they affect you
If you’re buying a home, you might be wondering if there will always be a lien on your property. Short answer: not necessarily, but liens are… Read more
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How debt consolidation impacts your home buying power
Got a pile of debt that feels like it’s getting out of hand? Whether it’s maxed-out credit cards, auto loans, or lingering medical bills, debt consolidation… Read more
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Ally vs. U.S. Bank
On the hunt for a home loan? Ally and US Bank are probably on your radar. But who’s really giving you the best bang for your… Read more
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What’s a townhouse, anyway?
First off, let’s get one thing straight: a townhouse is not just some glorified apartment. It’s a multi-story home that shares walls with your neighbors but… Read more
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How to buy an investment property: your roadmap for growing your money
If you’re thinking about buying an investment property, you’re aiming for long-term wealth and a steady income stream. But real estate investment can be tricky if… Read more
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How do you know if you’re ready to buy a second home?
Buying a second home sounds great—more vacations, extra rental income, and potentially growing your wealth. But how do you really know if you’re ready to take… Read more