Homeownership Hub

Homeownership Hub is an all-inclusive resource with content to assist in the home-buying process. Navigate all phases of the homeownership journey with trusted tips, strategies and resources. It’s your one-stop shop for information related to home buying or owning the home of your dreams.

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The Rising Appeal of New Construction Mortgages: A Smart Move in a Low Inventory Housing Market

Looking to buy a home but frustrated by low housing inventory? A new construction mortgage could be the perfect solution.

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Fairway Mortgage Helps Storm Victim

Nicole Richert is a Fairway loan officer whose house was destroyed by a tree during a huge storm in Houston in May of 2024. After learning she had made a mistake and had inadvertently let her insurance lapse, Nicole had no idea where to turn. Then her employer Fairway heard about her plight.

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Rate Buydowns Help with Affordability, but a Wide Portfolio of Mortgage Options Is the Ultimate Tool

A conversation with Fairway Branch Manager Paige Bowman on when an interest rate buydown works best, and how she starts the conversation with prospective buyers and Realtors®.

This Mortgage Program Empowers Renters To Become Homeowners — With an Extra Green Incentive

Renters can get up to $13K toward homeownership with HOPER’s incentive program combined with an FHA solar loan. Save on utilities, earn cash, and build equity—with little to no money out of pocket in many cases.

February 28, 2025

Should You Choose a 40-Year Mortgage? Pros, Cons and Savings Potential

Considering a 40-year mortgage? This extended loan term can lower your monthly payments, improve affordability, and offer more financial flexibility. But it comes at a cost. Is a 40-year term the right choice for you?

January 27, 2025

What Are Non-QM Home Loans, and Who Are They For?

Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans are flexible mortgage options designed for borrowers who may not meet traditional lending criteria, such as self-employed individuals or those with more unique income streams.

L.O. Confidential: Season 5

The mortgage industry's only behind-the-scenes docuseries about mortgage Loan Officers. Season 5 of LO Confidential follows three teams from Fairway Home Mortgage as they battle their way through one of the toughest downturns in history.

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Reverse Mortgage Loan Facts vs Fiction: Common Myths Debunked

Experts weigh in on reverse mortgage facts vs fiction to dispel some common misconceptions about these loans, which can be a crucial source of retirement income.

FHA Loan Down Payment: Guide to Low Down Payment Homebuying

FHA loan down payment requirements begin at just 3.5%. Learn more about how to qualify.

VA Streamline Refinance: How To Save On Your VA Loan

A guide to the VA streamline refinance, also known as VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL). See how it works and who it is for.

Mortgage Success for Self-Employed Borrowers Seeking Homeownership

Mortgage success for self-employed borrowers seeking homeownership is something Fairway mortgage loan officers are passionate about.

Real Estate Love Letters Are Back in Oregon After Judge Strikes Down Ban

The nation's first ban on real estate "love letters" was struck down by a federal judge. See what led to the ruling and what's next.

Renovating a Home on a Budget: Everything You Need to Know

Use these tips for renovating a home on a budget to turn your property into your dream home.

How To Buy a Home as a Person With a Disability in 2022

Federal law prohibits lenders from discriminating against people with disabilities. Here's how to buy a home as a person with a disability.

Can You Buy a House With a 639 Credit Score?

A 639 credit score is considered fair and qualifies for most loan programs. But here's why it can be worthwhile to improve it.

How To Get a No Closing Cost Refinance and Is It Right for You

While a 'no closing cost' refinance isn't a free loan, it can be a good fit for your situation. See how this home refinance options works.

Another Year of Rising Home Prices Not in These 5 Markets Says CoreLogic

Home prices are expected to continue increasing nationwide in 2022. But these five markets show the conditions for price declines.

So You Want to Buy a Hobby Farm? 6 Things You Should Know First

Wide-open spaces and self-reliance are more attractive in the pandemic-era. Here are six things you should know about buying a hobby farm.

Buy An Ugly House: This Is How You're Going to Compete in This Market

Why buy an ugly house? Real estate agent and TikTok influencer Lauren Matera explains the genius behind this strategy.

How To Buy a House in 11 Steps: A Guide for 2023

Learn how to buy a house step by step, from preapproval to finally getting the keys to your new home.

What Buyers Should Know About the Cost of New Homes

Residential constructions costs have been rising throughout the pandemic. Here's what homebuyers should know about the cost of new homes.

Is a Fixer Upper Worth It? 5 Things You Should Know Before Renovating a Home

Is buying a fixer-upper home worth it? The author shares 5 things she has learned through her personal fixer-upper experience.

What Happens After You Make an Offer on a House? 7 Steps Before You Get to Closing

7 things that happen after you make an offer to buy a home, in the order they happen.

Are Homebuyers Hitting a Wall? Mortgage Apps and Pending Sales Suggest Slowing Demand

Mortgage applications and pending sales are slumping. Is this homebuyers hitting a wall or a seasonal homebuying pattern?

A Conventional Refinance Loan Can Help You Save Money and Ease Your Monthly Bills

A conventional refinance loan is a powerful financial instrument. Lower your interest rate and payment, leverage your home equity, or get rid of mortgage insurance.

10 Housing Market Records Broken in the Last 3 Months

There are plenty of ways to describe today's housing market -- hot, fast, tight. But these 10 records show exactly how unusual it is.

How To Save a Down Payment for a House

Down payment is the largest hurdle to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. Here's how to save up for a down payment on a house.

What Needs to Happen for Home Price Growth to Slow

Home prices have been rising at record rates during the pandemic. What needs to happen for this price growth to slow?

Can You Buy a House With Bitcoin? Your 4-Step Guide to Becoming a Homeowner With Crypto

Can you buy a house with Bitcoin? Turning cryptocurrency into a down payment on a home is becoming more common. Here's how it works.

Conventional Loan Down Payment: How Much Do You Need?

Conventional loan down payment requirements start as low as 3%.

How to Track the Real Estate Market: 4 Things Homebuyers Should Be Watching

Learning how to track the real estate market can help you become a smarter homebuyer.

Is It Really the Worst Time to Buy a Home? Here's a Look at the Last 22 Years

Is it the worst time to buy a home? We look back at the last 22 years of home affordability to put the 2022 housing market into context.

How Much Does a Home Appraisal Cost?

The cost of a home appraisal varies based on a few factors. Use this guide to get a sense of what to expect from the appraisal process.

How To Find the Right Home: A 3-Step Guide

This guide to how to find the right home covers all the nuances of finding the perfect house for your new beginning.

Choosing a Mortgage Lender: The Number One Question to Ask

Choosing a mortgage lender is a crucial step in the homebuying process that can make or break landing your dream home. Here's how to pick the right one.

How to Look for Houses Online: 7 Time-Saving Hacks

Simple tricks for how to look for houses online without getting sidetracked or overwhelmed. A smart house-hunting strategy can give you a leg-up on the competition.

Do You Fear a Housing Market Crash Delete Your News App and Buy a Home in 2022

My personal story on why it's a great time to buy a home, despite everyone asking, "When is the housing market going to crash?"

Rent to Buy Homes Are They a Solid Path to Homeownership

Rent-to-buy homes can be a great opportunity test drive a home before buying it. Here's what you should know about this homebuying strategy.

Conventional 97 Loan: How to Qualify for a Low Down Payment Mortgage

In today's market, homebuyers can qualify for a conventional 97 loan -- a conventional loan with 3% down. Learn how to qualify.

One Key Figure to Keep an Eye on Heading into Homebuying Season

Inventory is going to be key slowing price growth in the housing market. Here's one indicator to keep an eye on heading into peak season.

Buying a House From Your Parents: How to Make It Work for Everyone

Buying a house from your parents can be a great homebuying hack that benefits both parties. Here's how to make it work for everyone.

4 Reasons Why Timing the Real Estate Market Is a Bad Idea and What to Do Instead

Mortgage experts explain why timing the real estate market is not only difficult to do, but often costly in the long-term.

Cost to Build Single Family Homes Falls as New Builds Make Up Record Share of Supply

The cost to build a new single-family home fell in December as new builds now make up more than 1/3 of available housing supply.

Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Map: Find Your State's Program and Its Status

Use this clickable map to find your state's Homeowner Assistance Fund program and see if you are eligible for mortgage assistance.

FHA Property Requirements: Which Homes Are Eligible for a Low Down Payment Loan?

A home must meet the FHA property requirements in order to secure a 3.5% down FHA loan. Here's what to look for.

4 Simple Ways to Find a Brilliant Agent on Real Estate TikTok

Real estate TikTok influencer Liz Brown gives four insider tips for finding a real estate agent on TikTok.

How To Make a Cash Offer on a House — Even When You Don't Have Cash

Knowing how to make a cash offer on a house could be the difference between winning a bid and starting over. Here are your options.

FHA 203h: 0 Percent Down Home Loans for Disaster Victims

The FHA 203h program offers home loans with 0% down for qualified disaster victims. See how it works and who qualifies for this mortgage.

Are Mortgage Rates Going Up Yes But Heres Why You Shouldnt Panic

Yep, mortgage rates are going up. 28-year mortgage veteran Mike Kadair explains why that's not the end of homebuying affordability

The 15 Most Undervalued Housing Markets of Early 2022

Home prices are higher than expected in almost every US housing market. These 15 markets feature the lowest premiums out of the top 100.

How to Finance a Barndominium: Can You Get a Mortgage for These Unique Homes?

They don't exactly teach you how to finance a barndominium in grade school. Use this guide to learn more about buying this popular alternative home.

New Homeowner Checklist 9 Things You Should Do After You Close on a Home

Buying a house comes with a lot of excitement and emotion. Use this new homeowner checklist to remind yourself what to do as you move in.

A Fed Rate Hike is Coming in March That Doesn't Mean Mortgage Rates Have to Rise

The Federal Reserve held off on hiking interest rates and confirmed a March end to the taper. Here's what that means for homebuyers in 2022.

Fannie Mae Condo Requirements Get an Update After Surfside Condo Collapse

Tighter Fannie Mae condo requirements were implemented in response to the Champlain Towers condo collapse. Here's how they impact condo buyers.

How Long Does a Mortgage Preapproval Last?

Find out why preapproval is important and how long a mortgage preapproval lasts.

Are We in for a Hot Pack Summer? 8 Moving Trends to Watch in 2022

2022 is shaping up to be a busy year for moving as nearly 40% of Americans are considering relocating. Here's where they're going and why.

Fannie Mae Ups Home Price and Mortgage Rate Forecasts Eyes New Normal

Fannie Mae's latest housing forecasts calls for greater price growth, higher mortgage rates and a gradual turn toward a 'new normal' in 2022.

How to Sell Your Instagram Handle to Buy a House: Buyer Uses $60,000 Social Media Sale to Purchase First Home

From Bitcoin to meme stocks, homebuyers are finding new ways to create cash. Here's how to sell your Instagram handle to buy a house.

Does the Strong December Construction Report Mean More Inventory in 2022?

Residential construction outperformed forecasts in the final month of 2021. Does that mean more inventory for the housing market in 2022?

Moving With Kids: 8 Ways to Make a New Home Work for the Entire Family

Moving with kids of any age can be challenging to all involved. Use these tips to ease the transition and make your new house a home.

Single Family Rent Rises 115% Nationwide: Over 30% in Miami Metro Area

Single-family rent rates increased 11.5% from November 2020 to November 2021. Here's what the single-family rental market looks for 2022.

Do Treasury Yields Follow Mortgage Rates, Vice Versa or Neither

Mortgage guru Rob Chrisman breaks down the relationship between mortgage rates and treasury yields what causes them to move.

Mortgage Rates are Rising: Here's What Homebuyers Should Know

Mortgage rates have been rapidly climbing for the last several weeks. Here's what's causing the surge and what homebuyers should know.

Fairway Loan Officer Matt Devine Predicts a Monster Year in Real Estate

Senior loan officer and PGA Champions tour hopeful Matt Devine shares his approach to helping homebuyers buy a home in today's hot market.

1 in 9 First-Time Buyers Are Using Crypto Earnings to Save for Down Payment

Nearly 12% of first-time homebuyers used cryptocurrency earnings to save for a down payment in 2021. See how that compares to other sources.

Fairway's Diane Fry: Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy

25-year mortgage veteran Diane Fry shares the importance of picking the right lender and why the housing market is going to stay hot.

How Affordable Are Zillows 10 Hottest Housing Markets for 2022?

Tampa and Jacksonville top Zillow's list of 10 hottest housing markets for 2022. Is there still time to buy before these markets take off?

Adjustable Rates Still Low as Fixed 30-Year Rate Hits 20-Month High

While 30-year fixed mortgage rates reacting to the Federal Reserve, adjustable mortgage rates are quietly puttering below 2.5%.

It's About to Get More Expensive To Buy Vacation Homes

The FHFA is raising upfront loan fees for certain mortgages beginning April 1. See which loans and borrowers will be affected.

Migration Data Reveals 1 Reason People Move and Surprisingly It's Not COVID

Data from moving company United Van Lines shows why and where people moved in 2021. The top reasons and destinations are somewhat surprising.

Aging Housing Stock and What It Means for Homebuyers

The aging housing stock in the U.S. represents a wealth of opportunities for homebuyers willing to make upgrades to older homes.

Home Builders Spend 128 Billion More to Produce at Pre-Pandemic Pace

Spending on single-family home construction hit an all-time high in November 2021. But the pace of home completions isn't keeping up.

Buying a House With a Friend: Is It the Right Move for You?

Buying a house with a friend (or two) is one way to combat rising prices. Here's what to consider before trying this homebuying strategy.

Bought a Home During the COVID Student Loan Moratorium? Here's How To Prepare for Making Payments Again

Buy a house during the COVID student loan moratorium? Here's your action plan for making house payments when student loan payments return.

The Most Affordable Housing Markets in the U.S. — And the Least Affordable

Scope out the most affordable housing markets in the U.S. Then see the places where you really need to make your dollars stretch.

FHFA Deems Climate Change a Priority Concern in 2022 Scorecard

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is adding climate change goals to its annual Conservatorship Scorecard for the first time

Home Prices Just Hit Another All-Time High Here's Why

The 2021 housing market came in with a bang and out with a bigger bang. Here's why the year is ending with home prices at an all-time high.

Mortgage Comparison Calculator Is a 15 or 30year Mortgage Better

This mortgage comparison calculator will help you decide between a 15- and 30-year mortgage, or any two loan lengths.

Buying a Home With Student Loans: How to Get a Mortgage While Paying Down Student Debt

Buying a home with student loans can be tricky, but worthwhile in the long run. Here's what lenders look at and how to improve your buying power.

VA Loans Help Veterans With Disabilities Claim the American Dream

Through grants and advantageous features, VA loans help veterans with disabilities achieve the dream of homeownership.

Treasury Approves 1 Billion in Mortgage Relief for Struggling California Homeowners

Approved by the U.S. Treasury, the California Mortgage Relief Program can allocate $1 billion in grants to cover missed house payments.

When Is the Best Time of Year To Buy a House? Right Now.

The best time of year to buy a house depends largely on your own personal situation, but one season stands above the rest for finding deals.

10 Hidden Gem Housing Markets Prime for Growth in 2022

After a year of record price growth, these 10 hidden gem housing markets are still affordable and ripe for growth in 2022.

29 Price Dip May Signal Balance Returning to the Housing Market

Despite more sales and less inventory than typical years, home prices fell nearly 3% in November, perhaps signaling a shift toward balance.

Where Do Mortgage Rates Come From Anyway

Where do mortgage rates come from? Mortgage guru Rob Chrisman explains how the interest rate on your home loan is determined.

Home Construction Jumps That Means More Homes Next Year Right

Single-family home construction starts and permit authorizations jumped in November. Will that lead to more homes on the market in 2022?

How To Buy a House With Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin miner and mortgage software entrepreneur Tyler Satre shares his advice for how to buy a house with cryptocurrency.

Fed Accelerates Taper Clears Path for Interest Rate Hikes in 2022

The Federal Reserve is accelerating its taper to clear a path for interest rate hikes in 2022. Here's what that means for homebuyers.

Rapid Price Growth Fuels Record 32 Trillion Home Equity Gain

While homebuyers chased rapidly rising prices, homeowners benefitted from a record $3.2 trillion gain in home equity over the last year.

Fairway LO Marcy Knue Has a Passion for Helping Homebuyers

With a deep passion for mortgage lending, Marcy Knue is on a mission to put homebuyers on track for lifelong wealth creation.

What's in the Build Back Better Bill for Homebuyers?

The massive Build Back Better bill has many facets and is central to President Joe Biden's agenda. What's in the BBB for homebuyers?

Advice from Loan Officer Jen Gile: Change Your Stars Through Homeownership

Fairway loan officer Jen Gile has seen first-hand the generation impact of homeownership. Now, she's helping others realize that dream.

How Long Should a House Be On the Market?

How long a house should be on the market depends on a few variables. Here's what to look for if you are wondering about an unsold home.

How to Avoid Overspending and Keep Saving for a House During the Holidays

The holidays are an expensive time of year and can set back your homebuying goals. Here are 7 ways to avoid overspending during the holidays.

People Hate Inflation Says Fannie Mae Chief Economist, After 70% of Consumers Say the Economy is Off-Track

Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan explains why consumers sentiment is low on the economy yet stable on employment and income.

How to Downsize Your Home in Retirement

Around 73 million senior citizens are expected to downsize by 2030. Use this guide to know how, when, and, why to downsize your home.

Unhappy in Your Home? Skip Real Estate Shows Like Selling Sunset

The flawless homes on real estate TV shows are enough to make anyone feel inferior. Here's how to conquer those feelings as a homeowner/buyer.

FHA Loan Limits: 2022 FHA Loans up to $2.8 Million

The 2022 FHA loan limits range from $420,680 for a single-family home to over $2.8 million for a multi-unit home in a high-cost area.

Real Estate Listings Hit All-Time Low, Driving Home Sale Prices to New High

Redfin real estate data shows that active home listings hit an all-time low in November, sending sales prices to a new high.

The Best Gifts for New Homeowners This Holiday Season

The best gifts for new homeowners may not be what you expect. Bravo TV personality Kirsten Jordan weighs in on housewarming gifts.

What Does the Omicron Variant Mean for the Housing Market

The omicron coronavirus variant brings another layer of uncertainty into the housing market. Here's what homebuyers have their eye on.

How to Save Money During the Holidays as a New Homeowner

As a new homeowner with a mortgage payment, it's normal to want to watch your spending. Here's how to save money during the holidays.

With Fall Homebuying Push Existing Home Sales on Pace for a 15-Year High

The housing market is riding an unseasonable fall homebuying push to a 15-year high in existing home sales. What that means for 2022.

FHFA Announces Largest Loan Limit Increase In History 647200 Base Near 1 Million for HighCost Areas

The FHFA announced a substantial increase in conforming loan limits for 2022. Here's what that means for prospective homebuyers.

Homeowner Tax Breaks: How Homeownership Can Save You Money Come Tax Time

Once you're a homeowner, you may be eligible for several tax breaks. Use this guide to get a better sense of what those tax breaks are.

What the Federal Reserves Inflation Concerns Mean for Homebuyers

Minutes from the latest Federal Reserve policy meeting show concern over inflation. Here's what that means for homebuyers heading into 2022.

Housing Market Meet the Future Homebuyer

Housing guru Dave Stevens discusses the demographics of future homebuyers and what they mean for lenders and homebuyers going forward.