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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FHA Loan Rates Today: Are They Going Up?

FHA loan rates have risen, along with mortgage rates generally. But these are still great loans for homebuyers.

First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit 2021: All Your Questions Answered About Biden's $15k Proposal for Eligible Homebuyers

A new $15,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit bill has hit Congress. Who would be eligible, example scenarios, and FAQ.

FHA Loan Requirements: 2023 Rates and Eligibility

Learn about FHA loan requirements and how to qualify with just 3.5% down.

Super Bowl LVI You Can Buy 35 Cincinnati Homes for Every One in LA and Other MindBlowing Stats

This year's Super Bowl teams come from vastly different housing markets. Here's how homebuying in Los Angeles compares to Cincinnati.

Top 12 Low and No Down Payment Mortgages for 2022

These low and no down payment mortgages prove that buyers don't actually need to make a 20% down payment on a home. Here are 12 low down payment options.

First-Time Homebuyers Get Creative to Compete in Blazing Market

Despite their strong buyer profile, first-time homebuyers Ben and Dani Graf had to go all-in to compete in a relentless seller's market.

7 Ways to Weatherize Your Home for Winter

Winter weather can do serious damage to your home and pocketbook. Experts share their tips for how to weatherize your home for winter.

September Sales NormalizedSort Of Is That Good For Buyers

After an abnormal year in 2020, the housing market is settling back into seasonal patterns. See how this year compares to pre-pandemic years.

FHA Cashout Refinance How Much Can You Take Out

An FHA cash-out refinance is one way to tap into your home equity while modify the terms of your mortgage. Find out how it works.

Bidding Wars Fall to Lowest Rate of 2021

The rate of bidding wars in the housing market continued a five-month decline in September to a low point for 2021.

September Existinghome Sales Suggest Opportunity for Firsttime Homebuyers

A 7% jump in existing-home sales in September suggests homebuying conditions improved and increased opportunity for first-time homebuyers.

What Credit Scores Do Mortgage Lenders Use

Not all credit reports are created equal. Understanding what credit scores mortgage lenders use can be helpful while buying a home.

Florida Dominates Best Places To Retire List But Is It Affordable

Florida boasts eight of the 10 best places to retire in the U.S., but is it affordable for retirees on fixed incomes? We crunch the numbers.

FHFA Expands Eligibility for Refinance Programs Restores Desktop Appraisals

The FHFA expands income eligibility requirements for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae refinance programs and revives desktop appraisals.

With Pandemic Pricing in the Past Rent is Headed for Uncharted Territory

After shaking of "pandemic pricing," rent is skyrocketing all but a few cities. See how increasing rent prices compare to mortgage payments.

Dave Stevens 4 Reasons Home Price Growth Will Soften But Not Stop

A forecasted softening in home price appreciation is good for both buyers and sellers. Here's why a slow down is good news for the market.

Survey 58 of Single Female Renters Dont See a Path to Homeownership

Nearly 60% of single female renters said they can't afford to buy a home. See the obstacles in their way and why they're worth overcoming.

Young Homeowners Are Keen on Green Remodeling Heres How to Get Started

Younger homeowners are especially interested in green home remodeling projects. See what's on their list on the benefits of eco-renovations.

Tips from Denvers Top Purchase Loan Originator Act Now to Build Real Estate Wealth

Nicole Rueth knows first-hand power real estate has to change the trajectory of a family for generations. See her story and real estate tips.

Housing Affordability Improved in August With Best Homebuying Months Still Ahead

After bottoming out in June, the Housing Affordability Index improved in July and August. See what that means for homebuyers.

Top 20 Cities with Just the Right Mix of Climate and Home Affordability

For homebuyers looking for mild year-round weather, these 20 cities have just the right mix of climate and home affordability.

These 20 Metros Are in Prime Position for a Housing Boom

Record-low housing supply is causing home prices to soar. Here's where home builders may concentrate their efforts moving forward.

ExistingHomes Sales Report Has a Silver Lining for Homebuyers

Home prices increased and inventory decreased in August. But existing-home sales data contains a silver lining for worn out homebuyers.

These Four Words From the Fed Should Wake Up Homebuyers

With one line in its meeting statement, the Federal Reserve put in motion a major shift in the housing market. What homebuyers should know.

California Confronts Housing Crisis With Wave of Zoning Bills

New zoning laws deal a major blow to single-family zoning. But can California legislate its way out its affordable housing crisis?

SECURE Notarization Act Aims To Bring Mortgage eClosing to All 50 States

With bipartisanship support in congress, the SECURE Notarization Act of 2020 could bring digital mortgage closings to all 50 states.

How to Get a CashOut Refinance on an Investment Property

Doing a cash-out refinance on an investment property can free up funds to buy new property, make repairs, and more. Here's how it works.

Home Building Picks Up Pace In a Welcome Sign for Homebuyers

Home building gained steam in August despite lingering pandemic-related issues. Here's what that means for homebuyers and 2022 supply.

Buying A Second Home or Investment Property Is About to Get Easier Heres Why

Buying a second home or investment property is likely to get easier after the FHFA suspended limits on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Sitting on 91 Trillion in Tappable Equity Homeowners Are Cashing Out

The average homeowner gained $20,000 in tappable equity in the second quarter of 2021, leading to a surge in cash-out refinances.

This Database Is Streamlining Home Building and Reducing Costs

With the national housing supply low, HUD's Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse seeks to bring affordable housing online faster.

What Inflation Near 5 Means for Mortgage Rates

The White House is forecasting a much steeper inflation rate than it was in May. What will near 5% inflation do to mortgage interest rates?

Younger Homeowners Are Driving the DIY Home Improvement Wave

Younger homeowners have become more willing and able to take on DIY home improvement projects during the pandemic. Here's why and how.

This Is My Piece of America What VA Home Loans Mean for Veterans on the Anniversary of 911

There is no panacea for affects of 9/11 on servicemembers. Providing them a place to call home is one way to start.

What the Weak August Jobs Report Means for Homebuyers and Refinancers

The August jobs report fell way short of expectations, likely to the Delta variant. Here's what that means for homebuyers and refinancers.

Construction Spending is Skyrocketing But Home Completions Are Not Heres Why

Residential construction spending spiked during the pandemic, but home completions are not following suit. Here's what's causing this trend.

Report Consumers Expect Homebuying To Get a Little Easier

After a blazing hot summer housing market, a report from Fannie Mae suggests consumers expect homebuying to get easier in the fall.

If Youre Not Looking for Homes on Facebook or Instagram Yet You Should Be

Albeit reluctantly, Realtors are adopting social media to connect with potential clients and list homes. Social channels are the new place to find homes.

Marriage or Mortgage: How Do You Choose? (Or Can You Have Both?)

Do you have to choose between marriage or mortgage? Here are some simple ways to afford both.

Will the Housing Market Crash in 2022

In order for the housing market to crash in 2022, demand would have to suddenly drop off. Should homebuyers expect this to happen?

FHFA Eyes LowIncome and Minority Housing Goals for 20222024

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) proposed new goals to increase home purchase activity in low-income and minority census tracts.

Lumber Prices Hit a OneYear Low Will Home Prices Drop Too

After a spring surge, lumber prices reached a one-year low in August. Will less expensive building materials bring down home prices?

What is the Fed Taper and How Will it Affect Home Buying

Talks of the "Fed Taper," or reduction of economic stimulus, are ramping up. See how the Federal Reserve's actions may impact home buying.

Fannie Mae OnTime Rent Payments Will Help Homebuyers Qualify

Fannie Mae will factor on-time rent payments into its underwriting process beginning in September. See what that means for homebuyers.

Pay it Forward Culture Paints Family Gift Funds in a New Light

Accepting gift funds from family, and understanding the culture behind it, helps a young couple achieve homeownership and insight.

Purchase Loans Surpass Refinances for the First Time in 18 Months But That Wont Last Long

Purchase loans surpasses refinances for the first time in the pandemic era. See what caused this shift and why it may not last long.

5 Signs the Housing Market Is Cooling to a New Normal

Data suggests the white-hot 2021 housing market is finally cooling off. Here are five indicators that we are headed for a new normal.

USDA Mortgage Relief Reduces Payments by 20 Percent

The USDA announced additional mortgage relief options ahead of the July 31st deadline for national forbearance moratorium. See what's new.

How Long Does It Take To Buy a House

The amount of time it takes to buy a house depends on a variety of factors. We've broken the process into steps so you know what to expect.

Home Appreciation is Slowest in These Metros But the Bar Is High

The bottom 20 metros for annual home appreciation reveal how widespread price increases have been in 2021 and where to find relief.

FHA Enhances Mortgage Relief Waterfall With 25 Payment Reductions

The FHA is expanding mortgage relief options with an enhanced COVID-19 Recovery Waterfall that includes 25% payment reductions.

FHA Extends Eviction Moratorium for Foreclosed Single Family Homes

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) extended the eviction moratorium on foreclosed single-family homes to September 30, 2021.

Waning Forbearance and Foreclosure Relief Are On a Collision Course

With forbearance and foreclosure relief winding down, tough decisions for delinquent homeowners may create opportunity for homebuyers.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages Are Quietly Having a Moment

While the Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate gets attention for hovering around 3%, adjustable mortgages rates are quietly providing better value.

What 2021s Best Places to Live in the US Say About Homebuying

A major shuffle at the top of the U.S. News & World Report Best Places to Live rankings reveals a shift in homebuying priorities.

The Buzz About 40Year Mortgages Explained

Ginnie Mae announced it's creating a pool for 40-year mortgages on the secondary market. Here's what that means for lenders and borrowers.

USDA Loan Down Payment: How to Qualify for Zero Down

The USDA loan down payment requirement is zero percent, which opens the door to homeownership for many buyers. Get all the details on who is eligible for these no down payment loans.

Its Prime Time to Use a CashOut Refinance To Update Your Home

With interest rates low and home equity high, it's an ideal time for homeowners to use cash-out refinance loans to tackle home projects.

Will the Housing Market Cool Off This Summer

The housing market is been red hot all year, but how long can it last? We look ahead to see if the housing market will cool down this summer.

3 Signs That Housing Inventory Could Soon Come Roaring Back

A shortage in housing inventory is fueling competition and driving up home prices. However, these three signs suggest a rebound isn't far off.

USDA Loan Qualifications and Loan Limits 2022

Homebuyers that meet USDA loan qualifications can take advantage of 0% down payment and lower mortgage insurance rates. See if you qualify.

Move Over California Hottest Housing Markets List Diversifies

After years of dominating Hottest Housing Markets lists, California is slipping down the rankings. See which markets are climbing the ranks.

Top 10 List Reveals Homebuyers are Saying Why Dont You Just Meet Me In The Middle

Increasing home prices has been a central theme in the 2021 housing market. These 10 metro areas have seen the greatest year-over-year growth.

Champlain Towers Collapse Reveals a Hidden Cost of Condo Living

The Champlain Towers South collapse revealed an astronomical hidden cost of condo living. Here's how to avoid a five-figure maintenance bill.

White House Extends 2021 Foreclosure Moratorium for One Final Month

In late June, the White House announced it was extending foreclosure moratorium for "one final month" until July 31, 2021.

The 7Point Plan to Add 3 Million Black Homeowners by 2030

A coalition of more than 100 organizations and individuals unveiled a 7-point plan to add 3 million Black homeowners by 2030.

What Does Biden Replacing FHFA Director Mean for Homebuyers

Following a Supreme Court ruling, Biden replaced a Trump-appointed FHFA director with his own. How will this shakeup affect homebuyers?

Did 2021 Housing Demand Hit Its Peak in May

2021 has been a banner year for housing market. Has demand reach its peak after months of high prices and steep competition?

Harvard Report These 5 Trends Will Shape PostPandemic Homebuying

“The State of the Nation’s Housing 2021” report from Harvard offers a birds-eye view of a housing market greatly affected by the pandemic.

May ExistingHome Sales Were Down Everywhere But the Midwest Again

Existing-home sales fell in every region but the Midwest for a second straight month. Why is the Midwest resilient to the spring slump?

Worried About Home Affordability Heres How to Cope

In today's red hot market, it's only natural to worry about home affordability. An industry expert shares her tips for stressed homebuyers.

Fairway Advantage Pre-Approval Is the Key to a New Home

A Fairway Advantage Pre-Approval can help you compete with cash offers, even when buying a house in today's market feels like a fight to the finish.

Who To Call First a Mortgage Lender or a Real Estate Agent

Finding a mortgage lender is the first step in a successful homebuying experience. Use this guide to started in the right direction.

10 Questions To Ask VA Home Loan Lenders Before Applying

Use these 10 questions to narrow down the best VA home loan lenders for you.

VA Home Loan Eligibility Basics: Find Out if You Qualify

For veterans and active-duty servicemembers, understanding your VA home loan eligibility is the first step toward securing a mortgage.

Bill Could Make It Easier to Get a Mortgage with Student Loans

This bill could help home buyers get a mortgage with student loans and get into homeownership sooner.

How to Secure a Mortgage for First-Generation First-Time Homebuyers

To secure a mortgage for first-generation first-time homebuyers is not always easy. Having mortgage loan officers who invest in your success is important.

Homeownership Even with Bad Credit

Homeownership even with bad credit can sometimes feel impossible. At Fairway we can make the American Dream of homeownership possible for anyone.

No Two Home Loan Mortgages Are Alike

No two home loan mortgages are alike. Fairway mortgage loan officers are dedicated to servicing client needs and situations when it comes to homebuying.

Mortgage Success for Single Moms

Mortgage success for single moms can be hard to come by. At Fairway Independent Mortgage we strive to help them find success with buying a home.

Providing Mortgage Help to First Responders & Teachers

Providing mortgage help to first responders and teachers is important to Fairway Mortgage loan officers. Learn how they can achieve homeownership.

How Difficult Mortgages Get Done

How difficult mortgages get done is important to borrowers. This Fairway Story shows how a mortgage loan officer was able to help out a scared homebuyer.