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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Why Waiting for Lower Interest Rates Isn't the Big Money Saver You Think It Is

Sitting out of the housing market and waiting for rates to go down may save you some money in the short term, but getting into the market as soon as it is financially feasible nets maximum value.

Why Finding a Real Estate Agent Who Knows VA Loans Matters

VA loans come with unique advantages and requirements. Finding a real estate agent that understands this mortgage can make home buying easier.

VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Where to Find It and Why You Need It to Buy a Home With a VA Loan

Your VA certificate of eligibility (COE) is what lenders use to determine your eligibility for a VA home loan.

14 Home-Buying Myths Your Parents Told You, Debunked

Competing the housing market is hard enough without outdated advice. We're debunking home-buying myths your parents may have told you.

8 Types of Income You Can Use to Buy a Home

What types of income can you use to buy a home? Here are eight income sources and what documents you'll need to secure a home loan.

Home-Buying Stress: 6 Ways To Maintain Your Mental Health While Hunting for a Home

Buying a house can be mentally exhausting, especially in today's crazy market. Experts share six ways to handle home-buying stress.

VA Home Loan Pre-approval: Don't Shop for Homes Without It

Going through the VA home loan pre-approval process can put eligible veterans and active servicemembers on a path to homeownership.

VA vs. Conventional Loan: Which Mortgage Is Right for You?

Our guide helps you understand how a VA loan stacks up against a Conventional loan.

VA Home Loan Property Requirements: A-to-Z Guide

From attics to zoning, VA home loan property requirements (MPRs) are important for protecting military homebuyers and their home purchases.

Home Inspection Checklist: What To Look for When Buying a House

Use this home inspection checklist to understand what inspectors look for.

VA Home Loan Credit Score Requirements Explained

VA home loan credit score requirements are less intimidating than you might think, because the VA wants to make these 0% down mortgages accessible to as many eligible veterans and active-duty servicemembers as possible.

What Does a Federal Reserve Rate Cut Actually Mean for Your Mortgage?

Though the Fed doesn’t control the actual rates you may be offered by lenders, (including mortgage lenders) their adjustments to what is known as the benchmark rate can coincide with similar movement in mortgage rates.

Can I Get Financial Assistance to Buy a Home?

There are many ways to get financial assistance to buy a home. Cities, states, and non-profits offer programs to help buyers based on need.

Second Home Mortgage Requirements: What To Know Before Buying That Dream Vacation Home

Second home mortgage requirements are different from those for your primary home. Learn the ins and outs before you start looking for that perfect getaway.

What Is an Appraisal? Everything You Need To Know

What is an appraisal? This crucial step in the home-buying process can make or break your sale. Here's what you need to know about it.

Why Buying a Fixer-upper as Your First Home Is a Great Way To Break into the Market

Buying a fixer-upper can help you find an affordable property and make it your own — and a renovation loan can help make it happen.

Many First-Time Homebuyers Could Use a Hand: Will an ARM Suffice?

When first-time homebuyers face affordability challenges in the marketplace, can an adjustable-rate mortgage help them achieve homeownership?

Hard Inquiry vs. Soft Inquiry — What's the Difference?

Knowing the difference between a hard inquiry vs soft inquiry can help you maintain a good credit score. Here's what you need to know.

Raising Your Credit Score Can Save Thousands in Interest — Here's Why

In some cases, raising your credit score just a few points can improve your mortgage rate and save you thousands of dollars. See why that is.

What Is Escrow?

Escrow accounts are put into place on your behalf to help you manage some of the expenses that come along with homeownership.

What Credit Score Is Needed for a Mortgage?

See what credit score is needed for a mortgage and how the minimum credit score requirements vary by borrower, loan program and lender.

Are There Different Types of Credit Scores? Yes. Here's What You Should Know.

You have different types of credit scores. Find out which credit scores mortgage lenders use and how they are calculated before shopping for a home loan.

What Debt-to-Income Ratio Do You Need for a Mortgage?

The debt-to-income ratio needed for a mortgage depends on the type of loan you plan to use. Find out what affects your debt-to-income ratio and how to improve it.

Investment Property Mortgage Rates: What Should You Expect To Pay?

Investment property mortgage rates are often higher than rates on home loans for primary residences. See how these rates work and how to improve your rate.

How an Interest Rate Buydown Can Make Your Mortgage More Affordable

A temporary interest rate buydown on your mortgage is a temporary reduction in your rate and payment. It could make homebuying more affordable.

How To Apply For a VA Home Loan

For today's homebuyer, it's easy to apply for a VA home loan. You can apply in just 15 minutes and need nothing on-hand to get started.

The Best Holiday Gifts for the New Homeowners in Your Life

Holiday gift ideas for homeowners: Fairway has some of the best Christmas and holiday gift ideas for the new homeowners in your life.

What Makes a Condo Warrantable vs. Non-Warrantable?

Condo home loans: Fairway has mortgage options if you are buying a warrantable condo, or even a non-warrantable condo. But what's the difference?

Separating Myth From Fact in the Renovation Home Loan Process

Renovation home loans: Fairway aims to cut through the noise, myths and misconceptions surrounding renovation mortgage loans. Here are eight common renovation home loan myths debunked.

Can you buy a house after bankruptcy?

You can buy a house after bankruptcy, though you may need to wait a certain period of time before you can qualify for a home loan.

What’s the Difference Between Modular and Manufactured Homes?

The difference between modular and manufactured homes largely comes down to how and where they’re constructed, which can affect the types of loans you can use to purchase them.

What Is Remote Online Notarization (RON) When Buying a House?

Remote online notarization allows homebuyers to close on their homes virtually, making the home-buying process easier and more accessible.

How eClosings Simplify Home Mortgages for Homebuyers

eClosings simplify home mortgages for homebuyers. They improve the home-buying process and make it more convenient for homebuyers.

18 Basic Financial Literacy Terms Everyone Should Know

Understanding basic financial literacy terms can help you make smart decisions along your wealth creation journey.

How to Get Free Land to Build a Home

Knowing how to get free land to build a home is important to potential homeowners. Free land programs offer affordable ways to claim a piece of the American dream while revitalizing small towns.

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.

Help Buying a House for an Adult Child with a Disability

Need help buying a house for an adult child with a disability? There are a number of affordable options available.

How to Get a Cash-Out 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.

USDA Renovation Loan: How to Buy a Fixer-upper With No Down Payment

Can you use a zero percent down USDA renovation loan to buy a fixer-upper? Absolutely. See how it works and how to get started.

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.

How To Apply For an FHA Home Loan

Understanding how to apply for an FHA loan will get you that much closer to qualifying for a low down payment mortgage.

USDA Loans: A Zero Down Loan For The Suburbs

USDA loans help you buy a home in less-dense areas with no down payment. This little-known program helps millions achieve homeownership.

How Many Times Can You Use a VA Home Loan?

The VA does not set a limit on home many times you can use a VA home loan, but there are rules for using it multiple times. See how it works.

How Long Does It Take to Find a House? Sometimes A While Here's How to Jumpstart Your Home Search

How long does it take to find a house? That answer depends on your unique situation. Here are 9 tips for finding homes in today's hot market.

5 Home Renovations That Increase the Value of Your Property

In addition to making your home more comfortable, stylish, and efficient, home renovations can increase your property value. Here's where to start.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How Long Does a Mortgage Preapproval Last?

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

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.

How to Dispute Your Credit Report and What to Expect

Credit score directly impacts your loan type and credit score. So what if there's a mistake? Here's how to dispute your credit report.

Can 3 People Buy a House? What to Know About Multiple Owners on a Loan

Can 3 people buy a house together? Yes they can, but the process is a little different. This guide breaks down what to expect.

October Is the Best Month to Buy a Home Sales Data Shows

ATTOM's analysis of 33 million home sales over 8 years shows that October is the best month to buy a home. See how other months compare.

How To Get a Good Credit Score and Why It Matters

Your credit score is crucial when it comes to getting a mortgage. Here are some tips for how to get a good -- or great -- credit score.

FHA Single Unit Approval: How to Get a Condo Approved

The FHA single unit approval process ensures that a condo unit is a sound investment for the borrower and lender. Here's how it works.

Funding Date vs Closing Date: When Do I Get the Keys to My House?

Understanding the difference between your funding date vs closing date can keep your home purchase on track.

How Does a Reverse Mortgage Loan Work When You Die?

How does a reverse mortgage work when you die? Here's what happens to your home, reverse mortgage loan, and loved ones when you pass.

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.

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.