First Home Loan
Navigating the home-buying process can be tricky – especially if you’ve never done it before. The resources in this section will guide first-time homebuyers through the experience by tackling loan types, cost considerations, required documentation, contract terms, and more.
How To Buy Your First Home: Step-by-Step Guide
Clear, step-by-step guidance for first-time buyers: get mortgage-ready, compare loan options, estimate affordability, and close with confidence.
How To Cancel PMI: Remove Private Mortgage Insurance
Stop paying PMI sooner: six practical ways—extra payments, appraisal, refinance, or lender cancellation—to lower costs and build equity faster.
Why Your Mortgage Was Sold And What To Expect
Understand why lenders sell loans, how the secondary market and servicing work, and why your rate and monthly payment won't change.
How To Cancel PMI: Remove Private Mortgage Insurance
Stop paying PMI sooner: six practical ways—extra payments, appraisal, refinance, or lender cancellation—to lower costs and build equity faster.
Why Your Mortgage Was Sold And What To Expect
Understand why lenders sell loans, how the secondary market and servicing work, and why your rate and monthly payment won't change.
Mortgage Underwriting: What to Expect
Understand what mortgage underwriters check, the paperwork and red flags, plus clear steps to boost approval odds and avoid closing delays.
How Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Rates When Buying
Why different credit scores matter for mortgages, which scores lenders use, and how small score gaps can change your loan rate and total cost.
Why Mortgage Calculators Mislead Homebuyers
Avoid costly mistakes: discover 5 ways mortgage calculators mislead buyers and how to get a more accurate picture of what you can afford with Own Up.
How To Cancel A Purchase And Sale Agreement
8 ways buyers can exit a purchase contract: inspection, appraisal, financing, HOA, title or timing issues, plus how to protect your earnest money.
Homebuying Timeline: How Long It Takes to Buy a House
How long to buy a house? Expect 2-4+ months from search to close, plus clear tips to speed it up (pre-approval, inspections, mortgage steps).
Home Ready and Home Possible Loans for Low-Income Buyers
Discover how Home Ready & Home Possible lower barriers to homeownership - 3% down, flexible credit, reduced mortgage insurance, and who qualifies.
Do You Need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a House? When to Hire
Decide if hiring a realtor fits your situation—save on commission or avoid legal and negotiation risks with clear pros, cons, and scenarios.
9 Common Homebuying Scams to Avoid
Spot 9 common housing scams and protect your credit and savings, practical tips to avoid hard credit checks, wire fraud, bogus refinancing, and excess fees.