Articles by Rebecca McCracken
Mortgage Prequalification vs. Preapproval: Which Is Best for You?
January 31, 2023
If you’re kicking the tires of homeownership, a mortgage prequalification letter gives you a lender’s best guess about how much you can borrow based on... read more
VA Cash-Out Refinance: What You Need to Know
January 30, 2023
A VA cash-out refinance gives you access to more of your home’s equity than most other cash-out refinance programs. In some cases, you can convert... read more
What Is PMI? Everything You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance
January 25, 2023
Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is usually required on a conventional loan if you can’t make at least a 20% down payment. Unlike homeowners insurance, PMI... read more
Should You Refinance to a Shorter-Term Mortgage?
January 13, 2023
Homeowners who refinance to a shorter-term mortgage can save on interest costs and reach the goal of owning their home outright sooner. But if you... read more
What Is the Minimum VA Loan Credit Score?
January 13, 2023
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs doesn’t set a specific VA loan credit score requirement. Lenders, however, can set their own minimum requirements for a... read more