Everyone Says You Need Two Years of Tax Returns for FHA. That's Not the Full Rule.
Think FHA requires two years of tax returns for self-employed borrowers? Learn the actual HUD 4000.1 rule and what it means for your application.
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60 Days: The Conventional Loan Occupancy Rule Vivian Almost Missed
60 days is the occupancy window for a conventional principal residence loan. Learn the Fannie Mae rule and the question to ask before you sign.
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VA Loan Down Payment: Should You Use Your Savings or Go Zero Down?
A veteran with $50K saved faces a $600K purchase. Should she put it down or keep her VA loan at zero down? Here's how to decide.
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What Changed on September 9, 2026: VantageScore 4.0 and Every Fannie/Freddie Lender
Since Sept 9, 2026 every Fannie/Freddie lender can use VantageScore 4.0. Here's what that means for buyers and agents, and the question to ask your lender.
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1 in 5 Loan Officers From 2021 Have Left the Business: What That Means for Your Mortgage
1 in 5 loan officers from 2021 have left the industry, per RETR. Here's what that means for your mortgage and one thing to check this week.
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The Hidden Debts That Could Be Blocking Your Mortgage Approval
Learn which hidden debts, from co-signed loans to old collections, can quietly block your mortgage approval, and what to do about it before you apply.
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The Number In Teresa's VA Loan File Her Loan Officer Almost Got Wrong
Teresa's VA file had a number her loan officer almost missed. Learn how VA residual income guidelines really work for qualification.
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How Scott Went From a Denied FHA Loan to Clear-to-Close With an Active IRS Tax Lien
Scott had an IRS tax lien and got denied for FHA. Three months later he closed. Here's the exact FHA rule on tax debt most loan officers explain wrong.
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Everyone Says You Need a 620 Score to Buy a House. Here's the Rule That Actually Applies
Everyone says you need a 620 score to buy. The real FHA rule starts at 500. See what actually determines your LTV tier and down payment.
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Everyone Blames Your Credit Card Balance for USDA Denial. Here's What Actually Kills It
USDA loan credit card debt isn't calculated the way you think. Learn the exact 4.22.B.2 rule and what to ask your loan officer before underwriting.