Insights & Tips

Find out more about home buying, down payment help, and government aids.

Zero-Down Payment Mortgages Make a Comeback as Housing Costs Soar

In a bold move to make homeownership more accessible amid rising housing costs, United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), led by billionaire Mat Ishiba, is introducing a pioneering zero-down payment mortgage program.&...

8 Tips to Get the Lowest Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have recently gone down due to hopes that the Federal Reserve will cut rates. However, after a recent Fed meeting, rates have stayed about the same. Experts don’t expect a big drop in interest rates before the ...

Are You Hard Pressed for Cash? Here's How to Improve Your Home's Appearance on a Low Budget

Renovations improve your home's appearance and longevity of different components. Unfortunately, some refurbishment might be too expensive, forcing you to put them off for several mon...

Down Payment Doesn't Have to Be a Dirty Word; Check Out the Latest Trends

No one said that it's easy buying big stuff these days, but the down payment can become a key player in your financial transactions. When it comes to purchasing a home or a vehicle, the down pay...

New Rental Assistance Program is Boosting Housing Stability for Low-Income Residents

In a proactive move to address housing instability and support its low-income residents, Milpitas has taken a significant stride forward by launching the Workforce Housing Rental Assistance...

Helping Young Adults Find Homes After Foster Care

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is stepping up to help young people who are leaving foster care and might not have a place to live.  They're giving out $3.4 million in grants to help 38...

5 Smart Tips for Affordable Home Building

Building your dream home is exciting, but it can also be quite expensive. Luckily, there are some smart ways to keep your construction costs down without sacrificing quality.  Here are five tips for making your home building m...

Does Sending Buyer "Love Letters" To Home Sellers Work?

Short answer: sometimes. These personal notes from buyers can help in close calls, but they also carry legal risks. Here’s a simple breakdown.   What these letters are A buyer “love letter” ...

The Average Down Payment for Houses is Now More Than $63,000

In today's housing market, buying a home has become more expensive, not just because home prices are going up but also because the amount of money you need for a down payment has increased. The latest informat...