Mortgage news and helpful tips

One discount point costs 1% of the loan and permanently lowers your rate. The break-even math that decides whether points pay off, and when a buydown or lender credit wins instead.

Credit, capacity, capital, and collateral — the four Cs lenders weigh on every mortgage. What each means, how they trade off, and how to strengthen your weakest C.

What actually moves a credit score before a mortgage: utilization under 10%, zero new inquiries, error disputes, and the rapid-rescore play. Score thresholds by loan program included.

An escrow account collects your property taxes and insurance with each mortgage payment. How the cushion works, why payments change after the annual analysis, and when escrow can be waived.

FHA mortgage insurance in 2026: 1.75% upfront plus 0.55% annually for most 30-year loans (0.50% with 5%+ down). How MIP works, HUD's premium schedule, and the three ways it goes away.

FHA, VA, and conventional loans all allow family gift funds for the down payment. What the gift letter must say, how to document the transfer, and the mistakes that stall closings.

What first-time buyers in Las Vegas actually need in 2026: 3-3.5% minimum down, the FHA vs conventional decision, gift funds and assistance, and the preapproval-first process.

Under the Homeowners Protection Act you can request PMI cancellation at 80% LTV and it must drop automatically at 78%. How each path works, plus the current-value appraisal route.

DTI is your monthly debt payments divided by gross income. What counts, what doesn't, and the real limits by loan type: conventional to ~50%, FHA higher with strong files, VA driven by residual income.

VA loans require a termite inspection in moderate-to-heavy infestation zones, including Nevada and 30+ other states. What it costs, who can pay it, and how it fits your closing.