Mortgage Guides, Tips & Market Insights

How Much Down Payment Do You Really Need to Buy a House in 2026?

Many buyers put down less than 20%. The right amount depends on your loan, your savings and your monthly budget. Short answer: you may need as little as 0% down with a VA or USDA loan, 3% with some conventional loans, or 3.5% with FHA. Repeat buyers on a standard conventional loan generally need 5%.

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage in 2026?

There is no single credit score you need to buy a house. It depends on the loan type and the lender. Short answer: FHA loans allow scores down to 580 with 3.5% down, or 500 with 10% down. VA and USDA set no minimum score, though lenders often set their own. Fannie Mae dropped its 620 minimum for loa

DC HPAP Program 2026: Up to $202,000 in Homebuyer Assistance

HPAP helps first-time buyers purchase homes in the District with interest-free assistance. Short answer: DC’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) gives eligible first-time buyers up to $202,000 in interest-free gap financing plus up to $4,000 for closing costs. Your amount depends on household i

Should You Refinance Your Mortgage in 2026? When It Makes Sense and How to Decide

With rates higher than earlier this year, a refinance has to clear a higher bar in 2026. Short answer: refinance when the monthly savings repay your closing costs well before you expect to sell or refinance again. With the 30-year average at 7.40% on October 8, 2026, that mostly means borrowers with