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If you’re like many homeowners, the value of your home has increased in recent years with a good economy. That increase in home value means you have more equity, and you might be considering using some of that equity to renovate and improve your home. Before you do, though, make sure that the renovations you’re […]

Your credit score holds a lot of power over your life, but many people lack an understanding of their own credit score (and how to improve it), and not knowing the truth or believing some of the myths out there can significantly impact every part of your financial life. A credit score is a number […]

Are you looking to lower your monthly home loan payment? You can achieve that goal with a mortgage recast or a refinance loan. Plus, by recasting or refinancing your mortgage, you’ll also pay less in overall interest. To know which option would be your best financial move, you need to understand how they differ. Here, […]

If you’re a veteran, an active-duty service member, reservist or military spouse, taking advantage of your VA home loan benefits may be a smart decision. Mortgages through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs come with several advantages that can make buying a home easier on you and your budget. However, no single financing solution is […]

Getting an investment property loan isn’t as easy as getting a home mortgage. Lenders have stricter requirements for real estate investors, so anyone looking to become a landlord needs to be in a strong financial position. Why the tighter lending standards? Simply put, investment loans are riskier for lenders, as rental properties have higher default […]

Do you want to build a house? A new home construction loan can provide you with the funds you need. Unlike a standard home loan, which often comes with a 15-year or 30-year term, a construction loan has a much shorter lifespan – the term is usually a year or less, however long it takes […]

If you’re planning to take out a mortgage to buy a home, you will likely need a down payment. In other words, you will probably have to pay some cash upfront in order to get a home loan. How much money will you need to save up? Mortgage lenders often prefer 20 percent down payments, […]

Home loan refinancing can allow you to take advantage of lower mortgage rates, thereby reducing your monthly payment and your overall interest costs. Before approving a refinance loan, however, some lenders require a professional property appraisal. But, that isn’t the case for mortgages through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) or the Department of Veterans Affairs […]

Your home loan payment may make up a significant part of your monthly budget, so understanding where the mortgage money goes is important. Contrary to what many people think, you are not just paying back the money you borrow. Here, we explain the four components of a home loan payment -- principal, interest, taxes and […]

Home equity loans and cash-out refinance loans both allow you convert the equity in your home to cash you can access immediately. Either option can provide you with the funds for renovations, repairs, debt consolidation or anything else you need. Here, the Integrity First Lending team looks at the differences between the two types of […]