First-Time Homebuyer & Financing
Low down payment loans, FHA vs. conventional comparisons, mortgage insurance, closing costs, and how to use rental income to qualify for a 2-4 unit home.
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Guides & Articles (5)
FHA 203(b) vs. Conventional 97: Best Low Down Payment Loans for First-Time Buyers
Compare the FHA 203(b) and Conventional 97 side by side: down payment, mortgage insurance costs, credit score requirements, and which loan wins for house hackers buying 2-4 unit properties.
Jan 6, 2026
9 min read
Understanding Mortgage Insurance: FHA MIP vs. Conventional Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
How FHA MIP and conventional PMI actually work: rates, upfront premiums, cancellation rules, and the exact math of when PMI drops off your loan.
Jan 9, 2026
8 min read
The Real Cost of Closing: How to Estimate Escrow, Title Fees, and Prepaid Taxes
Closing costs explained line by line: lender fees, title insurance, escrow deposits, prepaid interest, and how to budget 2-5% of the purchase price with a worked example.
Jan 13, 2026
8 min read
What Is the FHA Self-Sufficiency Test on 3-Unit and 4-Unit Properties?
The FHA self-sufficiency test explained with worked examples: why 75% of market rent must cover the full PITI payment on 3-4 unit FHA purchases, and how to pass it.
Jan 16, 2026
7 min read
How to Use Future Rental Income to Qualify for a First-Time Multi-Family Loan
Boarder income, the 75% appraiser rent rule, and FHA's multi-unit guidelines: how lenders count projected rental income from a duplex, triplex, or fourplex toward your debt-to-income ratio.
Jan 20, 2026
8 min read