Guild Mortgage blogs
Do I have to pay mortgage insurance if I put down less than 20%?
Do I have to pay mortgage insurance if I put down less than 20%? In most cases, mortgage insurance is a requirement when a homebuyer’s down payment is less than 20 percent. Some loans don’t [...]
What are the financial benefits of energy-efficient homes?
What are the financial benefits of energy-efficient homes? Being a homeowner certainly comes with its own costs, but by investing in sustainability, you can take advantage of lower bills while staying comfortable. Whether you’re searching [...]
How do I buy a second home?
How do I buy a second home? If you want to get a second home, expect the financing to be different from your primary residence. Buying a second home may require you to provide more [...]
What are the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage?
What are the pros and cons of a reverse mortgage? Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are reverse mortgages that help homeowners who are 62 and up* use equity in their homes—without mandatory monthly mortgage payments**. [...]
Can you buy a home with zero down payment?
Can you buy a home with zero down payment? Is saving for a down payment delaying your homebuying plans? Great news—it’s possible to buy a home with low or zero down payment and not drain [...]
Does a pool add value to your home?
Does a pool add value to your home? Adding an in-ground pool can boost your home’s value, but it isn’t a one-size-fits all solution, and can easily turn into an expensive, time- (and space)-consuming nuisance. [...]
How can I use my home’s equity?
How can I use my home's equity? Home equity is the actual financial amount of the home you own, so it can be used like the returns on any other investment. Because it’s not as [...]
What are the advantages of buying vs. renting?
What are the advantages of buying vs. renting? There are big benefits to homeownership that renting doesn’t provide you with. The top reasons for buying instead of renting a home include building equity, better psychological [...]
What makes up the price on a newly built home?
What makes up the price on a newly built home? From the market the new home is located in, to the lumber used in the home’s frame, plus the cost of wages for laborers, a [...]
What’s needed for a pre-approval application?
What’s needed for a pre-approval application? When you want to make an offer on a home, a pre-approval letter backed by a lender like Guild gives sellers confidence that you’ll be able to follow through [...]