Mortgage news, tips and tools
The PennyMac Mortgage Blog is where you'll find unbiased, useful info to help save you money, time and peace of mind during the mortgage process. If you have a mortgage or are about to get one, we think you'll find info here you can't always get elsewhere.
04.22.19
A colorful flower bed, a freshly mowed lawn, a newly painted front door—these attractive aspects of your house and yard exterior, when first viewed from the street, is typically known as “curb appeal.
Read more about Seeing Green: How to Increase Your Curb Appeal
04.17.19
Starting in 2015 through 2017, suburban populations have been growing faster than the cities they surround, according to a report from the Brookings Institution, reversing the previous trend. Nationwide, as the economy and the housing market improves, more people – millennials in particular – are moving out of cities and into suburban neighborhoods.
Read more about The Burbs are Back: Homebuyers are Looking to the Suburbs
04.17.19
Homeownership has been a keystone of the American dream. The ability to decorate your walls, paint a room sky blue, and live with a furry companion without landlord approval makes buying a home attractive, as do the substantial financial benefits such as tax savings and equity building. What’s more, there’s nothing like the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge that your home is truly yours.
Read more about Rent vs. Buy: The Pros and Cons of Homeownership
04.11.19
When you’re evaluating home loan categories, it’s easy to get confused by the terms “conventional” and “conforming.” As similar as these two terms may sound, their definitions are different so it’s important to understand the distinctions. We’re here to clear the air.
Read more about Conforming vs. Non-conforming Loans: Which Is Best for You?
04.09.19
When it comes to filing your taxes, owning a home has historically been a huge benefit. However, the recent tax law changes have left many homeowners wondering what is still available for mortgage interest, mortgage points, property taxes, and other deductions. So, how do you make the most of your deductions?
04.04.19
All mortgages are not created equal and that, of course, is by design. Special circumstances require special lending packages. Enter the odd ducks—mortgages created for very specific circumstances. But what exactly are these loans?
03.24.19
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is one of the most common ways to borrow money against the value of your home. Similar to a credit card, you can use your HELOC to buy things that you need now, and repay it with interest at a later time. Obtaining a HELOC requires (among other factors) that you have reasonable equity in your home.
03.21.19
The answer is, no. The down payment amount can vary depending on the type of loan for which you’re applying. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to save, as well as down payment assistance programs and other funding sources for buyers. We compiled a list of alternative options for your down payment. Let’s first see what the down payment amount is for the type of loan you’re looking at.