Bank statements, credit scores, interest rates, loan estimates: It can make you feel like you’ve hit quicksand on the home buying journey. These “dos and don’ts” will help you cut through the noise and pave the way for a smooth and efficient mortgage process.

Inform Home Loans™ works with experienced real estate professionals who share our client-centric ethos. Meet Christy Rosen Clement, our recommended REALTOR® in Tampa!

A USDA loan can be a valuable option for those who meet the eligibility criteria and are looking to purchase a home in a qualifying rural or suburban area. It’s important to work with an approved lender who’ll carefully review program guidelines to ensure you meet all the requirements.

Do you like knowing how much your mortgage payment will be each month? Want the option of paying off your mortgage early with no penalties? A fixed-rate mortgage might be for you.

A home provides stability in an unpredictable world. It also lets you build equity, get tax breaks, customize your living space, or even generate income by renting it out. But the journey to home ownership doesn’t happen overnight and it helps to have a roadmap.

When you do things like shop for a mortgage, finance a car, open a new credit card or take on a student loan, the result is a hard inquiry into your creditworthiness, which in turn dings your credit score. But how bad? And for how long?

A home equity loan lets you borrow against the value of your home. You get a lump sum payout which you repay in monthly installments in a fixed amount until the loan is paid off.

A conventional loan is a great option if you have a solid credit score and not too much debt. If you can’t make a larger down payment, many conventional loans are available with as little as 5% down.

Financial literacy may sound boring, but it’s incredibly important to nearly every aspect of life. Here are five tips designed to make you a smarter borrower.

An FHA loan is a mortgage that’s insured by the Federal Housing Administration. It’s easier to get than a conventional loan, which could make it a good choice if you don’t have the cash for a big down payment or your credit score is on the lower end.

16% of contracts were cancelled nationwide in July, though it was an astonishing 30% in Jacksonville. With steadily climbing interest rates and the looming threat of recession, some homebuyers are getting cold feet. Others are taking advantage.

Tampa stands at the forefront of medical research, including the internationally recognized work being done at Moffitt and USF. Now a Tampa biotech company has come forward with a shot that will treat skin cancers.

Refinancing can save you some money and let you cash out some of your equity. If you have strong credit and your savings will easily offset the upfront costs, refinancing is a solid choice. Otherwise, you might want to pump the brakes.

Appraisal, inspection, insurance, taxes: The numbers really start to fly when you’re closing on a home. It’s easy for private mortgage insurance to get lost in the shuffle, but pay close attention to it, because you’ll be paying it for… how long?

The VA helps service members, veterans and their survivors become homeowners by providing an exclusive loan benefit. Since the VA guarantees part of the loan, lenders can offer very favorable terms.

An ARM is a home loan with a low introductory interest rate that turns into a fluctuating rate later on. It could be a smart choice for homebuyers who are planning to be in the house for less than a decade.

When a regular loan just isn't enough: Nonconforming loans exceed the limits set by the FHFA. They're called jumbo loans because they’re for more money than most loans would permit you to borrow.

Refinancing your mortgage can be a great move. You could lower your interest rate, eliminate PMI, pay off your mortgage faster, or get cash to accomplish goals like canceling credit card debt, making home improvements or paying for college.

With an interest-only mortgage, you only pay the interest for the first several years of the loan. But once that initial period ends, costs rise sharply. Are you a good fit for this attractive but risky loan option?

An ARM is a home loan with a low introductory interest rate followed by one that fluctuates. It could be a smart choice for homebuyers who are planning to be in the house for less than a decade.