Your search for returned 643 results.
October 06, 2026
Getting pre-approved is one of the first and most important steps in the homebuying journey. Learn what documents you'll need, what to expect during the process, and how preparing ahead can help you shop for a home with confidence.
August 20, 2026
Breaking a big purchase into smaller payments can be convenient, but "Buy Now, Pay Later" accounts could potentially impact your mortgage approval process.
January 15, 2021
Career development and professional growth are important to us at Waterstone Mortgage, which is why we're excited to announce these two employee promotions.
April 17, 2020
Working remotely? These are the biggest dos and don'ts of video conferencing.
March 31, 2026
From inspection to final valuation, find out what happens during an appraisal and how to position your home for the best possible outcome.
July 23, 2023
A Platinum Credit Approval allows you to present the next best thing to a cash offer.
October 14, 2026
Thinking about buying a house in the fall? With potentially less competition, greater negotiating power, and seasonal savings, autumn could be the right time to make your move.
April 14, 2021
Energy efficiency can not only benefit the environment, but it can also help save you money.
October 01, 2026
Use this practical fall home maintenance checklist to protect your home, improve comfort, and get ready for colder weather.
September 04, 2026
Here's what mortgage lenders look at when evaluating your credit.
January 25, 2025
Download our free loan document checklist to keep track of the files you’ll need when applying for a home loan.
March 26, 2024
Waterstone Mortgage’s Lock & Shop option allows homebuyers to lock in their interest rate for 60-90 days while shopping for a home.
September 17, 2024
Here are the types of funds you can (and can’t) use for an initial deposit for your home purchase.
As a medical professional, you work hard to keep our community healthy and safe — and that deserves a big “thank you.”
Our Medical Professional Program helps eligible healthcare professionals achieve homeownership with up to 100% fi
January 23, 2025
If you’re planning to buy a home soon, decreasing your DTI ratio could open up a wider range of mortgage opportunities for you.
July 13, 2021
Your DTI ratio compares your monthly debts from bills against your gross monthly income to see how your money is balanced.
what is a conventional loan?
Conventional loans are often referred to as “conforming loans” because they meet the guidelines set by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The most notable guideline is that the maximum loan amount for a single-unit p
what is an FHA loan?
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which allows lenders to offer mortgage financing to more homebuyers — ones who may not meet the qualifications of conventional loan programs. Because the governme
what is a USDA loan?
A USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan is a fixed-rate mortgage backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These loans were long thought of as just for farmers, but the program has been expanded in recent years to help families
mortgage loans for veterans and active-duty military
At Waterstone Mortgage, we proudly support those who serve our nation. That’s why we offer Veterans Affairs (VA) loans — a special mortgage program designed exclusively for U.S. militar
what is down payment assistance?
Down payment assistance programs are put in place to help eligible homebuyers provide funds for their down payment on a new home or closing costs. These are often state-specific.
October 14, 2021
Homeowners insurance protects your home, while private mortgage insurance (PMI) protects your mortgage lender from the effects of loan default.
July 30, 2024
Several financial categories have an impact your credit score, which is one of the factors that lenders consider when deciding if you’re eligible for a mortgage.
Many down payment assistance (DPA) programs are offered on a state-by-state basis. However, the National Homebuyers Fund and Chenoa Fund DPA programs can be used with FHA loans nearly nationwide.
These programs offers up to 5% in assistance. FHA only
February 16, 2024
Top tips for increasing your credit score.
September 02, 2024
If your credit score is less than perfect, check out these tips for improving your score and finding a mortgage loan that suits your needs.
February 23, 2024
The first step many people take to build good credit is getting a credit card and paying the full balance with every statement. After a few months of established history, a credit score will populate — and hopefully a pretty good one at that. (
August 20, 2020
Homeowners insurance protects you and your home in the event of an accident.
October 19, 2024
Private mortgage insurance is often required for conventional mortgage loans with less than 20% down.
