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Home Loan News..


Debt-to-Income Ratio in 2026: The Mortgage Metric That Actually Determines Approval
Many buyers believe credit score is the biggest factor in getting approved for a mortgage. In reality, Debt-to-Income ratio (DTI) often determines whether a loan works. Let’s break it down clearly. What Is DTI? Debt-to-Income ratio compares: Your total monthly debts to Your gross monthly income Example: Monthly debts: • Car payment: $600 • Student loans: $300 • Credit cards: $150 • Proposed mortgage payment: $3,200 Total debt = $4,250 Monthly income = $10,000 DTI = 42.5% Tha
Michael Belfor
5 days ago2 min read


FHA vs Conventional in 2026: Which Loan Makes More Sense for Condo Buyers?
This question comes up weekly: “FHA is lower than Conventional — should we just go FHA?” Maybe. But not automatically. Let’s break it down tactically. Rate vs APR vs Structure A lower note rate does not automatically mean a lower overall cost. With FHA, you must factor: • Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP)• Monthly Mortgage Insurance (lifetime on most loans) With Conventional, you must factor: • Risk-based pricing • Monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) • PMI remov
Michael Belfor
Mar 22 min read
Mortgage Rates Just Broke Below 4% on the 10-Year — Why That Matters
This week brought an important technical development in the bond market. The 10-year Treasury yield moved below 4.00% for the first time since last October. Mortgage-backed securities also pushed above a stubborn resistance level that had capped pricing for several weeks. For borrowers, this matters because technical breakouts often lead to incremental follow-through. Inflation data was mixed. Producer prices came in hotter than expected on a monthly basis, but markets barely
Michael Belfor
Feb 281 min read


How to Buy Before You Sell in 2026 (Without Destroying Your Approval)
One of the most common questions I get: “Do I have to sell my current home before I buy?” Not necessarily. Buying before selling can actually put you in a stronger negotiating position — if it’s structured properly. The Fear: Two Mortgage Payments The concern is simple: “How do I qualify if I’m carrying both homes?” The answer depends on structure. There are three primary paths: Offset the departing residence with rental income Qualify carrying both with sufficient DTI and re
Michael Belfor
Feb 272 min read
Content by The Belfor Team, Mortgage Lender California
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