The HomePilot Blog
Mortgage guides, rate insights, and homebuying strategy from the HomePilot team.
3 Scenarios: What House You Can Afford on a $100K Salary
Three scenarios for a $100K salary, likely price range $300,000 to $450,000. Use HomePilot's calculator and get a no hard credit pull quote.
Loan Level Price Adjustments for U.S. Borrowers: FHFA Update, 5 Checks
Learn how FHFA pricing updates affect loan level price adjustments and run five Loan Estimate checks to compare offers as a U.S. borrower.
Arizona FHA Loan Requirements 2026: County Limits Start at $541,287
Understand Arizona FHA loan requirements and the 2026 county limits (floor $541,287). Learn HUD-sourced rules, appraisal pitfalls, and how to get a quick...
0.5% to 3.3%: Which U.S. Veterans Pay the VA Funding Fee in 2026?
2026 VA funding fee explained: rates (0.5% to 3.3%), who’s exempt, how to pay or finance the fee, when refunds apply, and the COE checks to run.
Which Saves in Five Years? 15 vs 30 Year Mortgage for U.S. Buyers
Compare 15 and 30 year loans by running your five year cost. Use mortgage calculators, model extra payments, and submit a Loan Estimate for a free review.
Escrow vs No Escrow: Compare Across 40+ U.S. Lenders
See when escrow is required, when waivers are allowed, and how lenders judge waivers. Run lender side numbers and compare offers from 40+ U.S. wholesale...
Prequalification vs Preapproval: First-Time Buyers, Start Smart
Clear guidance for first-time buyers on prequalification vs preapproval, drawn from the CFPB. Run an affordability check, then get preapproved before making offers.
Veterans: How the 25% Rule Controls VA Jumbo Loans for $832,750+
2026 update: Learn how entitlement math (the VA 25% rule), county limits, and lender overlays determine VA jumbo loan down payments and rates. Compare...
Fannie vs Freddie: Which U.S. Lenders Approve DACA Home Loans
Discover which U.S. lenders will underwrite DACA home loans, why the Fannie vs Freddie split matters, what documents you need, and how to avoid late denials.
0% to 3% Down in the U.S.: Broker Quotes for Low Down Mortgages
Compare U.S. low down payment mortgage options, from 0% VA/USDA to 3% FHA and conventional. Get broker sourced quotes, live wholesale pricing, and true...
FHA's 0.5% Rule: How U.S. Lenders Count Student Loans for Mortgages
How FHA's 0.5% placeholder changes counted student loan payments and U.S. mortgage DTI. Pull your credit, get servicer letters, then request a documented...
Drop PMI at 20% Equity: Homeowners vs Mortgage Insurance in the U.S.
Clear U.S. guidance on homeowners vs mortgage insurance: what each covers, when PMI cancels at 20% equity, and practical refinance steps.