The HomePilot Blog
Mortgage guides, rate insights, and homebuying strategy from the HomePilot team.
Close a 1099 Mortgage in 15 to 30 Days: 90% Rule for U.S. Self Employed
U.S. self employed borrowers: learn the 90% 1099 income formula, required 1099s and transcripts, expected 15 to 30 day close time, and how to compare...
$832,750 Baseline: 2026 U.S. Conforming Loan Limits and County Lookup
Official 2026 U.S. conforming loan limits, including the $832,750 baseline and $1,249,125 high cost ceiling. Find your county limit and key delivery...
Breakeven First: When a Debt Consolidation Mortgage Pays in the U.S.
U.S. homeowners: calculate the refinance breakeven before rolling card debt into home equity. Compare cash out refinance, home equity loans, and HELOCs.
5 Steps to Close a Gift of Equity for U.S. Families
Practical U.S. guide to gift of equity for families. Learn five closing steps, required documents, tax reporting, and lender checks to avoid delays.
Veterans United vs a VA mortgage broker: a fair fight, with data
Veterans United's advertised VA rate and points beside our live quote, updated daily from their own page, plus what federal data says about the channel.
36 Month Break Even: When a VA Streamline Refinance Pays for Veterans
See when a VA streamline refinance (IRRRL) benefits veterans. Run the 36 month break even test, compare lender quotes, and use the free calculator.
Faster Approval: FHA Streamline Checklist for U.S. Borrowers, $500 Cap
Quick start checklist for U.S. FHA borrowers. Learn the 210 day and six payment rules, the $500 cash out cap, lender questions to ask, and how to compare...
Mortgage broker vs bank: which one actually gets you the lower rate?
Brokers and banks price the same loan differently, and federal HMDA data shows the wholesale channel usually wins. Why, and when a bank still makes sense.
Does rate shopping hurt your credit? The 45-day rule, explained
Mortgage inquiries within a shopping window count as one inquiry in credit scoring models. Here's how the window works and why under-shopping costs real money.
6 Steps for Self-Employed Bank Statement Mortgage Loans
Learn how lenders calculate income from deposits and use six steps, including CPA prepared P&L and reserve planning, to improve approval odds.
The best mortgage rates, with receipts
Every lender claims the best mortgage rates. We publish ours next to the national average and the big lenders' advertised offers, every day. Check, don't guess.
U.S. Self Employed Mortgage Requirements: When to Use Bank Statement or 1099 Loans
A U.S. workbook for self employed borrowers: a Fannie Mae checklist, how lenders calculate income, when to pick bank statement or 1099 loans, plus...