Articles
Do You Pay PMI on a USDA Loan?
By John Tappan | NMLS# 394171 No, USDA loans do not require traditional private mortgage insurance (PMI). However, USDA borrowers do pay a similar cost called the USDA guarantee fee, which has two parts: a 1.00% upfront fee charged at closing and a 0.35% annual fee paid monthly for the life of the loan. The ... Read more
Is Home Equity Loan Interest Tax Deductible for Rental Property?
Yes, home equity loan interest is generally tax deductible for rental property in 2026 when the loan proceeds are used for rental property purposes like, improvements, repairs, maintenance, or property acquisition costs. Under IRS Publication 527 and Publication 936, the interest deduction is properly classified as an ordinary business expense on Schedule E rather than ... Read more
How Long Is an FHA Appraisal Good For?
An FHA appraisal is valid for 180 days from the appraiser’s effective date. If the loan does not close within that window, the lender can order an appraisal update that extends validity to one full year from the original effective date. This rule comes from HUD’s Single Family Housing Policy Handbook 4000.1 and FHA Mortgagee ... Read more
How Long After Bankruptcy Can I Get an FHA Loan?
You can get an FHA loan 2 years after a Chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge or 12 months after starting your Chapter 13 trustee payment plan with court approval. The Chapter 7 wait is measured from the discharge date, not the filing date. The Chapter 13 wait does not require discharge — you can qualify while ... Read more
Can You Buy a Duplex With an FHA Loan?
Yes, you can buy a duplex with an FHA loan in 2026. The FHA 203(b) program lets you purchase a 2-unit property with just 3.5% down at a credit score of 580 or higher, as long as you live in one of the two units as your primary residence for at least one year. Duplexes ... Read more
DSCR Home Equity Loan vs. Non-QM HELOC
When leveraging home equity, borrowers often consider Debt Service Coverage Ratio or DSCR home equity loans and Non-Qualified Mortgage or Non-QM Home Equity Lines of Credit or HELOCs. Both financing options provide liquidity using home equity but cater to different borrowers and financial situations. Understanding their differences helps investors and homeowners choose the right option. ... Read more
CDFI Loans
How to Apply for a CDFI Loan in California in 2026 A CDFI loan is a mortgage, business loan, or other financing product originated by a Community Development Financial Institution—a specialized lender certified by the U.S. Treasury’s CDFI Fund to serve low-income, underbanked, and historically underserved borrowers and communities. CDFI loans cover home purchase, refinance, ... Read more
How to Refinance House to Pay Off Debt
Refinancing your home to pay off debt involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new one, often with different terms, and utilizing the equity built in your home to consolidate higher-interest debts. This financial strategy can offer several advantages, making it an appealing option for many homeowners. You need to proven mortgage lenders that offer ... Read more
How to Get a Second Mortgage for a Rental Property
Investing in rental properties is a great way to build long-term wealth and passive income. One of the most effective ways to finance a rental or investment property is by securing a 2nd mortgage or home equity loan. BD Nationwide can get you matched with lenders that help homeowners and real estate investors secure 2nd ... Read more
DSCR vs. Conventional Mortgage
When purchasing a property, selecting the right home financing option is crucial to ensuring financial stability and long-term success. Two common types of home mortgages that real estate investors and homebuyers consider are Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans and conventional mortgages. BD Nationwide has been helping home buyers and real estate investors find the ... Read more
How Is Rental Income Taxed When You Have a Mortgage?
Rental income from a mortgaged property is taxed as ordinary income at your marginal federal tax rate (10-37% in 2026), reported on IRS Schedule E (Form 1040), but landlords can substantially reduce taxable rental income through five primary deductions: (1) mortgage INTEREST (fully deductible against rental income — principal is not); (2) property taxes assessed ... Read more
Are Non-QM Loans Safe?
For the right borrower, non-QM loans are a safe, well-regulated, and time-tested financing option in 2026. The “non-qualified” label refers to a loan’s regulatory classification, not to loan quality or borrower risk. Non-QM loans still require lenders to verify a borrower’s ability to repay, and a decade of data shows cumulative default rates near 3.8% ... Read more
Land Loan Guide
How to Finance Raw Land, Lots, Farms, and Commercial Acreage in 2026 Land loans in 2026 are available for nearly every property type raw land, improved lots, hobby farms, recreational acreage, agricultural ground, and commercial parcels, but they price 1% to 3% above conventional mortgage rates and require 20% to 50% down depending on the ... Read more
No Doc Commercial Real Estate Loan Guide
Yes, no doc commercial real estate loans are available in 2026, but the term “no doc” today means no income documentation, not zero paperwork. Modern no doc commercial loans verify the property’s cash flow, the borrower’s credit and equity, and the entity structure—but waive personal tax returns, W-2s, and DTI calculations entirely. Expect LTV ceilings ... Read more
Reverse Mortgages Guide
Reverse mortgages offer seniors a way to unlock their home equity without selling their property or taking on monthly mortgage payments. There is a lot of misconceptions about reverse mortgages that we hope to clear up for the senior homeowners in this article. Key Takeaways on Reverse Mortgage Options in 2026 3 primary types: HECM ... Read more
How to Get Rid of PMI Without Refinancing
As lending professionals with decades of mortgage expertise, we frequently counsel homeowners seeking to eliminate one of the most burdensome costs in their monthly housing payments: Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). While PMI enables millions of Americans to achieve homeownership with down payments below 20%, this ongoing expense—often ranging from $50 to $300 monthly—provides no benefit ... Read more
How to Qualify for a Mortgage
One of the most important steps for first time home buyers is understanding how to qualify for a mortgage and what the loan process entails in 2026. represents one of the most significant financial milestones in Americans’ lives. Master Class to Qualifying for a Mortgage in 2026 With mortgage qualification requirements evolving constantly and multiple ... Read more
How Quickly Can You Refinance a Mortgage?
For homeowners watching mortgage rates decline throughout 2026, the question of refinancing speed has become increasingly urgent. With rates dropping from above seven percent to the low six percent range, millions of borrowers are eager to capitalize on savings opportunities. Understanding exactly how long the refinancing mortgage process takes can help you plan effectively and ... Read more
How to Calculate a Home Equity Line of Credit Payment
Understanding how to calculate your Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) payment is essential for effective financial planning and budgeting. Whether you’re considering a HELOC for home renovations, debt consolidation, or other major expenses, knowing exactly what you’ll owe each month empowers you to make informed borrowing decisions. This report breaks down the HELOC payment ... Read more
What Is the FHA $100 Down Program?
For many aspiring homeowners, the biggest hurdle isn’t the monthly mortgage—it’s the down payment. That’s where the FHA $100 Down Program steps in. This unique home buyer program was designed to make homeownership more accessible and allows eligible buyers to purchase certain HUD-owned homes with a down payment of just $100. Let’s explore how it ... Read more