Mortgage Tips & Home Loan Guides | ABS Home Mortgage

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac now let lenders use VantageScore 4.0 as well as Classic FICO. Here's what that does and doesn't change, and the steps that actually move your score before you apply.

FHA's 3.5% down payment and 580 credit score get all the attention, but the mortgage insurance that often lasts the life of the loan is what actually decides whether FHA is the right fit. Here's how the costs, 2026 loan limits, and requirements actually work.

Our average purchase closing is 21 calendar days. Here's exactly what happens each week — document collection, underwriting, appraisal, title, and the Closing Disclosure clock — and the specific points where a normal file actually slows down.

Both loans charge mortgage insurance under 20% down, but in Texas your FHA limit can swing by nearly $275,000 depending on the metro. Plus why "no income tax" doesn't mean a lower payment, TDHCA and TSAHC assistance, and the visa-holder rule change.

Both loans charge mortgage insurance under 20% down, but in Florida even the conforming limit moves by county - up to $990,150 in Monroe County. Plus FL Assist, Hometown Heroes, and the visa-holder rule change.

Both loans charge mortgage insurance under 20% down, but in Georgia the bigger swing factor is your county: FHA reaches $718,750 in 24 metro-Atlanta counties versus $541,287 elsewhere. Plus Georgia Dream assistance and the visa-holder rule change.

Both loans charge mortgage insurance under 20% down. The difference is that conventional PMI cancels and FHA MIP at 3.5% down does not. Plus the 2026 Illinois loan limits, the visa-holder rule change, and how property taxes affect which one you qualify for.

Everything a first-time buyer needs in Naperville for 2026: what you can actually afford with DuPage County taxes, down payment minimums, neighborhood-by-neighborhood pricing, Illinois assistance programs, and the pre-approval process.