Peter Miller

Peter G. Miller, author of The Common Sense Mortgage, is a real estate columnist syndicated in newspapers nationwide. Peter has been featured on Oprah, the Today Show, Money Magazine, CNN and more. Follow Peter on Twitter

Articles by Peter Miller

Refinance

Fannie Mae High Loan-to-Value Refinance Option (HIRO) Guidelines for 2021

July 13, 2021

The Fannie Mae High LTV Refinance Option (HIRO) is worth a look for underwater homeowners who would like to take advantage of today’s low-interest rates, but don’t have enough equity […]

gray-house-with-red-door-yard-and-flowers

Refinance

Freddie Mac Enhanced Relief Refinance (FMERR) Guidelines for 2021

March 26, 2021

What is FMERR? If you’ve never heard of a Freddie Mac Enhanced Relief Refinance — a “FMERR” loan — you’re not alone. Available to homeowners since the beginning of the […]

brick-brownstone-with-trees-and-bicycle-on-sidewalk

Niche Mortgage Products · Q&A

Can You Get A 40-year Mortgage?

October 28, 2019

Longer term financing is still available, despite falling out of favor after the housing crash 10 years ago. But, finding a lender that offers a 40-year mortgage lender can be […]

father-and-daughters-sitting-in-back-of-car-outside-house

Q&A

Should You Buy or Lease A Car Before Applying For A Mortgage?

October 21, 2019

The typical new car loan costs $530 per month, while the average new lease costs $430 per month, according to an Experian report from the third quarter of 2018. And, […]

Q&A

What Do Lenders Count As Mortgage Income?

October 15, 2018

Question: What is mortgage income? I want to apply for a mortgage but worry that much of my income will not be counted. I receive child support plus much of my […]

What the difference between mortgage rates and apr?

Q&A

Mortgage Interest Rates Versus The Mysterious APR

October 1, 2018

Question: I want to get a mortgage. Interest rates I understand but what is an APR and why is it higher than the interest rate? Answer: When you buy something […]

Q&A

Is Cash-out Refinancing A Good Idea With Higher Rates?

September 24, 2018

Question: We want cash-out refinancing. The value of our home has increased significantly in the past five years. We want to now get a cash-out refinance but worry that rising mortgage […]

Q&A

Why Has My Credit Score Gone Up?

September 5, 2018

Question: My credit score has gone up significantly during the past year even though my debts and monthly payments have largely stayed the same. Are the new numbers real or […]

The truth about real estate closing delays

Q&A

Are Real Estate Closing Delays Common?

August 2, 2018

Question: Are closing delays common? We’re selling our home. The good news is that we have a buyer. The problem is that closing will be delayed because of a mortgage […]

Using online price estimates to value your home

Q&A

Should I Value My Home With Online Price Estimates?

July 31, 2018

Question: Homes in our area are quickly selling and we’re thinking of putting our place on the market. Does it make any sense to value our property on the basis […]