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

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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 […]

Refinance

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

January 1, 2021

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

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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 […]

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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 […]