prequalifying Articles

Mortgage Basics

Start Smart: Your Plain-English Guide to Mortgage Terms, Processes, and Confidence.

Home Ownership

Master Your Home: Essential Tips and Expert Guidance for Every Homeowner's Journey.

Refinance

Refinance Smarter: Discover How to Save Big or Unlock Cash From Your Home's Value.

Home Equity

Leverage Your Wealth: Strategies for Building, Accessing, and Maximizing Your Home Equity.

Loan Types

Stay Ahead of the Curve: Expert Analysis on Loan Types, Rates, and Market Trends.

The Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist for Homebuyers

Before you jump fully into the search, it helps to know how much you may be able to borrow with a mortgage and what price range makes sense for your finances.

March 25, 2026

The Mortgage Pre-Approval Checklist for Homebuyers

Before you jump fully into the search, it helps to know how much you may be able to borrow with a mortgage and what price range makes sense for your finances.

March 25, 2026

How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Shop for your new home with confidence. Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you can understand your buying power and start making offers.

February 26, 2026

What is a Conventional Loan?

Conventional loans are a popular choice for both homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance. Read on to learn why they’re so widely used and what that could mean for you.

February 25, 2026

The Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio Explained

What is a good DTI ratio for a mortgage? Learn how to calculate front-end and back-end DTI, check common loan requirements, and 4 steps to improve your ratio.

January 2, 2026

Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved: The Differences Explained

Discover the differences between pre-qualification and pre-approval in the home-buying process. Learn why both steps matter. Talk to a Pennymac expert today!

October 23, 2025

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Approved for a Home Loan

Whether you’re buying your first home or refinancing, managing your finances carefully is important for getting approved for a home loan. Read on to get actionable tips that can improve your chances of securing the loan you want.

July 18, 2025

Affordable Lending: Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Homebuyer assistance programs can help you achieve your homeownership goals by providing down payment assistance, closing cost aid and lower interest rates.

September 11, 2024

Home Buying Not Only a Couples' Game: Results of the Pennymac Single Homeownership Survey

The results are in — and they may surprise you. See what single homeowners shared about their home-buying journey and why they felt fine doing it without a partner.

January 10, 2024