Emily Starbuck Gerson

2 weeks ago | experian.com | Emily Starbuck Gerson

Real Estate Professionals in the LGBTQ+ CommunityWhile most forms of housing discrimination are still illegal, it's sadly common to hear anecdotes of LGBTQ+ homebuyers experiencing it at some point in the process. In the aforementioned US Bank survey, just over half of respondents reported having a difficult time getting a mortgage, and 73% felt discriminated against by lenders for being LGBTQ+. One way to help reduce this risk is to use a real estate agent who is in the community themselves.

2 weeks ago | military.com | Emily Starbuck Gerson

The author’s views are hers alone and do not reflect those of any organization or institution with which she or her spouse is affiliated. “Why would anyone want to kick your wife out of the military?”I’ve heard that question repeatedly since 2017, the year transgender service members were barred from joining the military and those already in uniform faced the threat of expulsion.

1 month ago | experian.com | Emily Starbuck Gerson

Types of Down Payment Assistance ProgramsThere are a variety of down payment assistance programs, but these are the most common types:Typically reserved for first-time homebuyers, grants work like a gift: You don't have to repay the money. The exception is if you don't remain in the home for a required number of years; if you move out earlier than agreed upon, you must pay it back.

1 month ago | experian.com | Emily Starbuck Gerson

Quick AnswerVA loan requirements for 2025 include proving eligibility, using the home as a primary residence and likely paying an upfront funding fee. Mortgages with low interest rates remain hard to come by, and scraping together a sufficient down payment can be a challenge. For active service members and military veterans looking to buy a home, a U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) home purchase loan could be an excellent option.

Jan 28, 2025 | experian.com | Emily Starbuck Gerson

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