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VA removes pre-approval process for some loans?

Housing Wire

The Department of Veterans Affairs last week announced it is streamlining the loan approval process for borrowers with a VA-appointed fiduciary and for veteran borrowers who apply for a joint loan. Loan closings could not proceed until the VA issued its approval, which resulted in a drawn-out process.

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Rocket Companies announces deal to acquire Redfin for $1.75 billion

Housing Wire

The deal, which has been approved by the boards of directors of both Rocket Companies and Redfin, is expected to close in the second or third quarter of 2025. Today, Rocket Companies announced it has entered into an agreement to purchase digital real estate brokerage Redfin in an all-stock transaction valued at $1.75 billion in equity.

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22 U.S. metros where buying a home is cheaper than renting

Housing Wire

A new report from Zillow Home Loans outlines some key trends and factors for renters to consider when evaluating a home purchase. And according to Zillow Home Loans Senior Economist Orphe Divounguy, homeownership may be more within reach than most renters think. In some of the U.S.’s

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To boost Black homeownership, the U.S. must navigate a ‘troubling environment’

Housing Wire

The past two years have been tough, but even before 2021, Black homeownership was either falling or stagnant and remains far from its pre-2004 high of nearly 50%.” “The SHIBA report underscores that there has been little progress in increasing Black homeownership. This development has “significant implications for the housing market.”

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The Power of Mortgage Pre-Approval [INFOGRAPHIC]

Keeping Current Matters

Mortgage pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and, based on factors like your income, debt, and credit history, determined how much you’re qualified to borrow. In today’s market, connecting with a lender to get pre-approved may be the game-changer that helps you secure your dream home. Some Highlights

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Pre-Approval Makes All the Difference When Buying a Home

Keeping Current Matters

You may have been told that it’s important to get pre-approved at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Bottom Line.

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Why Is It so Important to Be Pre-Approved in the Homebuying Process?

Keeping Current Matters

You may have heard that pre-approval is a great first step in the homebuying process. So, before you start shopping around, it’s helpful to know your price range, what you’re comfortable within a monthly mortgage payment, and ultimately how much money you can borrow for your loan. But why is it so important? Bottom Line.