Chris Birk

Looking to a buy a home? Unfortunately, if you have unpaid taxes, it can be a bit complicated. Click here to learn if you can buy a house if you owe taxes.

Shopping for a home loan means getting your credit pulled. There’s no way around it. But what can you do to make sure your credit doesn't get dinged unnecessarily?

Government-backed home loans tend to be more forgiving if you have bad credit. But that flexibility can disappear if your bad debts are federal ones.

VA loans aren’t the answer for every veteran. But they can make a huge difference, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to land a home loan.

Do you have unpaid debt, but want a mortgage? Here’s a closer look at how your bad debts can come into play during the home loan process.

Your spouse’s credit can make or break your mortgage. A score imbalance (hers is high and his is low) can mean a lower interest rate, or not qualifying at all.

Losing a job is tough enough. But what happens if you find yourself out of work when you’re weeks or even days from closing on your dream home?

Homeowners stop paying their mortgage for a host of reasons. But doing so can inflict serious damage on your credit.

The time between the first open house you attend until you close on a home can vary. Once a home is under contract, though, there are meaningful averages.

The relief that comes with finalizing a home purchase can spur a false sense of security. Here’s a look at four common credit mistakes new homeowners make.