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Resources & Guides

Plain-English answers to the questions we get every week — from VA construction nuances and builder selection to refinance math and program-by-program comparisons.

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Comparison Guide

Forbearance & Loss-Mitigation Recovery — When Can You Qualify for a New Mortgage?

COVID forbearance, loan modification, payment deferral, repayment plan — how each loan program (Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, USDA) treats post-hardship recovery for new mortgage eligibility. The 3-payment rule, the FHA cash-out gotcha, VA's explicit COVID protections, and the strategy for clearing fastest.

May 28, 2026

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Comparison Guide

Foreclosure, Short Sale & Deed-in-Lieu Seasoning by Loan Program

How Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, and USDA each treat foreclosure, short sale, and deed-in-lieu seasoning — with the extenuating-circumstances shortcuts most lenders won't volunteer. Side-by-side comparison plus the strategy for which program clears you fastest at each timeline marker.

May 28, 2026

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Comparison Guide

Student Loan Payments by Loan Program — Fannie, Freddie, FHA, VA, USDA

How each major loan program calculates your qualifying student-loan payment for DTI — Fannie's 1% rule, Freddie & FHA's 0.5% rule, VA's 5% rule plus the deferment loophole, and USDA's strict fixed-payment-only test. With the documentation that unlocks the lower numbers.

May 28, 2026

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Comparison Guide

Bankruptcy Seasoning by Loan Program — Chapter 7 vs Chapter 13

How Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy seasoning compares across Conventional (Fannie + Freddie), FHA, VA, and USDA — including the extenuating-circumstances shortcuts and which program fits your timeline.

May 28, 2026

VA Entitlement for Construction Loans: How It Works and How to Restore It
Construction

VA Entitlement for Construction Loans: How It Works and How to Restore It

Learn how VA entitlement powers $0 down construction loans, how to restore it, and what to know if you want to use it more than once.

May 13, 2025

Who Pays the Interest During Construction? Understanding Your Options
Construction

Who Pays the Interest During Construction? Understanding Your Options

Not all construction loans handle interest the same way. Here’s how each option works—and why PRMI uses the builder-paid model.

May 1, 2025

Include a Contingency in Your Construction Loan to Avoid Budget Surprises
Construction

Include a Contingency in Your Construction Loan to Avoid Budget Surprises

One-time close loans don’t allow changes mid-build. Here’s why including a contingency could save your project—and your budget.

April 22, 2025

Why You Should Choose a Builder Before Buying Land
Construction

Why You Should Choose a Builder Before Buying Land

Thinking of buying land first? Here’s why choosing your builder first can save you money, time, and a lot of construction headaches.

April 15, 2025

Understanding the Construction Loan Draw Process: What to Expect During Your Build
Construction

Understanding the Construction Loan Draw Process: What to Expect During Your Build

What happens after your construction loan closes? Learn how draws work, what lenders look for, and how to avoid surprises.

April 9, 2025

Before You Build: How to Choose the Right Builder
Construction

Before You Build: How to Choose the Right Builder

Learn how to choose the right builder: what to ask, red flags to spot, and how to match a builder to your goals and budget.

April 1, 2025

Are VA Construction Loans Really Harder for Builders? What Builder's & Veterans Need to Know
Construction

Are VA Construction Loans Really Harder for Builders? What Builder's & Veterans Need to Know

VA vs conventional construction loans—what builders need to know before starting. Is it really harder? Let’s break it down

March 28, 2025

Mortgage know-how, loan-program comparisons, and homebuying tips — occasional, never spam.

Equal Housing Opportunity

Austin McKnight — NMLS #322977 | Branch — NMLS #1161933 | Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) — NMLS #3094

PRMI NMLS: 3094. PRMI is an Equal Housing Lender. Some products and services may not be available in all states. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. This office is licensed and examined by the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner of the State of Texas. Department of Financial Institutions CL-3094.

NMLS Consumer Access

Member, Mortgage Bankers Association