7 Low Down Payment Mortgage Options That Actually Work in 2026

Most homebuyers don’t need 20% down — several government-backed and conventional low down payment mortgage options let qualified buyers close with as little as 0% to 3.5% down. This guide by Duane Buziak breaks down seven programs available in 2026, comparing their true total cost of ownership across hundreds of wholesale lenders so you can choose the option that actually saves you the most money.

What Documents Are Needed for a Mortgage? A Borrower’s Preparation Guide

Most mortgage delays happen during document collection, not at closing — and this guide by Duane Buziak breaks down exactly what documents are needed for a mortgage application, organized by category and loan type, so borrowers can walk into underwriting prepared, compare rates across multiple lenders, and avoid the paperwork scrambles that stall otherwise-qualified buyers.

Duane Buziak’s 6 Refinance Rate Comparison Tools That Actually Show You the Full Cost in 2026

Most refinance rate comparison tools only show a teaser rate, but Duane Buziak — a mortgage broker with access to hundreds of wholesale lenders and over 1,400 five-star reviews — evaluates six tools that reveal the full cost picture: rate, APR, closing costs, break-even timeline, and total interest paid, so you can compare wholesale and retail pricing before committing to any lender.

9 Hidden Mortgage Fees to Avoid — and How to Spot Them Before Closing

Most homebuyers focus on the interest rate while hidden mortgage fees quietly add thousands to their transaction — but many are negotiable or avoidable entirely. This field guide from Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647) walks through nine specific fee categories, explains why lenders charge them, and shows you exactly how to compare loan packages and push back before closing.

7 Mortgage Rate Lock Strategies That Could Save You Thousands at Closing

Rate locks are one of the most consequential decisions in a mortgage transaction, yet most borrowers treat them as an afterthought. This article breaks down seven concrete mortgage rate lock strategies — complete with worked dollar examples and lender comparisons — so you can time, structure, and protect your lock whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or shopping loan programs across multiple wholesale lenders.

Conventional vs. Government Loans: 7 Decision Strategies That Actually Save You Money

Most homebuyers choose between Conventional Vs Government loans before running the numbers — a mistake that can cost tens of thousands over a 30-year term. Licensed broker Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647) walks through seven concrete decision frameworks — covering credit thresholds, PMI vs. MIP mechanics, down payment math, and a fully worked $350,000 purchase example — so you can compare every loan type you qualify for and let the numbers decide.