Key takeaways PMI protects the lender, not you: Required on conventional loans when your down payment is under 20%, it covers the lender if you default, not you. Multiple ways to avoid it: A 20% down payment is the simplest route, but piggyback loans (80/10/10), lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI)

Lending for new single-family homes jumped 11% from a year ago and 26% from February, the Mortgage Bankers Association said.

A beautiful outdoor space should feel like an easy extension of your home, not a constant source of upkeep. With the right sustainable landscaping ideas, you can create a yard that looks great year-round while working in harmony with the local climate and principles of green architecture. From nativ