Can You Use Side Hustle Income to Qualify for a Mortgage?
Side hustles are more common than ever, and many homebuyers assume that extra income can automatically help them qualify for a mortgage. In reality, using side hustle income to qualify is possible, but only under specific guidelines. Understanding how lenders review self-employed and secondary income can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises during the…
Read MoreHow to Finance a Multi-Generational Home in Texas
Buying a home with parents or adult children is becoming more common across Texas. Whether you’re combining households to save money, care for family members, or invest together, financing a multi-generational home comes with unique mortgage considerations. Before you start house hunting, it’s important to understand how lenders evaluate income, credit, debt, and property types…
Read MoreBuying a Home With a Co-Borrower Who Has Lower Credit
Buying a home with a spouse, partner, or family member often means combining finances, but what happens when one borrower has excellent credit and the other does not? This is a common situation, and the way it’s handled depends largely on the type of mortgage you choose. Understanding how different loan programs treat credit scores…
Read MoreHow Student Loans Affect Mortgage Qualification in Texas
If you’re thinking about buying a home and you have student loans, one of the most common questions is whether those loans will count against you in the mortgage approval process. The short answer is yes—student loans are almost always included, even if they are currently deferred. Understanding how student loans are calculated can make…
Read MoreWhat Happens If Your Income Changes During the Mortgage Loan Process?
When you’re in the middle of buying a home, stability is key—especially when it comes to your income. Lenders use your earnings to calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) and determine whether you can qualify for a mortgage. Any significant change in your job or income during the loan process can create challenges, and in some…
Read MoreBuying a Home While Renting: How to Avoid Paying for Two Places at Once
Timing the purchase of your first home while you’re still renting can feel overwhelming. The last thing you want is to be stuck paying both rent and a new mortgage at the same time. With the right planning, though, you can make the transition smooth and even save money in the process! When Does Your…
Read MoreCan You Use Your 401(k) for a Down Payment on a House?
If you’re getting ready to buy a home and eyeing your 401(k) for help with the down payment, you’re not alone, but before tapping into your retirement savings, it’s important to understand how it works and what the potential impact could be. Yes, your 401(k) can be used toward your down payment, but there are…
Read MoreIs Waiting for Lower Interest Rates Costing You More?
At Liberty Star Mortgage in Fulshear, Texas, we understand that timing is one of the biggest concerns for homebuyers—especially when it comes to interest rates. Many buyers are holding off, hoping that rates will drop before they make a move. But what most don’t realize is that waiting for lower rates could actually end up…
Read MoreWhat Costs Are Actually in Your Monthly Mortgage Payment? Let’s Break Down the Total
At Liberty Star Mortgage, we’re often asked: “What exactly is included in my monthly mortgage payment?” Understanding the components of your mortgage can help you plan and budget with confidence, especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. Here’s a breakdown of the four main costs that typically make up a monthly mortgage payment: 1. Principal &…
Read MoreFirst-Time Homebuyer Grant Programs: What You Need to Know About Help with Closing Costs
If you’re a first-time homebuyer wondering if there are programs available to help with closing costs, the short answer is yes there are. But at Liberty Star Mortgage in Fulshear, Texas, we want to make sure you know the full picture before committing to one of these programs. Can Grant Programs Help with Closing Costs?…
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