First Time Home Buyers
Is Your Dream Home Hiding a Surprise? Why Fall Is a Smart Time to Look Beyond the Listing Photos
Fall has a way of making houses look especially inviting. A beautiful front porch, pumpkins by the door, warm lighting in the windows and a cozy living room can make it easy to picture yourself celebrating the holidays in a new home. But before you fall in love with the decorations, let’s talk about what…
Read MoreDon’t Let Your Mortgage Plans Fall Through the Cracks
Fall is a season for change. The weather cools down, the holidays start creeping onto the calendar, and before we know it, another year is coming to an end. It is also a good time to take a look at your plans for buying a home. If homeownership is something you are considering in the…
Read MoreThe Mortgage Horror Stories I’d Rather You Never Experience
October is the perfect month for scary stories. But when it comes to buying a home, I prefer the kind of horror story that ends with, “Thankfully, this didn’t happen to me.” After nearly 40 years in the mortgage business, I can tell you that some of the scariest problems don’t involve haunted houses. They…
Read MoreThe House Is Affordable. But Is the Lifestyle?
Getting approved for a mortgage and being comfortable with the cost of owning a particular home are two different things. When buyers look at homes, it is easy to focus on the purchase price and estimated mortgage payment. But the house comes with a life attached to it, and that life has expenses that may…
Read MoreYour Down Payment Is Not the Same as Your Cash to Close
One of the most common surprises for homebuyers happens when they hear the words “cash to close.” They may have saved enough for their down payment and assume that is the amount they will need at closing. Then they see additional costs and wonder where all those numbers came from. Your down payment is part…
Read MoreThe One Number That Can Make or Break Your Mortgage Approval
When most people think about qualifying for a mortgage, they immediately think about one thing: their credit score. While your credit score is certainly important, it isn’t the only number lenders look at. In fact, I’ve seen buyers with excellent credit qualify for less than they expected, while others with average credit qualified with no…
Read MoreShould You Wait for Interest Rates to Drop Before Buying a Home?
It’s one of the questions I hear most often: “Should I wait for interest rates to come down before buying a home?” The answer depends on your personal situation, but waiting isn’t always the best financial decision. While a lower interest rate can reduce your monthly payment, home prices don’t always stay the same. As…
Read MoreTownhome vs Condo: What’s the Difference and Does It Matter for Your Mortgage?
When buying a home, many buyers come across properties labeled as townhomes or condos and assume they are the same. While they may look similar, mortgage lenders view them very differently—and that can affect your loan approval, interest rate, and overall financing process. Understanding these differences upfront can help you avoid surprises once you’re under…
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 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…
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