Homebuyer Education
Taking Time Off to Raise Kids? Here’s What It Means for Your Mortgage Approval

Many parents take time away from their careers to raise their children, but when it’s time to buy a home, they often wonder: will my employment gap affect my mortgage approval? The good news is, not necessarily! Lenders understand that life happens, and as long as you meet certain requirements, you may still qualify for…
Read MoreCan You Roll Closing Costs Into Your Mortgage?

One common question homebuyers ask is whether they can roll their closing costs and prepaid items into their loan. The answer? Yes and no; it depends on whether you’re purchasing or refinancing. How to Include Closing Costs in Your Home Purchase If you’re buying a home, you typically can’t add closing costs directly to your…
Read MoreBuying a Home While Separated in Texas: What You Need to Know

If you’re going through a separation and considering buying a home, you might be wondering how it will affect the mortgage process. In Texas, there is no legal separation—you are either married, single, or divorced. This distinction matters because Texas is a community property state, meaning your spouse may still have a legal and financial…
Read MoreWhen Should You Start The Home Buying Process?

Many people know they want to buy a home, but aren’t sure when they should make that move. It’s a future goal, but figuring out when to start can be tricky. One thing is clear: the best time to call a loan officer is right now, even if you’re still in the early stages of…
Read MoreWhat to Do If Your Home Appraisal Comes in Lower Than the Purchase Price

An appraisal is a key step in the home-buying process, determining the fair market value of the property. But what happens when the appraisal comes in lower than the agreed-upon purchase price? This scenario can create challenges, but with the right strategy, you can navigate them smoothly. How Does a Low Appraisal Affect Your…
Read MoreBuying a Home with a Low Credit Score: What You Need to Know

If you have a low credit score, you may be wondering if homeownership is possible. The short answer? Yes, you can buy a home with a low credit score. But the real question is… should you? That depends on your financial situation, loan options, and long-term goals. What is the Minimum Credit Score to…
Read More3 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent for Your Home Purchase

Recently, there’s been a lot of talk about whether real estate agents are necessary in today’s market. Some believe you can handle the process yourself, skipping representation altogether. While it’s true that buying or selling a home involves plenty of resources at your fingertips, nothing replaces the expertise and guidance of a seasoned professional. If…
Read MoreHow to Buy Investment Property with Your Primary Residence Loan

Are you dreaming of owning an investment property? At Liberty Star Mortgage, we have a strategy to help you achieve this goal while securing the benefits of a primary residence loan. It’s all about combining smart planning with creative financing. @collettesmortgagetips Let’s talk about how you can buy investment property along with a primary residence!…
Read MoreThe Do’s & Don’ts of Down Payment Gift Funds

Receiving gift funds for a down payment is a generous and helpful way to achieve homeownership. However, it’s crucial to follow the proper steps to ensure the process goes smoothly and complies with lender requirements. At Liberty Star Mortgage in Fulshear, Texas, we’re here to guide you through the do’s and don’ts of down payment…
Read More5 Benefits of Refinancing Your Home

If you’re a homeowner, refinancing your mortgage could be the key to saving money and achieving your financial goals. But what exactly does refinancing entail, and why should you consider it? Let’s dive into five major benefits of refinancing your home loan. 1. Improved Credit Score Refinancing can help you boost your credit score over…
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