Homebuyer Education
What 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?…
Read MoreHow to Lower Your Mortgage Payment Without Refinancing: What Is a Mortgage Recast?

When most homeowners think about lowering their mortgage payment, they immediately think of refinancing. But did you know there’s another option that doesn’t involve changing your loan term or interest rate? It’s called a mortgage recast, and it could be the solution you’re looking for. What Is a Mortgage Recast? A mortgage recast is when…
Read MoreTaking 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…
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