Homebuyer Education
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 MoreBefore You Move Money Around, Talk to Your Lender
You’ve found the house. Your offer is accepted. The loan is moving along nicely. Then you decide to move $20,000 from one account to another. Or pay off a credit card. Or deposit the cash you’ve been keeping at home. Or your parents send you money to help with closing. All perfectly reasonable things to…
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 MoreWhy the Lowest Interest Rate Isn’t Always the Best Mortgage
When most people shop for a mortgage, they ask one question first. “What’s your interest rate?” It’s an important question, but it isn’t always the most important one. In fact, I’ve seen borrowers choose the lowest advertised rate only to discover later that it came with higher fees, extra costs at closing, or a payment…
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 MoreYour Mortgage Payment: It’s More Than Principal and Interest
One of the most common questions I hear is, “How much will my mortgage payment be?” It sounds simple, but there is more to a mortgage payment than just paying back the amount you borrowed. Understanding the different pieces can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises after closing. The Four Parts of a…
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 MoreCan 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…
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