Mortgage Tips

Expert advice on navigating the homebuying journey, including essential do's and don'ts of the mortgage loan process. Learn about common pitfalls to avoid, best practices for securing favorable loan terms, and gain a deeper understanding of key mortgage concepts. Our tips cover everything from pre-approval to closing, ensuring you're well-equipped with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions and achieve your homeownership goals smoothly and confidently. 

Understanding Contingencies

Understanding Contingencies in Real Estate: A Guide for Sellers and Buyers

If you’re selling your current home and buying a new one, navigating the process can feel overwhelming—especially when your funds are tied up in your existing home. That’s where contingencies come in! At Liberty Star Mortgage, we’re here to help you understand how contingencies and leasebacks can simplify your real estate transaction. What is a…

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mortgage wire fraud

Wire Fraud Alert: Protect Yourself During Your Mortgage Transaction

At Liberty Star Mortgage, we take your safety seriously and we want to help you protect your hard-earned money during your homebuying journey, and we need to talk about something that could cost you big—wire fraud. What is Wire Fraud? Wire fraud occurs when a scammer tricks you into wiring your money to the wrong…

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Buying a Home When You're Self-Employed

Buying a Home When You’re Self-Employed: What You Need to Know

At Liberty Star Mortgage, we understand that being self-employed can make the homebuying process a bit more complex. But with the right preparation, you can secure the mortgage you need. Here’s what you should know if you’re self-employed and looking to buy a home.   Key Documents Your Lender Will Need As a self-employed borrower,…

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ratevideomarket-September20

The Recent Fed Rate Cut And What it ACTUALLY Means!

By now you may have heard that the Fed cut rates on September 18th by half a percent. But what does that ACTUALLY mean for mortgage rates? Unfortunately, it’s not an automatic cut in mortgage rates— but it does mean we are in the right direction for lower mortgage rates. Read more in Dan’s article…

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Don’t Let a 20 percent Down Payment Freeze You

Don’t Let a 20% Down Payment Freeze You—Explore Your Home Buying Options!

Does the thought of a 20% down payment have you frozen in fear? You’re not alone! Many first-time homebuyers mistakenly believe they need to save a full 20% of the home’s price to make their dream of homeownership a reality. The good news is, that’s not the case! There are plenty of options that require…

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A First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Home Warranties

A First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Home Warranties

As a first-time homebuyer, you’re likely overwhelmed with all the decisions you need to make. One of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of buying a home is understanding what a home warranty is and why you might want one. What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract that covers…

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The Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage

The Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage

Are you looking for a way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments or potentially access some of your home’s equity? Refinancing your mortgage could be a powerful tool to help you achieve those goals. Let’s explore what refinancing is, its benefits, and how it could be a game-changer for you. What is Refinancing? Refinancing involves…

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6 Tips For After You Close On Your New Home

6 Tips For After You Close On Your New Home

Congratulations on closing your new home! This is a huge milestone, but the journey doesn’t stop here. To help ensure your transition into homeownership is smooth and stress-free, here are six essential tips to follow after you’ve closed on your new home.   1. Request Both Paper and Electronic Copies of Your Closing Documents When…

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Unlock Savings-Essential Tips for Mortgage Rate Locks

Unlock Savings: Essential Tips for Mortgage Rate Locks

When it comes to mortgage rates, many people assume that once they start talking to a lender, they’re locked into a fixed rate. However, mortgage rates are far from static. Just like the stock market, they’re constantly fluctuating, and understanding how rate locks work can make a significant difference in your financial savings. The Truth…

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Is Your HOA Payment Included in Escrow? Understanding What to Budget For

Is Your HOA Payment Included in Escrow?

When buying a home, there’s often confusion about what’s included in your escrow account, particularly regarding Homeowners Association (HOA) dues. Many people assume that, like property taxes and homeowners insurance, their HOA fees will be collected monthly as part of their escrow payments. However, this is a common misconception. HOA Payments and Escrow: What’s the…

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The Benefits to Owning an Investment Property or Vacation Home

The Benefits to Owning an Investment Property or Vacation Home

When it comes to investing in real estate, many people consider the potential of owning an investment property or vacation home. Not only can these properties offer financial benefits, but they also provide unique opportunities for personal enjoyment and long-term family legacy. Here’s why owning an investment property or vacation home can be a smart…

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HOW Your Tax Rate Can Impact Your Monthly Mortgage Payment by HUNDREDS!

How Does Your Tax Rate Impact Your Monthly Mortgage Payment? | Mortgage Math with Collette

Welcome to Mortgage Math, with Mortgage Expert, Collette Horton! Let’s break down how your tax rate significantly impacts your monthly mortgage payment. Sometimes it can mean the difference of HUNDREDS of dollars per month!     When you’re planning to buy a home, one of the most crucial factors to consider is how your tax…

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4 homebuyer tips everyone should know

4 Home Buying Tips Everyone Should Know

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve compiled four essential tips that every homebuyer should know. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, these insights will ensure a smoother and more successful experience. 1. Get Pre-approved Before You Start…

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Is Homeownership Your Best Hedge Against Inflation...?

Is Homeownership Your Best Hedge Against Inflation…?

Buying a home is the most expensive and important financial transaction most people will ever make. It’s also the strongest tool and best hedge they will have in their portfolio to fight inflation. While money invested in a stock may go down, historically, your home appreciates in value over the long-term. And as you build…

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9 Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in houston

The Essential Guide for Houston First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home in Houston is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a daunting process filled with new terminology and important decisions. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve put together an essential guide for first-time homebuyers in Houston. Follow these steps to make your home-buying experience as smooth and enjoyable as…

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10 Commandments of Mortgage

The 10 Commandments of Mortgage: Navigating Your Path to Homeownership

Welcome to the definitive guide for all prospective homeowners! I’m Collette Horton from Liberty Star Mortgage, and today, we’re delving into the essential principles that every buyer should follow when venturing into the realm of real estate and mortgages. These rules aren’t just suggestions—they are the cornerstone of a smooth and successful home buying experience.…

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Why You Should Avoid Big Purchases Before Closing on Your Home

Why You Should Avoid Big Purchases Before Closing on Your Home

Buying a home is a major milestone, and the process can be both exciting and stressful. One crucial aspect to keep in mind is the impact of your financial decisions leading up to the closing date. Making big purchases before closing on a home can jeopardize your mortgage approval and delay your move-in date. Here’s…

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FHA Loans

Understanding FHA Loans: A Comprehensive Guide for Homebuyers

Are you considering buying a home but worried about high down payments and stringent credit requirements? If so, an FHA loan might be the solution you’ve been searching for. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about FHA loans and how they can help you achieve your dream of homeownership. What…

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How much is your home worth

How Much is Your Home Worth?

At Liberty Star Mortgage, we understand the importance of knowing the true value of your home. Whether you’re considering selling, refinancing, or simply curious about your property’s worth, understanding its value is key to making informed decisions about your financial future. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods for determining your home’s…

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PurchasingPathway_Page_1

The Ultimate Roadmap to Homeownership: A Step-by-Step Purchasing Pathway

A step-by-step game plan for what to expect from initial consultation all the way through to the closing of your home. 1. Initial Appointment The purpose of the initial appointment is to understand your “needs and wants” as a buyer. This may be the most critical meeting of the home buying process. During this appointment,…

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don mccoy

Tales of Passion and Dedication with Don McCoy | Collette’s Community Podcast – Episode 1

Join us on a captivating journey as we delve into the life of Don McCoy, Fulshear Katy Chamber of Commerce President, and 2024 Candidate for the Mayor of Fulshear. From his diverse upbringing to his Hollywood spotlight and back to his roots in Texas, Don’s experiences paint a rich tapestry. He’s more than just an…

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mortgage calculators

The TRUTH About Online Mortgage Calculators

In the digital age, online mortgage calculators have become indispensable tools for prospective homebuyers and current homeowners alike. Promising quick and easy estimations of mortgage payments, these virtual assistants offer a glimpse into the financial implications of homeownership. However, beneath their user-friendly interface lies a labyrinth of inaccuracies and pitfalls that could lead borrowers astray.…

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texas mortgage loan officer - fulshear texas real estate

Texas Benefits for Veteran’s with 100% Disability

As a 100% disabled veteran living in the state of Texas, you may be entitled to a number of benefits that can help improve your quality of life. These benefits are designed to provide financial, medical, and educational assistance to veterans who have been injured or disabled while serving their country. In this article, we…

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texas mortgage loan officer - fulshear texas real estate

Texas Vet vs. VA Loan

When it comes to purchasing a home in the state of Texas, veterans and active duty military personnel have a few different options for financing. Two popular choices are the VA loan and the Texas Vet program. While both programs offer advantages to those who are eligible, they do have some differences. VA Loan in…

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Protecting Your Credit During A Divorce

When a marriage ends in divorce, the lives of those involved are changed forever. During this time of upheaval, one thing that shouldn’t have to change is the credit status you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Unfortunately, for many, the experience is the exact opposite. Unfulfilled promises to pay bills, the maxing out of credit…

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Book a one-on-one consultation with Loan Officer, Collette Horton, to discuss your mortgage options and find the perfect loan for your needs.

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Main Number:
(281) 558-0004

Fulshear Locations:
30417 5th Street, Suite B
Fulshear, TX 77441

5757 Flewellen Oaks Lane, Suite 104
Fulshear, TX 77441

Sherry Collette Horton , NMLS #290357

Important Information about Procedures for Opening a New Account
To help the government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person who opens an account (e.g., establishes a formal relationship by means of a loan application) What this means for you: When you open an account, we will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and other information that will allow us to identify you. We may also ask to see your driver's license or other identifying documents.
No statement on this website should be considered a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet LTV requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines, and are subject to change without notice based on applicant's eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over life of loan. Reduction in payments may reflect longer loan term. Terms of the loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant.