Buy vs. Rent: Is Your Monthly Payment Building Wealth or Just Buying Time?
Let’s keep it real – If you’re renting for $2,000 a month, that’s $24,000 a year going straight into your landlord’s next vacation… or kitchen remodel (you know, the one you’re not allowed to touch). And unless they’re sending you thank-you notes and holiday gifts, that money is doing nothing for you. Now flip it—what […]
Buy Smarter: Why Refinancing First Could Be Your Best Move in Today’s Market
Do I Have to Sell Before I Buy? Not Always—Here’s a Smarter Strategy One of the most common questions I hear from clients is: “Don’t I have to sell my current home before I can buy my next one?” The short answer? Not necessarily. In fact, with the right strategy, you can position yourself to […]
Do You Really Need a Realtor? Here’s Why the Answer is YES
With so many online tools available, it’s easy to think, “I can buy or sell a home on my own.” Websites like Zillow, Redfin, and DIY home-selling platforms make it seem simple—find a home, make an offer, sign some paperwork, and move in. But in reality, real estate is far more complex. It’s not just […]
Manual Underwriting Vs. Automated Underwriting: The Complete Guide
The mortgage underwriting process helps mortgage lenders determine if your financial status is solid enough to repay the home loan you’re applying for. Because anyone’s financial condition can change, the underwriting process considers whether the property you want to buy is worth enough to repay the loan if the lender has to foreclose. In a […]
What questions will a mortgage lender ask?
Millions of mortgage applications are completed and sent to lenders each year. Part of the steps required include the lender gathering information about you—and sometimes those questions can seem invasive. Most of the questions are required as part of your approval. Let’s take a look at the things a mortgage lender will ask. Credit Lenders […]
Getting a great mortgage rate
The mortgage industry examines a number of factors to determine not only if you qualify for a mortgage, but also what interest rate you’ll pay. An excellent rate on a mortgage is about a lot more than comparison shopping. It’s also about much more than just your credit score. Mortgage rates can differ by several […]
What to do when you’re buying and selling at the same time
You’re not going to close on a new home the exact same day you sell your old home if you’re in the process of buying and selling at the same time. You’ll have to rely on potential buyers and the current state of the market. There have been no offers on your current home, but […]
What’s the best mortgage length for you?
If you’re unprepared, buying a home can be a dangerous venture. If you aren’t well informed, not understanding your options could wind up costing you thousands, or tens of thousands, of added dollars. Aside from choosing the house itself, is the type of mortgage you’ll choose and the length of your loan. Fixed vs. Adjustable […]
Pros and Cons of Extra Mortgage Payments
After a few years and perhaps discovering more financial flexibility, many homeowners begin to wonder if they should make extra mortgage payments. The thinking is that extra payments can save in interest and bring you closer to actually owning your home. While this is a good idea, there are also reasons why you might not […]
What’s the Difference? Private Mortgage Insurance vs Homeowner’s Insurance vs Mortgage Protection Insurance
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Private mortgage insurance protects your mortgage lender in the event you default on your loan. Many lenders will require high risk buyers to carry private mortgage insurance to protect what is their investment too. Generally, it’s required if you have a conventional loan and make a down payment of less than […]
