What Most First-Time Homebuyers Wish They Knew Before Their Purchase

A joyful couple, with a man lifting his partner while embracing and smiling, celebrating their first home purchase.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, know that you’re not alone. Over 45% of homebuyers are doing so for the first time, and we love to help first-time buyers make it happen in the smoothest possible fashion. Financing is often the most confusing part, but with our help, we can make it fast, easy, and even […]

Simple Budgeting Tips: Getting Ready To Own Your First Home

A happy couple embracing and smiling, excited about budgeting and preparing to own their first home.

Follow these tips and expert insight to help you get your budget in order and get yourself ready to buy your first home. 1. Organize Your Finances You may know how much you have in your bank accounts, but do you know how much you spend on household expenses and luxuries each month? Or which […]

Get The Facts: Will Pre-Approval Hurt My Credit?

A happy family—father, mother, and child—playing in the snow, representing financial planning and the impact of mortgage pre-approval on credit.

Getting mortgage pre-approval is one of the first steps toward buying your dream home. Pre-approval boosts the likelihood that the seller will accept your offer and gives you a detailed quote for your homebuying budget.  But homebuyers often hesitate because they think that pre-approval hurts their credit score. Will it?  The truth is that it will […]

How Working With A Mortgage Professional Can Save You Money

A happy couple moving into their new home, unpacking boxes while discussing financial savings with the help of a mortgage professional.

Whether purchasing your first house or refinancing your existing mortgage, you might have considered working with a mortgage professional. A mortgage professional, such as a loan officer or broker, can help you save time and money, offer sound advice when dealing with tough situations, and help guide you through the whole borrowing process. Home buyers […]

Choosing the Best Mortgage Options for Unique Circumstances

A happy man sitting comfortably, representing confidence in choosing the best mortgage options for unique financial situations.

Not all loan products are the same, nor are borrower situations. For first-time homebuyers, you’ll most likely hear about the most popular 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan, and there’s no arguing that it’s a great loan product for most buyers but not in all circumstances. However, other mortgage options could be better, depending on your financial […]

10 Things to Check Before Buying in a New Neighborhood

A peaceful neighborhood street with parked cars, fallen leaves, and a dog standing in the middle, reflecting community life and surroundings.

If you plan on buying a new house, you should thoroughly research the property that meets your needs. But you shouldn’t only be diligent about the house-hunting part during your research. You would also like to know more about the neighborhood you’re about to relocate to. If you’re confused about what you should look for […]

Top Ways to Raising Your Credit Score –Fast!

A cheerful woman in a yellow outfit sitting confidently, representing financial success and improving credit scores quickly.

There are plenty of reasons why you should boost your credit score. But if you’re preparing to purchase a house, know that an exceptional credit score can increase your chances of getting a lower interest rate on your home loan. If you want to raise your credit score, there are several quick, simple things that […]

Why Buying A Home Still Makes Better Financial Sense Than Renting

A joyful couple embracing in an open field with flowers, symbolizing the financial and emotional benefits of homeownership over renting.

Both house and rental prices have risen, pushing many to contemplate the benefits of buying vs. renting in 2022. Renting is usually the more affordable option, but with rent payments being nearly equal to buying a home, is waiting to buy a home even worth it? Don’t worry because several significant differences could make purchasing […]

Tips for Saving Thousands on Your Home Purchase

A happy family with two kids being welcomed by a real estate agent, excited to explore their new home and learn money-saving tips.

Purchasing your own home may be the largest purchase you can make. The median monthly mortgage payment in the U.S. is $1,100, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau — and this doesn’t include other costs related to homeowners insurance and property taxes. If you want to save thousands on your home purchase, there are […]

Watch Out for these Red Flags When Buying a Home “As Is”

Asian mother sitting on a sofa with her two kids and a dog, representing the importance of being cautious when purchasing a home 'as is'

While house hunting, you might have seen some listings of homes sold “as is.” Home buyers might find these types of homes attractive because they’re typically priced lower than similar houses. Before you purchase an “as is” home, you must be able to decipher if the home is sketchy or not. Here’s what to watch […]