How Child Support and Alimony Payments Affect Mortgage Qualification

April 23, 2025

When applying for a mortgage, lenders carefully assess your income and debt to determine your ability to repay the loan. If you receive or pay child support or alimony, these payments can significantly impact your mortgage qualification. Understanding how they factor into your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, income calculation, and overall loan approval process can help […]

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The Pros and Cons of Using Gift Funds for Down Payments

April 22, 2025

For many homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest hurdles to homeownership. Fortunately, gift funds, money given by family members, close relative, or even an employer can help bridge the financial gap. While using gift funds can make homeownership more attainable, there are important benefits and potential […]

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 21st, 2025

April 21, 2025

While the week had a significant absence of impactful data releases, there are still the notable U.S. retail figures numbers, as the turbulent tariff policies that have been announced have sent shock waves across many industries. This time the U.S. retail sales have seen a significant jump as consumers try to get ahead of the […]

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What Every Buyer Should Know About Home Appraisals

April 18, 2025

Buying a home is an exciting yet complex process, and one critical step often catches buyers off guard—the home appraisal. This professional evaluation determines the fair market value of a property, ensuring that both you and your lender are making a sound investment. Understanding how appraisals work can help you navigate this stage with confidence […]

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Why Did My Mortgage Lender Change?

April 17, 2025

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial steps you’ll ever take. After securing a mortgage, you expect to send your payments to the same lender for years to come. So, when you receive a notice saying your mortgage has been sold and your payments should now go to a different company, it […]

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The Facts and Fictions of Reverse Mortgages

April 16, 2025

A reverse mortgage can be a powerful financial tool for homeowners aged 62 and older, providing access to home equity without the burden of monthly mortgage payments. If you’re considering this option, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process. Steps to Secure a Reverse Mortgage Meet with a Reverse Mortgage Specialist Before […]

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Smart Strategies for Building an Emergency Fund

April 15, 2025

Life is full of unexpected expenses, from medical bills to car repairs and even job loss. Having an emergency fund in place can help protect you from financial stress and prevent you from relying on high-interest loans or credit cards. If you don’t already have one, now is the perfect time to start building your […]

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 14th, 2025

April 14, 2025

Last week’s inflation reports, both the CPI and PPI, came in significantly cooler than expected. However, this must be viewed in the context of the administration’s recent tariff policies. Rather than signaling a healthy reduction in inflation, the data points to signs of deflation—which can be just as damaging to the economy as high inflation. […]

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The Top 3 Home Loan Programs First-Time Buyers Should Consider

April 11, 2025

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but navigating the mortgage process can feel overwhelming. With so many loan options available, it is important to choose one that best suits your financial situation and long-term goals. Here are three of the most popular home loan programs that first-time buyers should consider. 1. FHA Loan: […]

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Why Your Mortgage Rate Isn’t the Same as the One Advertised Online

April 10, 2025

Shopping for a mortgage can be exciting, but it can also be confusing when you see a low advertised rate online, only to be quoted a different rate when you apply. While this can be frustrating, there are several reasons why your actual mortgage rate may differ from what you initially expected. The good news […]

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