The Real Cost of Owning a Home Buying a home is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with a range of new financial responsibilities. While most buyers focus on the monthly mortgage payment, that’s only part of the picture. Understanding…
Planning for Your Future Home Saving for a down payment is one of the most important—and often most intimidating—steps in the homebuying journey. Whether you’re planning to buy in the next year or simply getting started, a thoughtful savings strategy…
Summer Brings More Than Sunshine Summer is one of the busiest seasons for homebuying. With school out, vacation time available, and longer days to house hunt, many buyers hit the market during this time of year. While it’s a great…
Why Spring is a Prime Time for Real Estate Spring consistently ranks as one of the most active seasons in real estate—and for good reason. The weather improves, daylight lasts longer, and families often prefer to move before the next…
Choosing the right mortgage professional is a critical step in the home-buying process. Whether you work with a mortgage lender or a mortgage broker, the decision can impact your loan options, interest rate, and overall experience. Here’s how to determine…
Applying for a mortgage is an exciting step toward homeownership, but it’s important to approach the process carefully. Certain financial decisions made before and during the application process can impact your approval and loan terms. To help ensure a smooth…
Interest rates are one of the most important factors to consider when buying a home. They directly influence how much you’ll pay each month on your mortgage and, ultimately, how much home you can afford. When rates rise, it can…
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. As a first-time buyer, you’re likely navigating unfamiliar territory with a lot of questions about the process. To help you start your homeownership journey with confidence,…
Choosing the right mortgage term is a critical decision in the home-buying process. The two most common options are the 15-year and 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. Each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and understanding these can help you…
Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it comes with its share of expenses—one of which is closing costs. Many first-time buyers are surprised by these additional costs, which can add up to thousands of dollars. As a mortgage…
