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Learn everything you need to know about buying a home.

I am an education based Loan Officer. Please read through the articles below to help you learn more about the home buying process.

2024 New Loan Limit by the Federal Housing Finance Agency

Exciting news for those dreaming of buying a home! The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has recently increased its loan…

Fannie Mae Special Purpose Credit Program for First-Time Homebuyers

The allure of homeownership beckons to many, but for first-time homebuyers, the path to achieving this dream can often seem…

Creative Ways to Save for Your Home in Texas

Welcome to the thriving Texas housing market! Whether you're eyeing a cozy home in Austin, a spacious residence in Dallas,…

Timing Your Texas Home Purchase: Navigating the Predicted 2024 Housing Shift

Are you thinking about buying a house in Texas but feeling overwhelmed by fluctuating prices and interest rates? You're not…

The Impact of Part-Time Real Estate Professionals

Relocating to Texas, with its appealing cities like Austin, Fort Worth, Spring, The Woodlands, or Sugar Land, is an adventure…

Understanding Property Taxes for New Builds in Texas

Welcome to our latest guide, especially crafted for those eyeing a move to the vibrant cities of Austin, Dallas, or…

Should I Buy A House With November 2023 Interest Rates?

As you cozy up inside during the chilly November weather, you might be wondering if now is a good time…

Stop Unwanted Spam Calls and Emails When Applying For Mortgages

Are you tired of endless spam calls and emails cluttering your day, especially after applying for a mortgage? You're not…

Federal Reserve Mortgage Rates News November 2023

Are you currently navigating the housing market and finding yourself grappling with the recent hike in mortgage rates? You're not…

Freddie Mac Selling Guide Updates on Income, Timeshares, and Appraisals

Are you dreaming of owning a house? Navigating the mortgage process can be like planning a big party — you…

Biden-Harris Administration Homeownership #ReverseTheCurse

The American dream of homeownership has long been a beacon for many families. Owning a home is not just about…

How Economic News Releases And Mortgage Rates

When it comes to understanding the world of mortgages, one might wonder how factors like government announcements and economic news…

Down Payment Assistance in Houston, Texas: A Swift Overview

Are you contemplating buying a home in Houston, Texas, but the hefty down payment is giving you second thoughts? Enter…

Bank Activity During Mortgage Approvals

Ready to unlock the doors to your dream home in Texas? Dive in to discover the game-changing secret behind smooth…

Buying a Home During a Recession: A Smart Move or a Risky Bet?

Recessions can be daunting. Economic downturns, job losses, and market instability might make the idea of buying a home seem…

Cash-Out Refinance in Texas Explained

The real estate landscape in Texas has undergone significant changes over the years, providing homeowners with new opportunities to tap…

Managing Bank Accounts When Buying a Home in Texas

Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make in your lifetime. Knowing how to manage…

How Child Support Payments Affect Home Buying

When you're considering buying a home, there are numerous factors that can influence your ability to secure a mortgage and…

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

Buying a house is a significant milestone in anyone's life. But how long does it actually take? Many myths and…

Order The Appraisal Before The Survey

Ordering an appraisal before a survey is a smart practice in real estate transactions, ensuring a clear understanding of a…

Homebuying During Hurricane Season in Texas

Hurricane season can have a significant influence on the home buying process in Texas. Its impact can vary depending on…

How Title Companies Delay Closings

Title companies play a critical role in ensuring smooth real estate closings. However, closings can face delays for various reasons.…

How Appraisers Delay Closings

Appraisers play a crucial role in determining the value of a property during the homebuying process. While their primary responsibility…

How Realtors Delay Closings

Realtors typically do not have direct control over the loan closing process, as this primarily involves the lender, the buyer,…

How Loan Officers Delay Closings

When it comes to securing a mortgage, timely closing is crucial for both homebuyers and sellers. However, some loan officers…

2 Identical Sales Prices With 2 Different Payments?

The amount you pay each month for your new home can vary widely, and it's not just about the house…

Saving for a House When Mortgage Rates Are High

When mortgage interest rates are high, saving money for a home can seem tough. But with smart planning, you can…

The Federal Reserves Affects Mortgage Rates

When you're looking to buy a house and get a mortgage, the interest rate you'll pay on that loan isn't…

Lowering Your Interest Rate When Buying A Home

An important aspect of buying a home is securing a favorable interest rate on your mortgage. In an unpredictable market,…

Buying A House While Getting Married

Embarking on the momentous endeavors of purchasing a house and celebrating a marriage marks an exhilarating chapter in life. The…

Buying a House During Divorce

Divorce can bring big changes, including the idea of buying a new home. While it might feel overwhelming, with some…

How Can I Estimate My Monthly Payment?

When you're a first-time homebuyer in Texas, it's essential to have a clear understanding of how to estimate your monthly…

Moving Money During Mortgage Approvals

Getting a mortgage is a big step towards owning a home. To get approved, you need to show you're financially…

Someone Else’s Name on Your Bank Statements?

There’s an often overlooked detail that can unexpectedly hinder your mortgage approval process: finding someone else's name on your bank…

How To Save Money For Your 2024 Home Purchase

Embarking on the journey to homeownership in 2024 requires adopting a savvy savings plan that's both actionable and forward-thinking. Here…

Your Guide to Preparing Your Credit for a 2024 Home Purchase

Are you holding off on purchasing until 2024? Whether it's a trendy urban loft or a peaceful suburban retreat, strategic…

How Student Loans Affect Mortgage Approvals

Owning a home is a major life goal, but the road to mortgage approval can be complex. One crucial aspect…

How Rate Hikes Affect Monthly Payments and Approval Amounts

As we approach the last quarter of the year, homebuyers are faced with an impending rate hike that could impact…

Never Use Cash for Earnest Money Deposits

Securing your dream home and finalizing the deal requires making an earnest money deposit. While cash or money orders might…

Why Accuracy Matters on Your Mortgage Application

When it comes to applying for a mortgage, accuracy is paramount. One critical detail that often gets overlooked is the…

Should I Buy a House?

As you make the decision to buy a house, timing, rates, finances, and home prices play important roles in your…

Navigating Homeownership During Economic Shifts

Hey there, future homeowner! As you set your sights on Houston's vibrant housing market going into into 2024, understanding how…

Buying A Home in 2023-2024 School Year in Houston

As the 2023-2024 school year commences in Houston, parents face unique challenges when buying a home. Balancing their children's educational…

Best Time to Buy in Texas Summer 2023

Buying a home is a significant decision, and timing can play a crucial role in ensuring a successful purchase. If…

Buying a House Without A Spouse in Texas

If you are legally married in Texas and you want to buy a house without involving your spouse, there are…

How Your Credit Score Affects Your Rate?

Your credit score can have a significant impact on the interest rate you receive when buying a home. As a…

How Much for That Refinance?

With mortgage interest rates being higher than 2020 and 2021 levels, some home buyers are opting to purchase now and…

Will Mortgage Rates Return to Normal Levels?

Many homeowners and prospective buyers are eagerly awaiting a return to "normal" mortgage rates. However, mortgage rates are influenced by…

When Do Mortgage Documents Expire?

The acceptable age of paystubs and bank statements for mortgage applications can vary depending on the lender's requirements and guidelines,…

What Impacts Interest Rates?

Mortgage interest rates affect your monthly payments which impact the affordability of homeownership. Below are the factors that influence mortgage…

Why Closing at The End of The Month Saves Money

When buying a home, one often overlooked aspect is the impact of daily interest charges and how they affect your…

Federal Reserve Freezing Rate Hikes

While the Fed's decision to freeze rate hikes can provide significant benefits to home buyers, it's essential for buyers to…

Why You Need A Home Inspection

It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding your dream home, but it's important not to overlook…

Interest Rates And Payments

Higher interest rates mean higher borrowing costs, resulting in increased monthly payments and potentially impacting your ability to qualify for…

Temporary Rate Buydown Explained

A 3-2-1 temporary rate buydown is a financing option that allows borrowers to reduce their initial mortgage interest rate for…

Applying for a Mortgage with IRS Debt

What happens when you owe money to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and you’re applying for a mortgage? With the…

How Higher Interest Rates Affect Monthly Mortgage Payments

An increase in interest rates can have a significant impact on your monthly mortgage payments. Increased Monthly Payments: Higher interest…

Get Pre-Approved Before Making an Offer

When you’re buying a home, it's crucial to get pre-approved for a mortgage BEFORE making an offer. Pre-approval provides you…

1099 Loans

1099 loans are typically used for independent contractors or freelancers who get 1099s at the end of the year and…

Bank Statement Loans

Bank statement loans are typically used for individuals who have difficulty documenting their income using traditional methods. These loans are…

Staffing & Temp Agency Income

Mortgage lenders typically require a minimum of two years of employment history if you are hired by a staffing agency…

Calculating Self-Employed Income for Mortgage Qualifications

When determining the self-employed income for mortgage qualification, lenders usually take an average of the applicant's income over a specific…

Closing Costs vs Down Payment for (FHA, VA, and Conv)

Understanding the difference between closing costs and down payment and how they vary between VA, FHA, and conventional loans can…

Closing Costs vs Down Payment

When you’re purchasing a home, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the terms closing costs and down payment as those…

Renting vs Buying Revisited

When you rent a home, you typically pay a monthly rent to your landlord. You’re not responsible for property taxes,…

Counting Multiple Job Incomes on a Mortgage Application

When applying for a mortgage, lenders typically evaluate a borrower's ability to repay the loan based on their income and…

Upfront Fees When Buying a Home

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions that a person can make in their lifetime. This…

Counting Multiple Job Incomes on a Mortgage Application

When applying for a mortgage, lenders typically evaluate a borrower's ability to repay the loan based on their income and…

What’s included in my FHA Mortgage Payment?

An FHA loan is a type of mortgage that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This type of…

Credit Repair and Mortgages

If you're in the process of repairing your credit, you may be tempted to apply for a mortgage. After all,…

Bank Deposits and Transfers During Mortgage Approvals

Managing your bank deposits and transfers is crucial when getting approved for a mortgage loan.  Underwriters, review your financial history…

Am I Paying Points for that Rate?

Discount points are upfront fees a borrower can pay to a lender in exchange for a lower interest rate on…

Why did my gift funds requirement increase?

If you are using gift funds for a down payment on a home purchase and the requirement for gift funds…

Can I Be a “First-Time” Homebuyer If I Already Owned a Home?

Many people assume they’re not eligible for first-time homebuyer incentives because they have owned property in the past. This is…

What is an option fee?

Buying a home can be a complex process, and there are several fees and costs involved that potential home buyers…

What is an Earnest Money Deposit?

When purchasing a property, an earnest money deposit (EMD) is a common requirement that buyers should be aware of. This…

Property Taxes in Houston, Texas

As a homeowner in Houston, Texas, it's essential to understand the various components of your property taxes. These taxes are…

How can I lower my DTI?

Lowering your debt to income ratio is an essential step towards achieving financial stability. Your debt to income ratio is…

Shopping for a New Home

A Step-by-Step Guide to Shopping for a New Home

Whether this is your first or tenth home purchase, shopping for a new home is an exciting time. It can…

Writing in a journal

First-Time Homebuyer’s Checklist

Ready to purchase your first home? Use this easy-to-follow checklist to navigate the path to home ownership. Determine Your Budget:…

holding money

Understanding Cash to Close

If you have received your Closing Disclosure from your lender, you are almost done with your home buying journey. The…

Stamping paper

How to Get Prequalified for a Mortgage

Before you begin your new home search, talk to a lender about getting preapproved (prequalified in Texas) for a mortgage.…

home saving

5 Strategies to Save for a Home

Buying a home is a big purchase, one that takes time to save up to afford. Many homebuyers use a…

Piggy Bank

Expenses First Time Home Buyers Need to Save For

If you are getting ready to purchase your first home, there are a few expenses that you need to prepare…

Holding a map in a car

Finding the Right Location to Buy a Home

They say that buying a home is all about location, location, location. But what if you do not know what…

Buy Versus Rent

Should I Buy or Rent?

The biggest question those considering homeownership need to answer is simple: Should I buy or rent my home? Here is…

Price of Home

Understanding an Appraisal Contingency

When buying a new home, you have the chance to put in a number of contingencies to the purchase contract…

putting money into jar

How Much Income Do I Need to Buy a House?

Homeownership is not just for the ultra wealthy. While income is an important factor when buying a house, knowing exactly…

Conventional Loan

Popular Loans for Buying a Home

Finding a great deal on your home purchase requires that you understand the different types of home loans available. Here…

Woman thinking

What You Need to Know About Cosigning a Mortgage

If your credit, debt, or income is keeping you from buying a house, you may be tempted to have another…

Couple looking at home

How to Buy a House with No Money Down

Do you dream of homeownership but can’t come up with the required down payment? Don’t worry. You may be eligible…

Couple with real estate agent

Do I Need a Realtor to Buy a House?

When you are ready to make a new home purchase, the first thing to consider is who you want on…

Couple looking at computer

How Much Do I Need for a House Down Payment?

One of the first hurdles that potential homeowners must overcome is saving up a down payment. It can take years,…

Home Appraisal

A Home Appraisal Checklist

Searching for and finding the perfect new home is just one step of the home buying process. Once you find…

FHA Loan

What Is an FHA Mortgage Insurance Premium?

FHA mortgages are great for homebuyers without a sizable down payment or with low credit. Each situation is unique and…

Home Inspection

A Home Inspection Checklist

When purchasing a home, it is always a good idea to have it professionally inspected. Many lenders even require it…

Mother Walks With Son As He Rides Scooter Along Sidewalk

What to Look for in a Neighborhood When Buying a House

Evaluating a potential new home’s features is just one part of finding the perfect place to buy. You should also…

points

Buydown to Reduce Your Mortgage Interest Rate

If you are buying a home, you have probably looked at all kinds of ways to reduce your monthly mortgage…

Without a Real Estate Agent

Buying a House without a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent can be very helpful when purchasing a house, especially if you are a first-time…

House for sale

How to Determine if You Are in a Buyer’s Market or Seller’s Market

Being a savvy real estate buyer or seller requires that you know and understand the market conditions. This includes the…

Calendar

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?

The home buying process is exciting but can be lengthy, especially if you have a purchase fall through and have…

Console table

How to Get Your House Ready to Sell

You’ve mastered the process of home buying, but are you ready to be a seller when it’s time to move…

Two Men sitting across from each other at a table.

Negotiating a House Price as a Buyer

Buying or selling a home often comes with some negotiation. In fact, it is expected and normal for both parties…

Down Payment

What Is the Average Down Payment for a Home?

One of the biggest hurdles to homeownership is saving up the all-important down payment. It can impact how much house…

Unloading a moving van

How to Know When You Should Buy a House

Do you enthusiastically pore over home listings on online platforms in your spare time? Is driving around looking for For…

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