Home Purchase

Why interest rates aren’t the only factor that matters when choosing a lender

Our home is more than just four walls and a place to eat and sleep. It’s where memories are made and some of our biggest life events happen. But did you know that for most Americans, a home is also the biggest asset they own?

5 ways homebuyers can protect their personal info

Anytime you share personal data about yourself over the internet, you put yourself at risk. This especially applies to anyone applying for a loan. But don’t stress. There are plenty of ways t...

Guide to understanding mortgage terms

Just about every industry has its own jargon that makes perfect sense to insiders but often confusing for everyone else. The home loan business is no different. Points. APR. Closing costs. FHA. ...

5 ways to save natural resources throughout the year

Today, most of us are looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint, both for taking care of the environment as well as for adding some dollars back into our monthly budgets. Thankfully, when it ...

Decoding lender lingo: The ABCs of mortgage acronyms

Have you ever been on the phone with your mortgage banker and felt like they were speaking an entirely different language? Well, that’s because, to a certain extent, they are. Mortgage professionals use so many acronyms so often that they’ve basically created their own language, and it’s not unusual for customers, especially first-time homebuyers, to get confused.

5 critical factors that impact your credit score

(Article Updated April 12, 2019)

Your credit score is a number that affects your everyday reality. It determines your ability to borrow money to purchase a home, ...

Is now the time to consider an adjustable rate mortgage?

An adjustable rate mortgage, or ARM, is a home loan that offers a variable interest rate over the course of the loan. ARMS usually begin with an initial fixed interest rate for a specified pe...

Understanding the home appraisal process

A home appraisal is essentially an expert’s opinion of what your home is worth. The appraisal assures the lender that the buyer is not overpaying for the home.

Upsizing or downsizing: which is right for you?

From mini homes to McMansions, today’s housing trends are no longer “one size fits all.” Life is an ever-evolving journey with many phases and stops along the way. And as our personal needs change, so do our space needs.

What not to do once your home is in escrow

Opening escrow on a new home is a major accomplishment, but you're not entirely out of the woods yet. Here's what NOT to do until after your loan has closed.