Entries by Loan Processing

When It’s Worth Giving Up a Low Rate

Thinking about moving can feel daunting in today’s housing market. Trading in your current mortgage rate — especially if it’s much lower than today’s — may give you pause. But a higher rate doesn’t always mean it’s the wrong decision. Sometimes, the long-term benefits of the right home outweigh the short-term comfort of a lower […]

Pros and Cons of Presale Renovations

Getting ready to sell often starts with cleaning and staging. But what about major updates? While a remodel can make your home stand out, it can also delay your sale and cut into profits. Is it worth the effort? Let’s explore the pros and cons of presale renovations. Pros A freshly remodeled, move-in ready home […]

5 Perks That Come With Homeownership

Buying a new home isn’t a step to take lightly. From the upfront costs to the uncertainty of what lies ahead, there’s a lot to consider. But while stress and anxiety are only natural, these initial trepidations can be quickly offset by the rewards of homeownership. Whether you’re settling into a new home or planning […]

Could your tax bill be too high?

Just bought a new home? If so, it’s the perfect time to check whether your property tax assessment is accurate. If your home is overvalued, you could end up overpaying on your property taxes — and filing an appeal can result in significant tax savings. Catching errors right after closing on your home can also […]

Mortgage Options for Self-Employed Buyers

Being your own boss has its perks. But when it comes to applying for a mortgage, nontraditional income can make things more complicated. Traditional mortgage applications often favor W-2 income. If you don’t earn that way, it might be harder to prove your financial stability on a mortgage application. But that doesn’t mean you won’t […]

What You Should Know About ARMs

Fixed-rate mortgages are the most common home loan type — and for good reason. They offer consistency with a locked-in rate and monthly payment for the life of the loan. But fixed isn’t the only option available. An adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM, might also be worth considering depending on your circumstances. Here’s how it works. […]

How to Finance Your Dream Home Remodel

Thinking about upgrading your kitchen, building a backyard oasis or tackling a long-overdue repair? Home renovations can be exciting, but they’re rarely cheap. The good news: You may not need to drain your savings or take out a personal loan. Two common options — cash-out refinancing and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) — can […]

How Credit Scores Impact Mortgage Loans

Securing a home loan with bad credit can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. While eligibility criteria and terms vary, improving your credit score can work in your favor. Why Your Credit Score Matters Your credit score gives lenders an idea of how reliable you are at repaying debts. Higher scores suggest that you’re likely […]

Protecting Your Privacy: How to Stop Unwanted Marketing Calls and Credit Bureau ‘Trigger Leads’

When you embark on securing home financing, your credit report plays a crucial role. However, we believe you should be aware of an important aspect of this process. When we pull your credit report, the major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, Innovis, and TransUnion—can legally sell your information to other companies. This practice, known as “trigger leads,” […]

4 Ways to Identify a Quality House Flip

House flipping has become a popular practice in recent years. Investors purchase older, often rundown homes and restore them to their former glory with a little DIY magic. While these stories make for good television, they don’t always have a happy ending for the buyer though — in the real world, quick flips can correspond […]