Buying a home with a private well? You might be surprised to learn that your mortgage loan could require water testing—and if you’re not prepared, this step could delay or even derail your closing. Whether you’re applying for an FHA,…
Thinking about buying a log home, tiny house, or a property with acreage or a business space? These are considered unique properties by your lender, and special considerations or financing may be required. Maybe you’ve come across a property with…
When shopping for a mortgage, it’s easy to zero in on the interest rate. After all, it’s the bold number you see in ads and the one most people talk about. But focusing only on the interest rate can be…
If you’ve ever applied for a mortgage—especially an FHA loan—you may have come across the term “manual underwriting.” It might sound intimidating, but understanding what it means could be the key to getting your loan approved, even when automated systems…
If you own an investment property — or you’re thinking about buying one — you need to understand the powerful wealth-building tool called the 1031 Exchange. It sounds too good to be true: Sell a property, make a profit, and…
Buying a home that comes with extra land can feel like hitting the real estate jackpot—whether it’s an adjoining lot, a few additional acres, or a parcel with potential future use. But there’s a catch: not all lenders will finance…
Refinancing your home in Texas? Before you dive in, there are some critical things you need to know. Texas has some of the strictest home equity laws in the country, and these rules are very different compared to other states.…
Saving up for a down payment and closing costs can feel overwhelming. If you’ve been stressing about how to afford your dream home, you’re not alone. That’s where down payment assistance (DPA) comes to the rescue! The good news? There…
It starts with a phone call, maybe over coffee.Your child, your sibling, or your best friend looks you in the eye and says: “I just need a little help getting approved. If you co-sign, I promise I’ll make every payment.”…
When you’re gearing up to buy a home, you expect a mortgage, a down payment, and maybe even closing costs. But then someone drops the term mortgage insurance—and suddenly, you’re wondering: “Is this just another expense I didn’t budget for?”…
