Embarking on the journey to homeownership is exciting but can also feel overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, understanding the mortgage approval process can make it much more manageable. Below, we break it down into clear steps to help you…
Why Credit Scores Matter for Mortgages Generally, a credit score of 620 or higher helps you secure the best mortgage terms. Lenders view higher scores as lower risk, which can speed up underwriting and approval. A strong credit score also…
Timeline from Home Search to Closing The time it takes to move from searching for a home to holding the keys varies. Typically, buyers spend 2–3 months searching and 1–2 months closing. However, some searches take longer, and certain closing…
Steps to Prepare for Buying Your Dream Home If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home, you might be picturing a spacious master bedroom, a backyard perfect for entertaining, and a setup for streaming Monday Night Football. However, taking a…
Documents to Prepare Before Your Home Search If you’re preparing to start your home search, gathering a few key documents can help. Having them ready makes the offer process faster and smoother, especially if you plan to take out a…
In the market to purchase a home? You may be wondering how much you need to save for a down payment. Typically, 20% of the purchase price is needed for a down payment. But there are some mortgage options with…
You’ve hashed out the details of buying a home. From price per square foot to insurance premiums, you know exactly what you’re getting and what it will cost. But what about that awesome pool table in the basement? The current…
Everyone wants to buy their dream home. You can picture it in your mind, you just need to find it in real life. Making that happen is not as easy as imagining though. To find your ideal home, you first…
Understanding Real Estate Professionals If you are considering buying or selling a home, you may have spoken with a real estate professional. Real estate agents represent buyers or sellers during transactions. They must be licensed in their state and complete…
As you get ready to buy a home, there are a lot of terms to know. One of the first that you will come across is Earnest Money Deposit. What is this part of the real estate deal and what…
