Five Things to Avoid When Buying a Home

When you are preparing to buy a home, whether it’s your first home or your fifth, the process may seem overwhelming. This is the biggest purchase of your life, so it pays to be prepared. Here are five things to avoid when buying a home. Don’t Rush Into a Decision Buying a home is a […]

Five Things You Should Know Before Buying a House

Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions people make in their lifetime. Whether it’s your first home or a new property to add to your investment portfolio, purchasing a house requires careful consideration of several factors. Here are the five things people should know before buying a house. Know Your Budget […]

How to Remove Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

If you’re in the market for a new home, you’ve likely heard the term Private Mortgage Insurance or PMI. Do you know what it is? And more importantly, how to remove PMI from your mortgage? We’re here to help. What is PMI? From Freddie Mac: For homeowners who put less than 20% down, Private Mortgage […]

Tips to Maintain a Good Credit Score

If you’re in the market for a new home, your credit score will determine whether or not you’re eligible. Your score will determine the loan program you qualify for and your interest rate. Your credit score may be the single most important asset you have. You spend years building your score – here are a […]

Loan Programs Available for First-Time Buyers

Mortgage 1 offers multiple loan options designed to help first-time home buyers achieve the American Dream. FHA Loans. These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This type of loan may be more attractive to someone who has less than perfect credit. They require a down payment of at least 3.5% of the […]

What are the benefits of homeownership?

Owning a home is a quintessential part of the American dream. Homes give families a sense of security and belonging. Homes are where holidays are celebrated and memories are made. Homeownership has a variety of practical benefits, too: YOUR HOME CAN HELP YOU BUILD EQUITY Equity is the value of the property that you own […]

Everything You Need to Know About Appraisals

Checks and balances – that’s what it’s all about. Lenders require appraisals to ensure their clients are not overpaying (or overborrowing) for a home. If you’re unfamiliar with the appraisal process, here’s what you need to know. If your appraisal report comes back and the appraised value greater than or equal to the purchase price […]

Tips to Maintain a Good Credit Score

If you’re in the market for a new home, your credit score will determine whether or not you’re eligible. Your score will determine the loan program you qualify for and your interest rate. Your credit score may be the single most important asset you have. You spend years building your score – here are a […]

What is a HELOC?

You could tap into your home equity with a cash-out refinance. But what if you already have a low rate on your mortgage? Consider getting a home equity line of credit (HELOC) instead. What is a HELOC? According to Investopedia, “A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a set amount of available cash […]