T H E  B L O G

When your mortgage lender talks about your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), just what does that mean?  Your DTI impacts your ability to qualify for a mortgage.  So knowing your DTI even before you apply for a mortgage can help you best move forward into home ownership. What is debt-to-income ratio? Your

Did you know that if you own a home, your net worth likely just got a big boost thanks to rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan.  Based on recent home price appreciation, you’re building equity far faster than you may expect.  Here's how: Because

Are you ready to make a move and take advantage of today's sellers' market? With many homes continuing to get multiple offers, this could be the time to get the price and terms you’re looking for on your home sale. It's important to have an expert on your side to ensure you make all the right moves,

Do you have idea what your credit score is? It's good to keep an eye on it and know how to maximize it, especially if you're going to apply for a mortgage.  Your credit score is one of the most important ways a lender determines your financial health and whether to extend credit to you. Here are 8 t

Moving Day You’ve nailed down the day you close on your home.  Now to start packing.  But where do you start?  Moving can be stressful, so let’s look at some tips for making it easier. Start with purging.  Decluttering is a good way to start preparing for your move. If you don’t use an item there is

It's that time of year when our thoughts turn to fans and air conditioning, and many homeowners have questions about which is best and how to use each most beneficially in the home.  Here are some tips and general information about both fans and A/C. Whole-House Fan.  Whole-house fan is a large vent

Many people are drawn to one-floor homes because the accessibility they offer in terms of outdoor space is plenty. However, if you want outdoor space, you don’t necessarily have to move into a single-story home.  If you move into a multistory home, yet there isn’t already a deck or a patio in place,

What is PMI? It is Private Mortgage Insurance, and it may be your savior when it comes to buying a home in this market. With home prices at the highest levels ever, and limited inventory to choose from, competition for affordable homes is fierce - especially with recent mortgage rate increases reduc

So, you're offer on your dream home has been accepted and you've applied for a mortgage loan.  Before you get too excited and go shopping for new furniture and electronics, keep these things in mind.  Otherwise, you could jeopardize not only your loan, but your chance at living happily ever after in

What is the Purpose of an Appraisal? A home serves as collateral for the mortgage loan, so the lender needs to make sure that the home is worth the price being paid.  An appraisal provides a means for the lender to determine the value and condition of the property, and analyze the fair market value

Just what is the difference between appraised value, assessed value, and market value? Does it matter if a home is "listed below appraised value"? Are the terms interchangeable? No. Each is very different so it's important to understand the differences between them.  Assessed Value  Each city and to