29 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

Why Co-Signing a Car Loan Can Affect Your Mortgage Application

Home Buyer Tips
Co-signing a car loan may seem like a small favor for a family member or friend, but many homebuyers do not realize how much it affects their own mortgage approval. Even if you never drive the car, never make a payment, and never see the vehicle, the loan becomes legally and financially tied to you. Understanding how co-signing affects your credit, your debt, and your loan options can help you protect your mortgage eligibility. Know How a Co-Signed Loan Shows Up on Your Credit ReportWhen you co-sign a car loan, the lender reports the account to the credit bureaus under…
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16 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

The Role of A Down Payment: How Much Should I Save?

Home Buyer Tips
Buying a home, a car, or any significant investment often involves making a down payment. The down payment is a crucial part of the purchasing process, as it can impact your loan terms, interest rates, and monthly payments. But how much should you save for a down payment, and why is it so important? Understanding Down Payments A down payment is a portion of the purchase price that you pay upfront when buying a house, a car, or making a large investment. It's a way to demonstrate your commitment to the purchase and reduce the risk for the lender or…
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09 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

Why Closing Old Credit Accounts Can Hurt Your Mortgage Approval

Home Buyer Tips
When you are preparing to buy a home, it is natural to want your credit profile to look clean and organized. Many buyers think closing old credit accounts will improve their score, simplify their finances, and make them appear more responsible to lenders. In reality, closing old accounts can have the opposite effect. Those accounts play a much bigger role in your credit profile than most people realize and shutting them down can create sudden changes that impact your mortgage approval. Understand How Closed Accounts Affect Your Credit History Your credit history length is a major part of your credit…
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17 Dec 2025
By Tawnya King

Will You Need Private Mortgage Insurance on Your Mortgage Loan?

Home Buyer Tips
When preparing to buy a home, many borrowers focus on the interest rate and monthly payment, but mortgage insurance is another important factor to understand. Private mortgage insurance is often required when a borrower makes a smaller down payment and knowing how it works can help you plan more confidently and avoid surprises during the loan process. What Private Mortgage Insurance IsPrivate mortgage insurance is a type of insurance that protects the lender, not the borrower. It is typically required when the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. Because a lower down payment increases lender risk,…
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20 Nov 2025
By Tawnya King

A Season of Generosity and Homeownership Opportunities

Home Buyer Tips
The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is known for gratitude, togetherness and heartfelt giving. Many families share meaningful gifts during this stretch of the year, and some buyers discover that these seasonal acts of generosity can help make homeownership possible. If you have found the right home but need help with upfront costs, financial gifts from loved ones may be the support that brings your plans together. Understanding Financial Gifts for Homebuyers Financial gifts are funds given by approved donors to help you cover mortgage related expenses, including the down payment and closing costs. These gifts can ease…
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19 Nov 2025
By Tawnya King

Understanding How Debt Affects Your Ability to Buy a Home

Home Buyer Tips
Many future buyers think they must eliminate every debt before applying for a mortgage. Reducing debt is helpful, but it is not a requirement for homeownership. You can qualify for a loan even if you have credit cards, student loans or a car payment. What matters most is how well you manage those obligations and how they fit into your overall financial picture. Why Lenders Pay Attention to Your DebtWhen you apply for a mortgage, the lender reviews your debt-to-income ratio. This is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments. A high ratio signals financial…
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04 Nov 2025
By Tawnya King

Steps to Take Now to Build Your Credit for a Home Purchase Next Year

Home Buyer Tips
Buying a home is one of the most exciting goals you can set, but your credit score plays a major role in how easy or challenging the process will be. The good news is that with time and planning, you can strengthen your credit and set yourself up for a smoother approval when you are ready to buy next year. Review Your Credit ReportStart by pulling your credit report from all three major credit bureaus. Review each report carefully to make sure that your personal information and account details are accurate. Dispute any errors right away, since mistakes can bring…
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