07 Aug 2025
By Tawnya King

Your Mortgage Timeline, Backward

Mortgage Tips
For many homebuyers, the mortgage process feels like a maze. You know you want to own a home, but the path to get there can feel confusing. So let us try something different. Instead of walking forward through the process, let us walk backward, starting from the moment you get the keys and working our way to where you are now. Seeing it in reverse can help demystify the journey and show you how each step builds on the last. Closing Day: You Get the Keys This is the moment you have been waiting for. On closing day, all paperwork…
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06 Aug 2025
By Tawnya King

From Divorce to Fresh Starts, the Mortgage Paths No One Talks About

Mortgage Tips
When people think about getting a mortgage, the story usually sounds the same, young couple, starter home, perfect timing. But real life does not always follow that script. The truth is, many people come to the mortgage process in the middle of a major life change. Divorce, job loss, rebuilding credit, or starting over later in life, these chapters are real, and so are the mortgage paths that come with them. If this is where you find yourself, you are not alone, and you are not without options. Divorce and the Next Chapter Divorce is one of the most common…
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05 Aug 2025
By Tawnya King

Why Getting Pre-Approved Feels So Intimidating, and Why It Shouldn’t

Mortgage Tips
For many people, the idea of getting pre-approved for a mortgage feels overwhelming. You are asked to hand over personal financial information, trust a stranger with your credit report, and answer questions you may not feel ready to face. It is no wonder some buyers delay this step, even when they are serious about purchasing a home. But here is the truth, getting pre-approved is not something to fear. It is one of the most empowering steps you can take as a buyer. The Emotional Roadblock Let us start by acknowledging the emotions involved. The pre-approval process can feel personal,…
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04 Aug 2025
By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 4th, 2025

Financial Reports
There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers. As a follow up, Personal Income & Spending has had a light upturn after the initial panic with the tariffs. Lastly, the…
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01 Aug 2025
By Tawnya King

The Risks of Using a Mortgage for House Flipping

Home Financing Tips
House flipping, the practice of buying a property, renovating it, and quickly selling it for a profit, can be an exciting and potentially lucrative investment strategy. However, financing a flip with a traditional mortgage carries significant risks that investors should carefully consider before proceeding. Higher Interest Rates and FeesTraditional mortgages typically offer lower interest rates for long-term homeownership, but they are not designed for short-term investments like flipping. Many lenders may charge higher rates or fees on loans for investment properties. This can increase your carrying costs, reducing your profit margin. Longer Approval and Closing TimesMortgage approval processes for primary…
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31 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

Should You Get a Mortgage If You Plan to Move Soon?

Mortgage
Deciding to buy a home when you know you might move within a few years can be a challenging choice. Many people wonder if it makes financial sense to take on a mortgage if they will not live in the property long term. The answer depends on several factors, including your personal goals, market conditions, and your financial situation. Consider Your Time HorizonMortgage loans often come with upfront costs such as closing fees, appraisal costs, and sometimes private mortgage insurance. If you plan to move within a year or two, these costs can outweigh the benefits of homeownership. However, if…
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30 Jul 2025
By Tawnya King

How to Remove PMI Without Refinancing

Personal Finance
Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is often required when a homebuyer makes a down payment of less than twenty percent. While PMI helps lenders reduce risk, it adds extra cost to your monthly mortgage payment. The good news is that you may be able to remove PMI without refinancing your loan. Understanding the options available can help you save money and accelerate building equity in your home. Understand When PMI Can Be RemovedFederal law, specifically the Homeowners Protection Act, requires lenders to automatically cancel PMI once your loan balance reaches eighty percent of the original home value. You can also…
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