Blog — Tawnya King

14 Oct 2026

What Happens When the Seller Has Not Paid Off a Home Improvement Loan?

Mortgage Tips

A newly installed roof, upgraded windows, or modern heating system can make a home more attractive to buyers. However, what happens when the seller is still making payments on those improvements? Depending on how the work was financed, an outstanding home improvement loan could affect the sale, the title review, and even the buyer's mortgage closing. Not All Home Improvement Loans Work the Same WayHomeowners finance improvements through several methods, including personal loans, home equity loans, contractor financing, and property-assessed financing programs. Some financing arrangements are unsecured, meaning the loan is based primarily on the borrower's credit rather than a…

13 Oct 2026

By Tawnya King

Why a Home With a Shared Septic System Can Complicate Mortgage Financing

Mortgage Tips

A home can look perfect during a showing, but certain features of the property may create questions when it comes time to secure a mortgage. One situation buyers may not anticipate is purchasing a home that shares a septic system with another property.While shared systems can function effectively, they may require additional documentation and review before financing can move forward. Understanding How a Shared Septic System WorksMost buyers are familiar with homes that connect to a public sewer system or have their own private septic tank. However, some properties share a wastewater treatment system with one or more neighboring homes.…

12 Oct 2026

By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 12th, 2026

Financial Reports

The FOMC Minutes and Consumer Sentiment report were the most impactful calendar items last week, further reinforcing the Federal Reserve's resolve to bring inflation down to its 2% target rate. While there is considerable speculation about another rate increase, recent analyst expectations suggest that the Fed will hold rates at their current level for some time. The Consumer Sentiment report showed a slight increase, largely driven by moderating gas prices, which have helped provide consumers with some relief.Consumer Sentiment ReportThe University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment index was revised higher to 49.5 in June 2026, up from a preliminary reading of…

09 Oct 2026

By Tawnya King

Why Buying a Home From a Family Member Can Make the Mortgage More Complicated

Mortgage Tips

Buying a home from a parent, grandparent, sibling, or another relative may seem easier than purchasing from a stranger. You already know the seller, may know the property's history, and might even agree on a price without extensive negotiations. But the family relationship can introduce mortgage considerations that are different from those in a typical purchase between unrelated parties. The Relationship MattersA transaction between people with an existing relationship may be considered differently from a traditional arm's-length sale. That does not mean family transactions are prohibited. It means the lender may need to understand the relationship between the buyer and…

08 Oct 2026

By Tawnya King

What Happens to Your Mortgage When the Home Has an Unfinished Addition?

Mortgage Tips

You find a home you love, but there is one unusual feature. Maybe the previous owner started adding a bedroom and never finished it. Perhaps a bathroom is partially remodeled, a garage conversion is incomplete, or a new section of the house is still visibly under construction. Buyers may see opportunity in unfinished space, but a mortgage lender may need to evaluate the property as it exists today. Financing Is Based on the Current PropertyIt is easy to walk through an unfinished addition and imagine what it could become. The mortgage transaction, however, generally has to consider the property's current…

07 Oct 2026

By Tawnya King

Why the Source of Your Down Payment Can Matter as Much as the Amount

Home Buyer Tips

You have calculated your down payment and know exactly how much money you plan to bring to the purchase. That is an important step, but there is another question buyers sometimes overlook: Where is that money actually coming from? A $40,000 down payment sitting in one savings account can create a different planning process than $40,000 being assembled from several different financial sources. Your Down Payment May Come From Several PlacesNot every buyer saves a down payment in one traditional bank account. Funds might come from checking or savings, investments, proceeds from selling an asset, an eligible gift, or other…

06 Oct 2026

By Tawnya King

Why Your Mortgage Approval Can Change When the Home Has an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Home Buyer Tips

An accessory dwelling unit can make a property especially appealing. A detached guest house, converted garage, basement apartment, or backyard unit might provide space for relatives, a home office, or potential rental income. But when you are financing the purchase, that additional living space can introduce questions that would not necessarily exist with a more traditional single-family home. The Property Has to Be Evaluated TooMortgage approval is not based solely on the borrower's income, credit, assets, and debts. The property securing the mortgage also has to meet applicable requirements. When an ADU is present, the lender and appraiser may need…