Blog — Tawnya King

11 Sep 2026

How Mortgage Underwriting Looks at Your Financial Picture

Mortgage Tips

Mortgage underwriting can seem mysterious when you are buying a home. You submit documents, answer questions, and sometimes receive requests for additional information without knowing exactly what is happening behind the scenes. Understanding the purpose of underwriting can make this stage of the mortgage process much less intimidating. Underwriting Looks Beyond One NumberA mortgage decision is generally not based solely on your credit score or income. Underwriting evaluates multiple parts of your financial profile to determine whether the loan meets applicable lending requirements.The exact criteria depend on the mortgage program and lender. Income and Employment Are ReviewedLenders need to document…

10 Sep 2026

By Tawnya King

Why Your Cash Reserves Matter After You Buy a Home

Mortgage Tips

Saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs can feel like the primary financial goal when purchasing a home. However, becoming a homeowner does not mean your need for savings disappears at closing. Keeping money available after the purchase can provide an important financial cushion as you adjust to the costs and responsibilities of homeownership. Homeownership Comes With Unexpected ExpensesEven a well-maintained home can surprise you. An appliance can stop working, a plumbing problem can appear, or an HVAC system may suddenly need attention.Unlike renting, homeowners are generally responsible for handling repairs and maintenance themselves. Having reserves available…

09 Sep 2026

By Tawnya King

What Happens If Your Income Changes Before Closing?

Mortgage Tips

Getting approved for a mortgage is an important milestone, but the financial review does not necessarily end once you receive an initial approval. Lenders may verify certain information again before closing, including your employment and income. If your income changes during this period, it could affect your mortgage approval, depending on the circumstances. Why Income Still Matters Before ClosingYour mortgage qualification is based partly on the income documented during the application process. Lenders use this information to determine whether your income meets the requirements for the loan and whether your monthly obligations are manageable.Because closing may occur weeks after the…

08 Sep 2026

By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 8th, 2026

Financial Reports

The Non-farm Payroll figures are a strong indicator of the job market and showed a notable increase this quarter. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate a significant shift in the job market as a whole, as certain sectors have experienced outsized impacts compared to others. JOLTs job openings data does support the increase in openings seen over the last quarter, though it is not among the largest indicators on the broader economic scale. Non-farm PayrollsThe +162,000 jobs was considerably stronger than the 31,000 average monthly gain over the preceding 12 months. Food services added 59K and local-government education added 42K, while…

04 Sep 2026

By Tawnya King

4 Ways to Help Your Mortgage Transaction Close On Time

Home Mortgage Tips

When you've finally found the home you're looking for at the right price, it's easy to think that the hard part is over; however, there's still a lot to do in order to ensure your purchase goes through without a hitch. If you're tying up the loose ends on your home purchase, here are some things you should do to avoid any unnecessary delays. Hire A Legal Professional However much research you may have done in regards to buying a home, there's still a lot of legal jargon in the closing documents that can be difficult for most people to…

03 Sep 2026

By Tawnya King

Ways That You Can Go Greener On Your Home Improvement

Around The Home

Making your home improvement projects more environmentally friendly is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the planet. Here are some ways you can go greener on your home improvement projects: Use eco-friendly materials: Consider using materials that are made from sustainable and renewable resources such as bamboo, cork, or recycled materials. These materials not only have a lower impact on the environment but can also add a unique touch to your home. Choose energy-efficient appliances and fixtures: When choosing appliances and fixtures for your home improvement project, look for those that are Energy Star rated.…

02 Sep 2026

By Tawnya King

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Online Mortgage Lenders

Home Mortgage Tips

Using online mortgage lenders can offer several advantages and disadvantages compared to traditional brick-and-mortar lenders. It's important to weigh these factors based on your individual preferences, needs, and financial situation. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons: Advantages of Online Mortgage Lenders: Convenience: Pros: Online lenders offer the convenience of applying for a mortgage from the comfort of your home at any time. The entire process, from approval application, can be done online, reducing the need for in-person visits. Faster Approval Process: Pros: Online lenders often have streamlined processes, leveraging technology to speed up the approval process. This can…