Blog - Tawnya King

06 May 2026

Facing Foreclosure? Here’s What It Means–and What You Can Do About It

Foreclosure

If you're a homeowner, foreclosure is one of those things you hope you never have to think about. But if payments start getting tight, it can suddenly feel very real—and very overwhelming. The good news? Foreclosure doesn’t happen overnight, and you usually have more options than you think. Let’s break down what’s actually happening and what you can do to stay ahead of it. What Is Foreclosure (Really)? Foreclosure is the process a lender uses to recover the money they loaned you if mortgage payments stop. In simple terms:If payments aren’t made over time, the lender can take legal steps…

05 May 2026

By Tawnya King

4 Costly Remodeling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Homeowner Tips

Remodeling your home can be one of the best ways to increase its value—and make your space actually work for your life. But let’s be honest: it can also go sideways fast if you’re not careful. Whether you’re tackling a small update or a full renovation, avoiding a few common pitfalls can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress. Here are four mistakes homeowners make all the time, and how to steer clear of them. Mistake #1: Skipping Permits (or Hoping No One Notices) It’s tempting to skip permits to save time or money, but this is…

04 May 2026

By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 4th, 2026

Financial Reports

The latest Trade Balance data has shown that despite the rigorous action involved with tariffs, it has had little impact on adjusting the trade balance amongst the US and other countries. The imbalance has gone the other direction — becoming worse — the last 3 releases alone. The unemployment data has shown to be surprisingly resilient as people are not gaining nor losing jobs on the average. Amidst the current economic events and administrative events, there has been some job scarcity in many markets but the impact has not been shown in the data. Hourly wages has also again consistently…

01 May 2026

By Tawnya King

How Much House You Should Buy vs. How Much You Can Buy

Mortgage

One of the most common misconceptions in home buying is that the amount you are approved for is the amount you should spend. In reality, lenders calculate the maximum you qualify for based on your income, debts, and credit profile. That number represents the upper limit of what may be acceptable from a lending perspective, not what will feel comfortable in your day-to-day life. Buying at the top of your approval range can leave very little room for flexibility, which can become stressful over time. Your Monthly Payment Is Only Part of the PictureMany buyers focus heavily on the mortgage…

30 Apr 2026

By Tawnya King

The Biggest Mortgage Mistakes People Make After They Apply

Mortgage Tips

One of the most common mistakes buyers make after applying for a mortgage is changing their financial situation too quickly. This can include opening new credit cards, finance a car, or make large purchases. Even if you have already been pre-approved, lenders continue to monitor your financial profile until closing. Any new debt or change in your credit can affect your approval status. The safest approach is to keep everything as stable as possible until your loan is finalized. What may seem like a small change can have a larger impact than expected. Changing Jobs or Income Without PlanningSwitching jobs…

29 Apr 2026

By Tawnya King

Behind the Scenes of Your Mortgage: What a Loan Officer Actually Does

Home Buying Tips

A loan officer does much more than collect documents and submit applications. One of their most important roles is helping you understand your options in a way that makes sense for your situation. Mortgages are not one size that fits all, and the differences between loan types can impact your finances for years. A good loan officer explains how different programs work, what your payments could look like, and how each option aligns with your goals. This guidance helps you make informed decisions instead of guessing or relying on incomplete information. They Match You With the Right LoanChoosing the right…

28 Apr 2026

By Tawnya King

Why Getting Pre-Approved Early Can Save You More Than Just Time

Mortgage Tips

One of the biggest advantages of getting pre-approved early is that it removes guesswork. Many buyers start searching for homes based on rough estimates or online calculators, which often do not reflect their true financial situation. A pre-approval takes into account your income, credit, debt, and current rates to give you a realistic number. This helps you focus only on homes that fit your budget and prevents you from wasting time on properties that are not financially viable. It Makes Your Offer StrongerWhen you submit an offer on a home, sellers want to know that you are serious and capable…