Blog — Tawnya King

12 Nov 2026

Why an Unpermitted Garage Conversion Can Affect Your Mortgage

Home Buying Tips

A converted garage can make a house feel more useful. It might serve as a bedroom, home office, playroom, or guest space. But before you count that room as part of the home’s living area, there is a question worth asking: Was the conversion properly permitted and approved? For mortgage purposes, the answer can influence how the property is described, appraised, and reviewed. A room that looks finished is not necessarily recognized as legal living space. Permits and Living Area Are Different Questions Local building departments set rules for construction, electrical work, heating, ventilation, windows, and changes in a room’s…

11 Nov 2026

By Tawnya King

Veterans Day: Honoring Those Who Served and Helping Veterans Feel at Home

Holidays

Veterans Day is a time to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their commitment deserves gratitude that extends beyond a single day. For real estate professionals and communities, one meaningful way to show appreciation is to help veterans and military families feel informed, welcomed, and supported when making housing decisions. Housing Needs Can Be DifferentMilitary life can involve frequent moves, deployments, changing duty stations, and long stretches away from family. A veteran transitioning to civilian life may be choosing a permanent neighborhood for the first time in years. Others may be downsizing,…

11 Nov 2026

By Tawnya King

Veterans Day: Honoring Service and Understanding VA Home Loan Benefits

Mortgage

Veterans Day is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their commitment deserves gratitude that extends beyond a single day. For veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses who are considering homeownership, it is also a meaningful time to understand a benefit that may help them purchase or refinance a home: the VA home loan program. What a VA Home Loan Does A VA home loan is generally made by a private lender and backed by a guaranty from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The guaranty helps eligible…

10 Nov 2026

By Tawnya King

Why a Property Line Encroachment Can Affect Your Mortgage Approval

Mortgage Tips

A backyard fence, detached shed, or concrete patio may seem like a straightforward feature of a home. But what happens when part of that structure crosses the legal property line? Buyers sometimes discover this issue during the title or survey review, just as they are preparing to close. Known as an encroachment, it can raise questions that go beyond neighborly disagreements and may affect the mortgage process. What Is an Encroachment? An encroachment occurs when a structure or improvement extends onto land owned by someone else. Common examples include a fence installed several feet over the boundary, a driveway that…

09 Nov 2026

By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 9th, 2026

Financial Reports

With a relatively light week for economic releases, the primary focus of the economic landscape is the nonfarm payroll report, which has shown a positive trend over the last few releases. This should help consumers keep up with current inflation levels, although the Federal Reserve has remained firm in its commitment to reaching its 2% inflation target. The unemployment rate has also continued to trend downward after reaching a high of 4.5% last year. The economy continues to be reported as healthy, but with ongoing geopolitical conflicts and other uncertainties, inflation remains a major concern for many. The likelihood of…

06 Nov 2026

By Tawnya King

Can a Home With an Aging Roof Still Qualify for a Mortgage?

Mortgage Tips

A home with an older roof may be priced attractively, located in the perfect neighborhood, and otherwise meet everything on a buyer's wish list. But roof condition can become an important question during mortgage approval. The issue is not simply how many birthdays the roof has had. Lenders and appraisers may be concerned about whether it protects the home adequately and whether visible defects create a property-condition problem. Age and Condition Are Different Questions Two roofs installed in the same year can be in very different condition. Weather exposure, materials, ventilation, installation quality, and maintenance all affect longevity. A roof…

05 Nov 2026

By Tawnya King

Why a Home With a Private Septic System May Need Extra Mortgage Review

Home Buyer Tips

A house with a private septic system may offer the space and privacy many buyers want, especially outside areas served by public sewer lines. Yet septic systems are an important part of a property's infrastructure, and their condition can affect both the purchase decision and the mortgage process. Buyers who understand the basics before making an offer are better prepared for inspections, documentation requests, and possible repairs. The System Is Part of the Property A septic system typically collects wastewater from the home, treats it in a tank, and disperses it through a drain field or another approved treatment arrangement.…