Blog - Page 3 of 146 - Tawnya King

31 Dec 2025

Why Good Credit Score Is Not Always Enough to Secure a Mortgage

Mortgage Tips

A strong credit score gives many buyers confidence as they prepare to purchase a home. Good payment history and responsible credit use are valuable, but they do not guarantee approval. There are several other important factors that lenders review, and any one of them can slow down or stop the process. When Your Debt Becomes a BarrierYour credit score reflects how well you manage credit, but lenders also review how much debt you carry. High monthly obligations can limit the loan amount you qualify for, and in some cases, prevent approval. Lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio, which is the percentage…

30 Dec 2025

By Tawnya King

How the Sharing Economy Is Changing Mortgage Underwriting

Mortgage Tips

The rise of the sharing economy has changed the way many people work, earn, and budget. Income from rideshare driving, freelance projects, short-term rentals, and delivery apps has become a normal part of modern finances. These new income streams are helpful for building savings and paying bills, but they also affect how lenders view your mortgage application. Understanding how the sharing economy influences underwriting can help you prepare for a smooth approval process. Know How Lenders View Non-Traditional IncomeIncome from rideshare apps, delivery platforms, online marketplaces, and short-term rental hosting does not flow through a traditional payroll system. Because of…

26 Dec 2025

By Tawnya King

How Real-Time Income Verification Is Changing Mortgage Approval

Mortgage Tips

Mortgage approval used to require weeks of gathering documents, submitting pay stubs, waiting for HR departments to respond, and hoping everything lined up perfectly. Today, more lenders are moving toward real-time income verification, a faster and more accurate way to confirm your income during the mortgage process. This shift is making the approval timeline smoother for buyers and giving lenders a clearer picture of your financial situation. Understand What Real-Time Income Verification MeansReal-time income verification allows lenders to confirm your employment and income instantly through secure digital systems. Instead of relying on paper documents, lenders use approved payroll databases to…

24 Dec 2025

By Tawnya King

How Medical Collections Affect Mortgage Approval

Mortgage Tips

Medical bills are one of the most common reasons people face unexpected debt, and many borrowers are surprised when they see a medical collection appear on their credit report. Even though medical debt is often caused by emergencies rather than irresponsible spending, it can still impact your mortgage application. Understanding how lenders view medical collections can help you prepare, protect your credit, and move confidently toward homeownership. Know How Medical Collections Appear on Your Credit ReportMedical bills usually start with your healthcare provider, then move to a collection agency if they go unpaid. Once the account goes to collections, it…

23 Dec 2025

By Tawnya King

How Buy Now Pay Later Debt Can Affect Your Mortgage Application

Mortgage Tips

Buy Now Pay Later services have become a popular way to spread out small purchases, and for many buyers, these plans feel harmless. The payment amounts are usually small, the approval process is quick, and the apps are easy to use. What many future homebuyers do not realize is that Buy Now Pay Later activity can affect a mortgage application in ways that may not be obvious. Understanding how this type of debt shows up in your financial profile can help you prepare before you apply for a mortgage. Understand How Lenders View Buy Now Pay Later AccountsEven though Buy…

22 Dec 2025

By Tawnya King

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 22nd, 2025

Financial Reports

The Consumer Price Index was scheduled to be released this week but has once again been delayed, with no explanation provided. This left the unemployment data as the only notable economic release from last week. The data showed that unemployment numbers came in higher than expected; however, this result is somewhat tempered by the fact that the figures are supported by a more limited data set. Even so, it is not a positive sign that unemployment numbers are exceeding expectations under these circumstances. At this time, there is still no word on when the Consumer Price Index will be released,…

19 Dec 2025

By Tawnya King

Preparing Your Mortgage for Life on One Income When a Baby Is on the Way

Homeowner Tips

Welcoming a new baby is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with financial changes, especially when a household shifts to one primary income. Managing a mortgage during this transition can feel overwhelming at first, but many families successfully navigate it every day. With thoughtful planning and a few smart adjustments, it is possible to maintain stability while focusing on what matters most. Choose a Payment That Fits One IncomeAffordability becomes even more important when relying on a single paycheck. A mortgage payment should feel manageable on one income, not just under ideal conditions but also if unexpected expenses arise.…