28 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

Mortgage Tips for Recent Graduates Entering the Workforce

Mortgage Tips
Starting your career is an exciting milestone, and for many recent graduates, the idea of becoming a homeowner feels closer than ever. While student loans, new job transitions, and building credit can make the mortgage process feel overwhelming, you have more options and advantages than you may realize. With the right preparation, you can move toward homeownership confidently and avoid common first-time buyer mistakes. Understand How Your New Income Plays a RoleLenders want to see stable and predictable income, and recent graduates often worry that a new job will make that difficult. The good news is that most lenders allow…
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08 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

What to Know About Fractional Homeownership and Mortgages

Mortgage Tips
Fractional homeownership is becoming more popular as buyers look for creative ways to enjoy a second home or vacation property without taking on the full cost. Instead of owning one home entirely, you purchase a fraction of the property and share ownership with several other people. While the idea sounds simple, fractional ownership comes with unique rules, financing challenges, and long-term commitments that every buyer should understand before moving forward. Understand How Fractional Homeownership WorksFractional homeownership is different from timeshares. With a timeshare, you purchase the right to use the home for a certain period. With fractional homeownership, you purchase…
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07 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

Mortgages for Parents With Young Kids and What to Consider

Mortgage Tips
Buying a home when you have young kids brings unique challenges, but it also creates opportunities to build stability for your family. Your priorities might look different from other homebuyers, and your financial decisions may need to reflect the needs of a growing household. By planning ahead and understanding what matters most, you can choose a mortgage that supports your budget, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals as a parent. Consider How Your Monthly Budget Will ChangeRaising young kids comes with expenses that shift as your family grows. Childcare, medical costs, food, activities, and emergencies can all impact how much…
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06 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

Mortgage Impacts of Using Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal for Income

Mortgage Tips
More people are earning money through freelancing, side gigs, digital work, consulting, and online sales. Because of this, it is common for income to flow through platforms like Venmo, Cash App, or PayPal instead of traditional direct deposits. While these tools make it easy to get paid, they can also affect your mortgage application in ways many buyers do not expect. Understanding how lenders view these platforms can help you prepare long before you apply for a home loan. Know How Lenders View Peer-to-Peer IncomePeer-to-peer apps are convenient, but from a lender’s perspective, they are not the same as receiving…
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02 Jan 2026
By Tawnya King

Starting the New Year with Smart Home Financing

Mortgage Tips
The New Year is a natural time to pause, reset, and think intentionally about financial goals. For many buyers and homeowners, real estate and home financing are part of that plan. Whether you are considering purchasing a home, refinancing, or simply positioning yourself for future opportunities, starting the year with a clear strategy can make a meaningful difference. Review Your Credit EarlyYour credit profile plays a significant role in determining mortgage options and interest rates. The beginning of the year is an ideal time to review your credit report, address any errors, and pay down high balance accounts. Small improvements…
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31 Dec 2025
By Tawnya King

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…
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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…
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