22 Sep 2026
By Tawnya King

Why Your First Mortgage Payment Might Be Farther Away Than You Expect

Mortgage Tips
After closing on a home, buyers may be surprised to discover that their first regular mortgage payment is not necessarily due a few weeks later. Depending on the closing date, there can be a noticeable gap between receiving the keys and making that first payment. Understanding why can help new homeowners plan their finances during an already expensive transition.Mortgage Interest Works Differently Than RentRent is generally paid in advance. A payment made at the beginning of the month typically covers the right to live in the property during that month. Mortgage interest generally works differently because it is paid in…
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17 Sep 2026
By Tawnya King

How Buying a Home With Someone You Are Not Married To Changes the Financial Conversation

Mortgage Tips
Buying a home with a partner, friend, sibling, or other person can make homeownership possible sooner and allow two people to combine their financial resources. But when two people who are not married purchase a home together, there are financial conversations worth having before they begin looking at properties. A mortgage may be shared, but income, debts, savings, credit profiles, and expectations about ownership can be very different. Applying Together Means Sharing the Financial PictureWhen two people apply for a mortgage together, the lender evaluates information from both borrowers. That can include income, employment, debts, assets, and credit histories. One…
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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…
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28 Aug 2026
By Tawnya King

What Homeowners Should Know Before Removing Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage Tips
Mortgage insurance can make homeownership accessible with a smaller down payment, but many homeowners eventually wonder whether it can be removed. The answer depends on the type of mortgage you have, your loan balance, property value, payment history, and the rules that apply to your specific loan.Understanding those factors can help you know what questions to ask your loan servicer. Start by Identifying Your Loan TypeMortgage insurance does not work the same way for every mortgage program. Conventional loans may have private mortgage insurance, commonly called PMI, while government-backed loan programs can have different types of mortgage insurance and different…
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27 Aug 2026
By Tawnya King

How a Large Down Payment Can Affect More Than Your Monthly Payment

Mortgage Tips
When buying a home, it is natural to assume that putting as much money down as possible is always the best financial decision. A larger down payment can provide meaningful advantages, but it also affects more than the size of your monthly mortgage payment. Understanding the broader impact can help you decide how much cash makes sense to use at closing. A Larger Down Payment Reduces the Amount You BorrowThe most obvious benefit is a smaller loan balance. Borrowing less generally means a lower principal-and-interest payment and less interest paid over the life of the loan, assuming the other loan…
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25 Aug 2026
By Tawnya King

What Happens to Your Mortgage When Property Taxes Are Reassessed?

Mortgage Tips
A fixed-rate mortgage provides predictability because your interest rate and principal-and-interest payment remain consistent. However, that does not necessarily mean your total monthly housing payment will stay exactly the same. Property taxes can change over time, and when they do, homeowners who pay taxes through an escrow account may see their monthly mortgage payment change as well. Why Property Taxes Are ReassessedLocal governments use property assessments to help determine how much homeowners owe in property taxes. Depending on where you live, reassessments may occur periodically, after a property is sold, following major improvements, or because of changes in local property…
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21 Aug 2026
By Tawnya King

Financial Habits That Make Homeownership Less Stressful

Mortgage Tips
Homeownership can be rewarding, but it also introduces expenses and responsibilities that are easy to underestimate. A few consistent financial habits can make those responsibilities feel far more manageable. The goal is not to predict every cost perfectly, but to create enough preparation and flexibility to handle routine bills and unexpected surprises with confidence. Maintain a Dedicated Home Reserve Create savings specifically for repairs, maintenance, insurance deductibles, and other property expenses. Keeping this money separate from everyday spending makes it easier to see what is available when the water heater fails or an urgent repair appears. Contributing a manageable amount…
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