15 Oct 2026
By Tawnya King

Why a Mortgage Lender May Question a Property With More Than One Parcel

Mortgage Tips
Imagine finding a beautiful home that comes with an extra piece of land next door. Perhaps the additional lot provides more privacy, a larger backyard, or room for future improvements. While this may sound like an attractive bonus, purchasing a home that includes multiple parcels can introduce mortgage questions that buyers might not expect. What Does It Mean to Have Multiple Parcels?A parcel is a legally identified piece of land, typically assigned its own property identification number by the local taxing authority. Most residential properties consist of one parcel containing the house and surrounding land. However, some homes are marketed…
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14 Oct 2026
By Tawnya King

What Happens When the Seller Has Not Paid Off a Home Improvement Loan?

Mortgage Tips
A newly installed roof, upgraded windows, or modern heating system can make a home more attractive to buyers. However, what happens when the seller is still making payments on those improvements? Depending on how the work was financed, an outstanding home improvement loan could affect the sale, the title review, and even the buyer's mortgage closing. Not All Home Improvement Loans Work the Same WayHomeowners finance improvements through several methods, including personal loans, home equity loans, contractor financing, and property-assessed financing programs. Some financing arrangements are unsecured, meaning the loan is based primarily on the borrower's credit rather than a…
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08 Oct 2026
By Tawnya King

What Happens to Your Mortgage When the Home Has an Unfinished Addition?

Mortgage Tips
You find a home you love, but there is one unusual feature. Maybe the previous owner started adding a bedroom and never finished it. Perhaps a bathroom is partially remodeled, a garage conversion is incomplete, or a new section of the house is still visibly under construction. Buyers may see opportunity in unfinished space, but a mortgage lender may need to evaluate the property as it exists today. Financing Is Based on the Current PropertyIt is easy to walk through an unfinished addition and imagine what it could become. The mortgage transaction, however, generally has to consider the property's current…
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07 Oct 2026
By Tawnya King

Why the Source of Your Down Payment Can Matter as Much as the Amount

Home Buyer Tips
You have calculated your down payment and know exactly how much money you plan to bring to the purchase. That is an important step, but there is another question buyers sometimes overlook: Where is that money actually coming from? A $40,000 down payment sitting in one savings account can create a different planning process than $40,000 being assembled from several different financial sources. Your Down Payment May Come From Several PlacesNot every buyer saves a down payment in one traditional bank account. Funds might come from checking or savings, investments, proceeds from selling an asset, an eligible gift, or other…
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06 Oct 2026
By Tawnya King

Why Your Mortgage Approval Can Change When the Home Has an Accessory Dwelling Unit

Home Buyer Tips
An accessory dwelling unit can make a property especially appealing. A detached guest house, converted garage, basement apartment, or backyard unit might provide space for relatives, a home office, or potential rental income. But when you are financing the purchase, that additional living space can introduce questions that would not necessarily exist with a more traditional single-family home. The Property Has to Be Evaluated TooMortgage approval is not based solely on the borrower's income, credit, assets, and debts. The property securing the mortgage also has to meet applicable requirements. When an ADU is present, the lender and appraiser may need…
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01 Oct 2026
By Tawnya King

Why the Money in Your Bank Account May Need a Paper Trail Before Closing

Mortgage Tips
Having enough money in the bank is an important part of buying a home, but during the mortgage process, the amount in your account may not be the only consideration. In certain situations, lenders may also need to understand where funds came from. That can surprise buyers who assume that once money reaches their account, its history no longer matters. Mortgage Funds May Need to Be DocumentedDuring the mortgage process, buyers may provide bank or asset statements showing money available for the transaction.If an account contains certain recent deposits that are not easily explained by the documentation already provided, additional…
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30 Sep 2026
By Tawnya King

Why Changing Jobs for More Money Can Still Complicate a Home Purchase

Mortgage Tips
Getting a new job with a higher salary sounds like good financial news, especially when you are preparing to buy a home. But if the change happens while you are applying for a mortgage, the timing can create additional questions. Mortgage qualification is not based solely on how much you earn. Lenders also evaluate the stability, history, and documentation of the income being used to qualify.Higher Income Does Not Automatically Mean Easier ApprovalA substantial raise can strengthen a buyer's finances, but a new employment situation may need to be reviewed before that additional income can be used.The type of compensation…
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