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…
Read More
19 Aug 2026
By Tawnya King

What Happens to Your Mortgage If You Move Before Paying It Off?

Mortgage Tips
Most homeowners move before making the final payment on a thirty-year mortgage. Selling a home with an outstanding loan is completely normal, but many homeowners are unsure what happens to the remaining balance. Understanding the process can help you plan for your sale, estimate your proceeds, and prepare financially for your next home. Your Mortgage Is Paid Through the Sale When your home is sold, the closing company requests a payoff statement from your mortgage servicer. This statement shows the amount required to satisfy the loan through the expected closing date, including the remaining principal, accrued interest, and any applicable…
Read More
20 May 2026
By Tawnya King

Understanding PMI and Why It May Benefit You

Mortgage
Private Mortgage Insurance, commonly known as PMI, is often misunderstood by homebuyers. Many people view it as an added expense to avoid at all costs, but that perspective can actually delay homeownership and limit your options. When used strategically, PMI can be a valuable tool that helps you purchase a home sooner and begin building equity earlier. What PMI Is and How It WorksPMI is a type of insurance that protects the lender in the event a borrower defaults on a loan. It is typically required when a buyer puts down less than 20% on a home. While it does…
Read More
24 Apr 2026
By Tawnya King

VA Construction Loans: What You Need to Know Before You Build

Mortgage Tips
Building your dream home from the ground up? If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible military spouse, a VA construction loan could make that process a lot more accessible. But here’s the thing—VA construction loans aren’t quite as straightforward as traditional mortgages. Knowing how they work upfront can save you time, money, and a few headaches along the way. Let’s break it down. What Is a VA Construction Loan? A VA construction loan helps cover the cost of: Purchasing land Building the home Transitioning into a long-term mortgage In many cases, this is structured as a construction-to-permanent loan,…
Read More
22 Apr 2026
By Tawnya King

Homeowners Insurance: How Much Coverage Do You Really Need?

Mortgage
Buying a home is a big deal—and protecting it properly matters just as much as purchasing it in the first place. Homeowners insurance isn’t just a box to check. It’s what stands between you and a potentially massive financial hit if something unexpected happens. The tricky part? Figuring out how much coverage is actually enough. Here’s how to think about it. 1. Focus on Rebuild Cost, Not Market Value One of the most common mistakes is basing coverage on your home’s market value. What you really want to insure is the cost to rebuild your home from the ground up—including…
Read More
21 Apr 2026
By Tawnya King

Building Your Dream Home? Here’s Why Construction-to-Permanent Loans Are Worth a Look

Mortgage
Starting a home build is exciting—equal parts vision board and “wait, how do we pay for all of this?” moment. The financing side can get complicated fast, especially when construction and long-term mortgage needs overlap. That’s where construction-to-permanent loans step in. They’re designed to simplify the process and give you more control from day one through move-in day. What Is a Construction-to-Permanent Loan? A construction-to-permanent (CTP) loan is a single loan that covers both the build phase and your long-term mortgage. Instead of taking out one loan to finance construction and then refinancing into a separate mortgage later, a CTP…
Read More
24 Mar 2026
By Tawnya King

Preparing Financially for a Jumbo Loan Application

Mortgage Tips
Jumbo loans exceed conforming loan limits and often require stronger financial positioning. Borrowers pursuing higher loan amounts must prepare for more detailed underwriting review and stricter qualification standards. Advanced preparation increases approval strength and pricing competitiveness. Stronger Credit ExpectationsJumbo lenders typically require higher credit scores compared to standard loan programs. Even small score improvements can impact rate pricing significantly at larger loan amounts. Reviewing credit reports early allows time for optimization. Lower Debt-to-Income RatiosJumbo underwriting often favors conservative debt-to-income positioning. Reducing revolving balances or eliminating smaller installment loans before applying can strengthen ratios. Cleaner financial profiles improve both approval probability…
Read More