Blog – Todd Grey

30

Oct

Home Buying TipsHome Buying Tips, Mortgage Appraisal, Square Footage

Why the Square Footage in a Listing May Not Match the Mortgage Appraisal

A home's advertised square footage can influence which properties buyers tour, how they compare asking prices, and what they expect from an appraisal. But the number in a real estate listing is not always the same as the living area reported by a mortgage appraiser. Differences can occur even when nobody intended to provide misleading information. Understanding why can help buyers evaluate a home more accurately. Square Footage Depends on What Is Counted Listings may draw measurements from tax records, prior listings, builder plans, or information supplied by the seller. Those sources do not always use the same definitions or…

29

Oct

By Todd Grey

MortgageDetached Garage, Mortgage Tips, Property Value

Can a Detached Garage Affect Your Home’s Mortgage Appraisal?

A detached garage can be a major selling point. It may provide covered parking, extra storage, or room for hobbies and projects. But buyers sometimes assume that every square foot of a detached structure adds value in the same way as living space inside the house. During a mortgage appraisal, the analysis is more specific. The appraiser looks at the structure's condition, function, and contribution to market value. A Garage Is Not the Same as Living Area A detached garage is generally evaluated separately from the home's finished living area. Even if it has electricity, insulation, or finished walls, that…

28

Oct

By Todd Grey

Home Buying TipsHome Buying Tips, Mortgage Education, Property Easements

Why an Easement on the Property Could Raise Questions During Mortgage Approval

You may love a home's layout, yard, and neighborhood without realizing that someone else has a legal right to use part of the property. That right may be an easement. Easements are common, and many cause no problems at all. Still, buyers should understand what an easement allows, where it is located, and whether it affects the property's value or access before moving forward with a mortgage. What Is an Easement? An easement generally gives another party a limited right to use land owned by someone else. Utility companies may have easements to maintain power lines, pipes, or other infrastructure.…

27

Oct

By Todd Grey

Mortgage TipsHome Financing, Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips

Can a Home-Based Business Affect Your Mortgage Approval?

A home office, a small workshop, or a room used to meet clients may seem like a normal part of modern homeownership. But when you apply for a mortgage, the way a property is used can matter just as much as how it looks. A home-based business does not automatically prevent financing. The questions usually involve whether the property remains primarily residential, whether its use is permitted, and whether the lender can comfortably evaluate it as a home. Residential Use Comes First Most standard residential mortgage programs are designed for properties used primarily as residences. Working remotely from a spare…

26

Oct

By Todd Grey

Financial ReportsFinancial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 26th, 2026

The Consumer Sentiment report was the largest release in an otherwise light week. The report showed that sentiment has improved over the last couple of months. However, this improvement comes against the backdrop of consumer sentiment having dropped more than 30 points since January and remaining at relatively low levels throughout the year. With inflation remaining stubborn and impactful, it is no surprise that consumer sentiment has taken a hit. The Federal Reserve's balance sheet has shed some of its weight but continues to reflect significant borrowing amid persistent inflationary pressures. There is strong speculation that another rate increase may…