21
Oct
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Why Unpermitted Renovations Can Create Problems During Mortgage Approval

A remodeled kitchen, converted garage, or added bedroom can make a home look more appealing. But a beautiful renovation does not always tell the full story. If work was completed without permits that were required locally, buyers may encounter questions during the appraisal, inspection, or mortgage approval process. What Does Unpermitted Work Mean? Building departments often require permits for certain structural, electrical, plumbing, and other improvements. Requirements vary by location and by the type of project. Replacing cabinet hardware may not require approval, while moving load-bearing walls or adding living space often does. Unpermitted work means a project was completed…
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20
Oct
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Can You Finance a Home That Has a Second House on the Property?

Finding a property with two houses can feel like discovering a bonus. The smaller home might provide space for relatives, visiting friends, or future rental income. Before making plans, however, buyers should understand that financing a property with two residences may be different from financing a typical single-family home. Start With How the Property Is Classified A detached second house is not always treated the same way as an accessory dwelling unit, commonly called an ADU. Local zoning rules, permits, separate utility connections, and the property's legal description can influence how the additional structure is classified. Some properties have a…
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19
Oct
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 19th, 2026

Inflation numbers are in and came in much higher than expected. Even the core inflation numbers for both reports were higher than anticipated. Core inflation is intended to exclude some of the most volatile components, including food and energy costs, painting a picture in which the Federal Reserve will need to continue its tightening measures until inflation is under control. In particular, the Producer Price Index (PPI) showed a significant increase above expectations, impacting businesses and potentially trickling down to consumers over time. The retail sales report also confirms that consumers have significantly slowed their purchases compared to the previous…
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16
Oct
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Can You Get a Mortgage on a Home That Has Been Moved From Another Location?

Most buyers assume that the home they are purchasing has always been located on its current property. However, some houses have been physically relocated from one location to another. Whether a historic home was preserved by moving it or an existing structure was transported to a new lot, the property's relocation history can create unique questions during the mortgage process. Why Would Someone Move an Entire House?Moving an existing home is more common than many people realize, particularly in areas where older houses are preserved or land is being redeveloped. Instead of demolishing a structure, an owner may hire specialized…
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15
Oct
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

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

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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