15
May
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Common Mortgage Mistakes to Avoid Before Closing on Your Home

The mortgage process does not end once you are pre-approved or even after your offer is accepted. The period leading up to closing is just as important, and mistakes during this time can delay or even jeopardize your loan. Understanding what to avoid helps ensure a smooth path to closing and keeps your home purchase on track. Avoid Taking on New DebtOne of the most common mistakes buyers make is taking on new debt before closing. Financing a vehicle, opening new credit accounts, or making large purchases can impact your debt-to-income ratio and your credit score. Lenders may recheck your…
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14
May
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

What to Expect During the Mortgage Approval Process

Getting pre-approved is an important step in the homebuying journey, but it is only the beginning of the mortgage process. Many buyers are surprised by what happens next and are not fully prepared for the steps involved in final approval. Understanding what to expect can help you stay on track and avoid delays that could impact your ability to close on your home. Pre-Approved Versus Fully ApprovedA pre-approved mortgage gives you an estimate of what you can borrow based on your initial financial information. However, full approval happens later in the process after a deeper review. Lenders will verify your…
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13
May
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

How to Get Started with Down Payment Assistance Programs

For many homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest barrier to homeownership. The good news is that down payment assistance programs exist specifically to help bridge that gap. Understanding how these programs work and how to get started can open the door to opportunities you may not have realized were available. Understand What Down Payment Assistance Programs OfferDown payment assistance programs are designed to help buyers cover some or all of their upfront costs. These programs may come in the form of grants, which do not need to be repaid, or low-interest loans…
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12
May
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Local Lender or Online Option? Understanding the Trade-Offs

Choosing the right lender is a critical part of the homebuying process, and many buyers find themselves deciding between a local lender and an online option. While both can provide financing, the experience, level of service, and overall support can vary significantly. Understanding the tradeoffs allows you to choose the option that best fits your needs and helps ensure a smoother transaction from start to finish. The Value of Working with a Local LenderLocal leaders often provide a more personalized and hands-on experience. You typically have direct access to a loan officer who understands your situation and can guide you…
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11
May
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 11th, 2026

The inflation data scheduled for this week has been pushed back by one week. The unemployment data was the only impactful economic report released this week. Across the board, unemployment statistics came in within expectations, while wage increases were slightly below expectations. Historically, wages have lagged behind inflation, making both unemployment and wage growth strong barometers of the economy’s overall health. Despite the current state of affairs, the economy appears to be holding strong, as reflected across the broader markets. Job Wages The average hourly earnings for all employees in the U.S. total private sector reached ($37.41). This represents a…
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