04
Dec
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

Understanding Why You Don’t Need to Pay Off Your Mortgage Early

Many homeowners feel pressure to pay off their mortgage as quickly as possible but faster is not always better. In many real-life situations, directing your money toward other financial steps can offer more growth, more protection, and more flexibility. Understanding when early payoff is helpful and when it is not can give you greater confidence in your long-term plan. Your Mortgage Rate Matters More Than You ThinkA major factor in this decision is your current mortgage rate. Many homeowners secured low rates in recent years that are far below the interest charged on credit cards and other consumer loans. When…
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03
Dec
By Todd Grey
Mortgage, ,

Start the New Year with Strong Finances

The end of the year is the perfect time to review your finances and make smart moves that set you up for success. A few focused steps can strengthen your budget, improve your credit, and prepare you for major goals in the coming year. Review Your BudgetTake a close look at your spending from the past year and note where your money went. Identify areas where you can cut back and redirect those funds to savings or debt reduction. Even small adjustments create real progress over time. Check Your Credit ScoreYour credit plays a major role in loan approvals, interest…
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02
Dec
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

When and How to Save Money by Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing can be a smart way to lower your monthly payment, reduce your interest rate, or tap into equity for financial goals. Many homeowners wait too long to reconsider their loan, but the right timing can put real money back into your pocket. Understanding when to refinance and how the process works helps you make a confident decision. Understanding Why Refinancing MattersRefinancing replaces your existing mortgage with a new one that may offer better terms. Homeowners often refinance to secure a lower rate, shorten their loan term, remove mortgage insurance, or consolidate high interest debt. Even a small rate improvement…
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01
Dec
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – December 1st, 2025

Many of the reports scheduled for release last week were delayed yet again, including the anticipated unemployment data. There is an expectation that they will be released next week. The only on-time release was the third-party Consumer Sentiment report from the University of Michigan, which aligned with expectations and generally indicated that consumers remain dissatisfied with the current state of things, citing high prices and consistently weakening incomes. Univ. of Michigan Consumer ReportConsumer sentiment was little changed this month with a 2.6 index point decrease from October that is within the margin of error. After the federal shutdown ended, sentiment…
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28
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortgage, ,

The Role of Mortgage Originators in Negotiating Loan Terms with Lenders

Many buyers only see the visible steps in the mortgage process, such as gathering documents or reviewing approval conditions. Behind the scenes, a mortgage originator plays a significant role in advocating for the borrower and helping secure loan terms that match the buyerís financial goals. This guidance can make the entire experience smoother and more successful. How an Originator Reviews Your Financial PictureA mortgage originator begins by understanding your full financial profile. This includes income, credit history, assets and long term goals. By reviewing these details, the originator can identify which loan programs may benefit you most and how to…
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