29
Oct
By Todd Grey
Mortgage, ,

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…
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28
Oct
By Todd Grey
Home Buying Tips, ,

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.…
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27
Oct
By Todd Grey
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…
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26
Oct
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

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…
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23
Oct
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

How Leased Solar Panels Can Affect Your Mortgage Approval

Solar panels can make a home attractive to buyers who want to manage electricity costs. But the panels on a roof are not always owned by the seller. When a solar system is leased or covered by another third-party agreement, buyers may need to review additional paperwork before their mortgage can be finalized. Owned and Leased Systems Are Different With an owned solar system, the homeowner generally owns the equipment, although there may still be a loan secured by the system or property. With a lease, a separate company typically owns the panels while the homeowner pays to use them.…
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