From Pre-Approval to Closing What to Expect in the Mortgage Journey

June is National Homeownership Month, making it the perfect time to understand the full path to homeownership. If you are planning to buy a home, especially for the first time, knowing what to expect during the mortgage process can take away much of the stress. This guide walks you through each step and highlights how working with the right mortgage professional keeps everything on track. Step One: Pre-ApprovalThe first and most important step in your mortgage journey is pre-approval. This is where a lender reviews your income, credit, debt, and assets to determine how much home you can afford. You…
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How HomeReady and Home Possible Mortgages Open Doors During National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to spotlight the programs that make owning a home more accessible to more people. While many potential buyers believe they need perfect credit or a large down payment, programs like HomeReady® and Home Possible® prove otherwise. As a mortgage originator, I see firsthand how these affordable loan options can turn homeownership from a dream into a reality. Understanding HomeReady and Home PossibleHomeReady® is offered by Fannie Mae and is designed for low-to-moderate-income borrowers. Home Possible®, offered through Freddie Mac, serves a similar purpose. These programs are especially powerful for first-time buyers, younger households,…
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How Homeownership Builds Generational Wealth – A Message for National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the lasting impact that owning a home can have on individuals and families. One of the most powerful benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity. As you make mortgage payments, you are gradually increasing your ownership stake in the property. This equity becomes a form of forced savings and can be used in the future for things like education, home improvements, or retirement. Unlike rent, which builds no future value, mortgage payments create wealth over time. Appreciation Adds Long-Term ValueIn addition to building equity, homes tend to increase in…
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Renting vs. Owning the National Homeownership Month Edition

June is National Homeownership Month and there is no better time to look at the long-term financial benefits of owning a home compared to renting. As a mortgage professional, I often speak with clients who are unsure whether to keep renting or make the leap into homeownership. The decision can feel overwhelming, but when you break down the numbers and look at the bigger picture, the advantages of buying a home are clear. Monthly Payments Are an Investment Not an ExpenseWhen you rent, your monthly payment goes straight to your landlord. You are covering their mortgage, not building anything for…
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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 23rd, 2025

With the passing of the FOMC rate decision, it has become clear that the Federal Reserve is taking a wait-and-see approach to the current situation regarding tariff policies. Although the vast majority of economists around the world have made predictions about what lies ahead, the effects have not yet been pronounced. Many of the recent tariff changes have also been revoked or put on pause for the largest industries, leaving many markets uncertain about the future. The key takeaway is that conditions will likely remain steady for now. The only other data release offering insight into what’s to come is…
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