Blog – Todd Grey

02

Jan

Mortgage TipsHome Buying Goals, Mortgage Planning, Smart Home Financing

Starting the New Year with Smart Home Financing

The New Year is a natural time to pause, reset, and think intentionally about financial goals. For many buyers and homeowners, real estate and home financing are part of that plan. Whether you are considering purchasing a home, refinancing, or simply positioning yourself for future opportunities, starting the year with a clear strategy can make a meaningful difference. Review Your Credit EarlyYour credit profile plays a significant role in determining mortgage options and interest rates. The beginning of the year is an ideal time to review your credit report, address any errors, and pay down high balance accounts. Small improvements…

31

Dec

By Todd Grey

Mortgage TipsDebt Management, Home Buying Info, Loan Approval

Why Good Credit Score Is Not Always Enough to Secure a Mortgage

A strong credit score gives many buyers confidence as they prepare to purchase a home. Good payment history and responsible credit use are valuable, but they do not guarantee approval. There are several other important factors that lenders review, and any one of them can slow down or stop the process. When Your Debt Becomes a BarrierYour credit score reflects how well you manage credit, but lenders also review how much debt you carry. High monthly obligations can limit the loan amount you qualify for, and in some cases, prevent approval. Lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio, which is the percentage…

30

Dec

By Todd Grey

Mortgage TipsHome Buying 101, Mortgage Tips, Sharing Economy

How the Sharing Economy Is Changing Mortgage Underwriting

The rise of the sharing economy has changed the way many people work, earn, and budget. Income from rideshare driving, freelance projects, short-term rentals, and delivery apps has become a normal part of modern finances. These new income streams are helpful for building savings and paying bills, but they also affect how lenders view your mortgage application. Understanding how the sharing economy influences underwriting can help you prepare for a smooth approval process. Know How Lenders View Non-Traditional IncomeIncome from rideshare apps, delivery platforms, online marketplaces, and short-term rental hosting does not flow through a traditional payroll system. Because of…

26

Dec

By Todd Grey

Mortgage TipsMortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips, Real Time Verification

How Real-Time Income Verification Is Changing Mortgage Approval

Mortgage approval used to require weeks of gathering documents, submitting pay stubs, waiting for HR departments to respond, and hoping everything lined up perfectly. Today, more lenders are moving toward real-time income verification, a faster and more accurate way to confirm your income during the mortgage process. This shift is making the approval timeline smoother for buyers and giving lenders a clearer picture of your financial situation. Understand What Real-Time Income Verification MeansReal-time income verification allows lenders to confirm your employment and income instantly through secure digital systems. Instead of relying on paper documents, lenders use approved payroll databases to…

24

Dec

By Todd Grey

Mortgage TipsMedical Collections, Mortgage Approval, Mortgage Tips

How Medical Collections Affect Mortgage Approval

Medical bills are one of the most common reasons people face unexpected debt, and many borrowers are surprised when they see a medical collection appear on their credit report. Even though medical debt is often caused by emergencies rather than irresponsible spending, it can still impact your mortgage application. Understanding how lenders view medical collections can help you prepare, protect your credit, and move confidently toward homeownership. Know How Medical Collections Appear on Your Credit ReportMedical bills usually start with your healthcare provider, then move to a collection agency if they go unpaid. Once the account goes to collections, it…