Direct: (818) 435-6560 | tgrey@equitysmartloans.com

Blog

07
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

When and How to Secure a Favorable Mortgage Rate Lock

Interest rates can fluctuate from one week to the next, and that can have a major impact on your monthly payment and overall loan cost. A mortgage rate lock gives you the ability to secure your interest rate for a set period of time, protecting you from unexpected increases while your loan is being finalized. Understanding how rate locks work can help you choose the right time and terms for your situation. What a Rate Lock MeansA rate lock is an agreement between you and your lender that guarantees a specific interest rate for a certain number of days, usually…
Read More
06
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

What to Expect at Your First Mortgage Appointment

Meeting with a lender for the first time is a big step in your homebuying journey. Whether you are buying your first home or upgrading to your next one, your mortgage appointment sets the stage for what comes next. Knowing what to expect helps you feel confident, prepared, and ready to make the most of that important conversation. Gathering Your Financial Information Before your appointment, your lender will want to review your financial details. This includes your recent pay stubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, bank statements, and records of any debts or assets. Having these documents ready helps your lender…
Read More
05
Nov
By Todd Grey
Mortgage Tips, ,

What Mortgage Lenders Really Look At Before Approving Your Loan

One of the first questions homebuyers ask is how much they can afford to borrow. While the number may seem mysterious, lenders use a clear set of financial factors to decide how much you qualify for. Understanding these factors can help you plan ahead, make smart choices, and feel confident as you start your homebuying journey. Your Income and Employment HistoryLenders begin by reviewing your income to determine if it is stable and sufficient to support a mortgage payment. They will verify your employment history, pay stubs, tax returns, and other documentation to confirm consistency. A steady income reassures the…
Read More
04
Nov
By Todd Grey
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Steps to Take Now to Build Your Credit for a Home Purchase Next Year

Buying a home is one of the most exciting goals you can set, but your credit score plays a major role in how easy or challenging the process will be. The good news is that with time and planning, you can strengthen your credit and set yourself up for a smoother approval when you are ready to buy next year. Review Your Credit ReportStart by pulling your credit report from all three major credit bureaus. Review each report carefully to make sure that your personal information and account details are accurate. Dispute any errors right away, since mistakes can bring…
Read More
03
Nov
By Todd Grey
Financial Reports, ,

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – November 3rd, 2025

With the ongoing government shutdown, other major releases have hit a snag, as there is still very limited information for when the shutdown may end. The largest and most impactful releases continuing to move forward are those from third-party sources still publishing data — such as the Consumer Sentiment reports — which show that consumers remain concerned about inflation but have recently grown more optimistic about the labor market. As expected, the Federal Reserve cut rates again by another 25 basis points. However, Chairman Jerome Powell remains skeptical that another rate cut will occur anytime soon. Consumer SentimentConsumers were more…
Read More