21
Feb
By Todd Grey
Home Mortgages, ,

How Do Mortgage Lenders Decide How Much You Can Borrow?

When buying a home, one of the most critical factors is determining how much you can borrow through a mortgage. Lenders evaluate multiple financial aspects to assess your borrowing capacity. Here’s what they consider: 1. Income and Debt-to-Income (DTI) RatioLenders assess your income to ensure you can afford monthly mortgage payments. A common guideline is that your total housing costs (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Additionally, your total debt-to-income (DTI) ratio—including credit cards, student loans, car loans, and other debts—typically should not exceed 43% for most conventional loans. A lower…
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20
Feb
By Todd Grey
Home Buying Tips, ,

To Finance Or Not To Finance

Deciding to finance a new home can be exciting, and because of that buyers tend to want to jump right in. Not so fast! Before you start searching for your dream home, you need to get pre-approved and that means applying for a loan. You will need to get things in order by deciding how much home you can afford, mapping out your expenses, gathering all of your documents and then start looking for a lender that can help you decide what loan is best for you. Some Pros of financing a home are: ?       Buyer builds equity in the…
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11
Feb
By Todd Grey
Home Mortgage Tips, ,

Avoid These Costly Mortgage Mistakes

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. While it’s an exciting milestone, the mortgage process can be complex, and simple mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars or even derail your homeownership dreams. To ensure a smooth home-buying journey, here are some of the most common mortgage pitfalls—and how to avoid them. 1. Overextending Your Budget It’s tempting to fall in love with a home that stretches your budget, but committing to a mortgage that’s beyond your financial comfort zone can lead to long-term stress. Lenders may approve you for a higher loan amount…
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15
Nov
By Todd Grey
Home Buyer Tips, ,

Understanding the Difference Between Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Lenders

When you’re ready to buy a home, one of the first steps is securing a mortgage. While many people simply turn to their current bank for a loan, there are other options to consider that might provide better rates and terms for your situation.  This is where understanding the difference between a mortgage broker and a mortgage lender can help. Both play essential roles in the home loan process, but they function in very different ways. Let’s break it down so you can determine which path might work best for you when seeking mortgage financing. What is a Mortgage Lender?…
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25
Sep
By Todd Grey
Homebuyer Tips, ,

Eco-Friendly Homes for a Sustainable Tomorrow

In recent years, the concept of eco-friendly homes has gained significant traction, and for good reason. As awareness of environmental issues grows, more homeowners are seeking ways to minimize their carbon footprint while also reaping the benefits of sustainable living. We will discuss the world of eco-friendly homes, exploring their sustainable features and the potential cost savings they offer. From solar panels to energy-efficient appliances, there's a plethora of options available to conscientious homeowners looking to make a positive impact on the planet. The Positives of Eco-Friendly Homes Reduced Energy Consumption: One of the primary benefits of eco-friendly homes is…
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