Dreaming of Homeownership? 3 Steps to Start Now Jul 14th, 2025 by: Regan Godderz Homeownership & Mortgage Owning a home is one of the primary sources of wealth for most Americans. So, what can you do today to prepare to buy a home in the near future? Here are three steps you can take to be ‘home-ready!’ #1 – Start a down payment savings plan for 3 to 5% of your ... 3 min read Read More
Three Things to Avoid When You’re Pre-Qualified May 7th, 2025 by: Kitty Tankard Homeownership & Mortgage Few life events compare to the excitement of buying your first home. It’s a significant step financially, so make sure you avoid these pitfalls once you’re pre-qualified for your mortgage: 1. Don’t take on any new debt. When you’re getting ready to move, it’s easy to get excited picking out the new furniture and home ... 2 min read Read More
Top 5 Benefits of Homeownership Apr 14th, 2025 by: Doug McGregor Homeownership & Mortgage If you’re wondering if owning a home is still ‘worth it,’ you’re not alone. Many people today are delaying buying a home longer than previous generations. However, the fundamental values of owning a home are still as valid today as in years past. Here are the top 5 benefits of owning a home: 1. You ... 2 min read Read More
What’s the score? A brief explanation of credit scores. Mar 17th, 2025 by: Doug McGregor Homeownership & MortgagePersonal Finance Tips Your credit score is a part of the package of information lenders use to decide whether or not they will lend you money or extend credit. Other factors include things like your employment history and income and their own internal scoring systems. There are two primary credit scoring models you need to know about: FICO® ... 3 min read Read More
Busted: Top 4 Mortgage Myths Feb 10th, 2025 by: Regan Godderz Homeownership & MortgagePersonal Finance Tips Myth #1: You need a 20% down payment to buy a house. This is one of the most enduring myths about home ownership. After WWII, using a mortgage to buy a home became much more popular than in years past, and yes, a 20% down payment was typical. Today, we have a wide array of ... 3 min read Read More
What Can You Use a HELOC For? Feb 7th, 2025 by: Regan Godderz Homeownership & MortgagePersonal Finance Tips A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a flexible borrowing option that allows you to tap into your home’s equity as needed. HELOCs are commonly used to pay for large expenses, consolidate debt, or cover unexpected costs. Unlike a traditional loan that provides a lump sum, a HELOC is a reusable line of credit. ... 3 min read Read More