The Blog
Using Basic Allowance for Housing to Qualify for a Veteran Home Loan
For many service members, Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a valuable financial resource that helps cover housing costs. But did you know that BAH can also be used to help you qualify for a veteran home loan? Whether you’re on active duty or transitioning to...
What Is a Joint VA Home Loan?
VA home loans are a special type of mortgage backed by the federal government. These loans are only offered to qualifying individuals who formerly served or are actively serving in the U.S. armed forces, or are a surviving spouse. There are cases in which a VA...
Should I Apply for a Home Loan in 2023?
When it comes to buying a home, timing is everything. Not only do you want to be in a good place with your life circumstances, but you’ll also want to buy when the market is right. That being said, if you’re thinking about buying a home, you may be wondering what the...
Non-Traditional Home Financing Options
Conventional mortgages aren’t for everyone. If you’re concerned about your ability to qualify for a conventional loan or are looking for an alternative source of funding, you may be wondering what home financing options are available to you. Nontraditional loans are...
Guide to the New Mortgage Assistance Program in Texas
No one wants to fall behind on their mortgage payments. But, unfortunately, life happens and sometimes these situations are unavoidable. The good news is, if you live in Texas, help may not be too far off. There’s a new program in place designed to provide mortgage...
Will 2023 Be a Good Year for First-Time Homebuyers?
Increased competition and high home prices created a difficult situation for first-time homebuyers over the past couple of years. Many who failed to buy at the beginning of the pandemic eventually became priced out and were forced to postpone their plans of...
Why Borrowers Are Opting for Second Mortgage Loans
Over the past year, lenders have seen an increase in the number of borrowers applying for second mortgage loans. Second mortgage loans are loans taken out in addition to someone’s primary mortgage. Often, they’re used to pay down high-interest debt, finance home...
What to Know About Virtual Appraisals for VA Home Loans
A new bill may be changing the future of VA home loans in the United States. On May 12, 2022, bill H.R. 7735 was introduced to the U.S. House of Representatives. Titled "Improving Access to the VA Home Loan Benefit Act of 2022," its goal is to direct the Secretary of...
Buying Your First House? What to Expect for Home Prices in 2023.
Home prices are driven by supply and demand. In 2020, housing inventory was low and demand surged as mortgage rates fell below 3%. The new demand, coupled with the shortage in supply, caused home prices to soar. But now that rates are climbing higher, the market is...
Top 10 Improvements Made by New Homebuyers
One of the most exciting things about being a new homebuyer is having the chance to personalize your living space and make it your own. Making improvements to your home can make it feel more like yours and less like the previous owner’s. It also gives you the...
What Will FHA Mortgage Rates Look Like in 2023?
When you're buying your first home, it can be hard to secure a conventional mortgage due to your financial situation. Many first-time buyers have a hard time meeting conventional mortgage requirements, which is why they pursue FHA loans instead. But right now, FHA...
VA Loan Requirements for Cosigners
There are some circumstances in which a borrower may seek a cosigner for their home loan. Perhaps they have considerable debt, bad credit, or low income. Traditional loans allow borrowers to have cosigners, but what about VA loan requirements? Can you have a cosigner...
Home Lender vs. Servicer – What’s the Difference?
Homeownership can feel overwhelming in the beginning. You go from renting and having a property management company who takes care of everything for you - from utilities to repairs - to being the owner of your property and having to navigate every problem and challenge...