The Blog
VA Mortgage Loans: Changing Lives Since 1944
Since its inception in 1944 as part of the GI Bill, the VA mortgage loan program has been a cornerstone in America’s commitment to its veterans. Originally established as a solution for helping World War II veterans transition to civilian life, VA mortgage loans have...
Do You Need to Put 20% Down When You’re Buying Your First Home?
When you’re thinking of buying your first home, there are a lot of things you need to figure out before you can start looking. Not only do you have to get your credit score in order and set your budget, but you also have to think about how much of a down payment you...
5 Major Expenses Commonly Overlooked by First Time Homeowners
For first time buyers, their biggest expense is almost always the house itself. Unfortunately, there are always other expenses that can take you by surprise. As long as you know what to expect, you’ll be ready to take the leap and become first time homeowners. Here...
The Complete Guide to Buying a Home with VA Loan for National Guard Members
Serving in the National Guard is a wonderful way to serve your country while still being able to maintain your civilian life, job, and obligations. Though you’re not serving in the military as a full-time service-member, you’re still entitled to many of the same...
Gig Harbor First Time Home Buyers Programs
Buying your first home is one of the most exciting things you can do. Not only do you get to escape the rental market, but you also get to finally build equity with all those monthly payments. For most Gig Harbor first time home buyers just coming out of the rental...
Is It Still Possible to Qualify for an FHA Mortgage in 2020?
If you’re looking to buy a house, figuring out which mortgage is best for your needs can feel like a bit of a mystery. Generally, the higher your income is and the fewer debts you have, the easier it will be to qualify for a mortgage. However, for low-income...
Can You Refinance Your Home to Pay for a Remodel?
One of the best ways to add value to your home is to make a few simple improvements to your property. Unfortunately, the average renovation can cost as much as $46,812 and that means paying for your home improvements can feel like a challenge. While you can and should...
What Does Debt to Income Ratio Mean? Guidance for First Time Home Buyers
For first time home buyers, the process of buying a house can feel overwhelming long before you start looking at properties. Why? Because unless you plan on buying a house with cash, you’re going to need to finance that purchase with a home loan. If you’ve never...
Buying Your First House? What You Need to Know About Student Loan Debt
Buying your first house is exciting, but if you’re like 44 million other Americans, you have student loan debt. Taking on a mortgage when you already have thousands of dollars in debt can feel daunting at best. Though your student loans may make it harder for you to...
Do You Need Mortgage Insurance to Buy a Home with a VA Loan in Dallas?
Buying a house is exciting, but if you’re buying it with a conventional mortgage, you’ll need to make a down payment of at least 20 percent of the home’s purchase price to secure the loan. If you don’t have the full amount, you’ll need private mortgage insurance if...
VA Loan Requirements: Why Your FICO Score Matters
Low credit scores are a major problem for Americans. In fact, an estimated 68 million people have scores below 610. This makes it almost impossible to qualify for a traditional mortgage. Most mortgages prefer borrowers to have scores over 620 to qualify for a loan in...
VA Home Loan Options for Financing Home Upgrades
Buying a home with VA home loans is one of the best ways to save money and get into the home of your dreams, but that’s not all that VA loans are good for. You can also use them to finance home improvement projects to upgrade the house you already live in. The process...
Do You Have to Be Current on Your Home Loan to Apply for a Refi?
Do You Have to Be Current on Your Home Loan to Apply for a Refi? When you buy a house with a mortgage, you’re required to make monthly payments on that loan until it’s paid off. You’re locked into that interest rate for the life of the loan unless you refinance your...