Recent Articles

Why Homeownership Is Still Worth It—Even Beyond the Finances

From mental health benefits to stronger communities, homeownership offers more than just a return on investment—it offers a better quality of life.

Have You Found Your Dream Home, But You're Just a Little Short on Cash? Here’s How a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase Could Help

Are you 62 years or older and found your dream home—but realized you’re just a little short of being able to pay for it in full with cash?

Mortgage Rates Aren’t Just About the Fed — Here’s What You Really Need to Know

Mortgage rates held steady this week—but not for the reasons you think. Here’s why working with a loan officer beats doing your own research when timing the market.

The Real Estate Rule That Just Got Repealed—And Why It’s a Big Win for Buyers

The National Association of Realtors repealed a rule that kept some listings hidden—thanks in part to pressure from homebuyers, tech platforms, and even the DOJ. Learn how this boosts your home search.

🏡 Buying a Home in Retirement: Should You Pay Cash or Use a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase?

If you're over 62 and looking to buy your next home—whether it's downsizing, relocating, or finding the perfect place to enjoy your retirement—you might be thinking about paying cash to avoid a mortgage. But before you put all your money into a home, there’s another option to consider: the Reverse Mortgage for Purchase, also known as a HECM for Purchase. It allows you to buy a home using a combination of your own funds and a reverse mortgage—without a monthly mortgage payment. Let’s compare both options so you can decide which makes more sense for your goals and financial situation.

The Pros and Cons of a Reverse Mortgage for Purchase: Is It the Right Move for You?

If you're 62 or older and looking to buy a new home, you might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to pay all cash—or take on a traditional monthly mortgage payment. Instead, a reverse mortgage for purchase, also known as a HECM for Purchase (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage), can help you finance part of the home's purchase price while eliminating monthly principal and interest payments. But like any financial product, it comes with both benefits and drawbacks. Here’s what you need to know before deciding if it’s right for you.

Why Now Might Be the Best Time in Years to Buy a Home (Seriously)

The housing market is shifting—and it's shifting in your favor. Learn why rising inventory, slower sales, and increased negotiating power mean buyers have the upper hand. Don’t miss your window.

USDA Mortgages: A Powerful No Down Payment Option—But Know What You’re Signing Up For

If you’ve been researching home loans and stumbled across the USDA mortgage program, you may have thought, “Wait — I can buy a house with no down payment, get a low interest rate, and maybe not even pay closing costs?” And yes — that’s the magic of the USDA loan. But before you start shopping for homes, there’s something equally important to understand: just because a loan is zero down doesn’t mean it’s zero stress on your monthly budget.

The Secret Every Successful Home Seller Knows (But Most Miss)

Discover the simple but powerful secret that helps homeowners sell faster and for top dollar in today's real estate market. Hint: It’s not just about price.

I was told that having a 580 Credit Score would allow me to qualify for a USDA Mortgage — Why Can’t I Qualify for a USDA Mortgage?

Many homebuyers are excited to learn that USDA loans only require a minimum credit score of 580 with some lenders. But then comes the shock — they apply, only to find out they’ve been denied. So what gives?

April 2025 Housing Market Update: A Shift That Favors Buyers

Home prices are cooling, inventory is rising, and buyers are gaining leverage. See what the April 2025 housing market update means for you.

Why a Home Inspection Is a Must for Homebuyers

Learn why a home inspection is essential for buyers—even in a competitive market. Discover how it protects your investment and helps avoid costly surprises.

How to Buy a Home With No Down Payment and No Closing Costs Using a USDA Loan

Buying a home without a down payment is already a big win—but what if you could also eliminate your closing costs and walk into a home with almost zero out-of-pocket expenses? That’s exactly what’s possible with a USDA loan when you combine it with the smart use of seller concessions—especially when you find a home that’s already had a price reduction. Let’s break it down and show you exactly how it works.

Mortgage Rates Just Dropped—Here’s Why the Fed Had Nothing to Do With It

Mortgage rates dipped slightly to 6.86% as bond markets stabilized. Learn how rates are tied to investor expectations—and why lenders adjust pricing ahead of market changes.

From College to Keys: How a Degree Can Be Your Path to Homeownership

As graduation approaches, most high school seniors—and their parents—are focused on the next step: college. The right school, the right degree, the right future. But what if we told you that your college path could also help you qualify for a mortgage and become a homeowner shortly after graduation? That’s right. With smart planning, your degree can do more than land you a job—it can also help you buy your first home and start building generational wealth sooner than you might think.

So You Can’t Qualify for a Home Loan—What Are You Going to Do About It?

You applied for a mortgage and got turned down. Ouch. But before you give up, take a breath. Being denied today doesn’t mean you’ll be denied forever. The truth is, most people who buy a home didn't qualify on their first try either. Now, you're at a crossroads—and you have two choices:

Do You Really Want to Buy a Home in Today’s Market?

That’s the big question, isn’t it? With everything you hear in the news — high interest rates, competitive markets, limited inventory — it’s easy to feel like buying a home right now might be a bad idea. And for some people, waiting might truly be the better option. But if you can buy a home today, it might actually be one of the smartest financial moves you’ll ever make. Here’s why:

March 2025 Housing Market Update: 5 Key Takeaways for Homebuyers and Sellers

March 2025 housing data shows rising inventory, slowing price growth, and a shift in buyer behavior. Learn what this means for buyers and sellers heading into spring.

"I Thought It Was a Zero Down Payment Loan — So What’s Up With These Closing Costs?"

If you're like many first-time homebuyers, you probably got excited when you heard about zero down payment loans like USDA or VA home loans. Zero down payment? That sounds amazing — and it is! These programs are designed to help buyers get into a home without having to save tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment. But then you hear something that stops you in your tracks: "You'll still have closing costs."

Where Will You Be When Interest Rates Drop?

If you're renting right now, it's an important time to ask yourself: Where will you be when interest rates eventually drop? Will you be ready to make your move into homeownership — or will you still be waiting on the sidelines, trying to catch up? Here’s the truth: The housing market is always changing, and today's unique opportunities may not be around tomorrow.