Recent Articles
Struggling to Afford a Home? Here Are Careers That Can Put You on Track
For many aspiring homeowners, the biggest roadblock isn’t just the cost of the house—it’s qualifying for the mortgage in the first place. Lenders want to see stable employment and enough income to handle monthly payments comfortably. If you’re earning less than $60,000 a year, you might feel like homeownership is out of reach. But here’s the good news: there are careers—many of which don’t require a bachelor’s degree—that can provide steady income above that $60K threshold. If you’re serious about owning a home, exploring one of these paths could change your financial future.
Published on 09/14/2025
Mortgage Rates Near 11 Month Lows—What’s Next With the Fed?
The average 30-year fixed is holding near the lowest levels since October 2024 after a weak jobs report and cooler inflation. Here’s why—and what to watch at next week’s Fed meeting.
Published on 09/12/2025
Get Mortgage Ready: Improve Your Credit & Strengthen Your Approval Odds
When it comes to buying a home, your credit score and financial stability can make a big difference. That’s why we’ve created this resource to help you take the right steps—whether you’re just starting your journey or you’re almost ready to apply for a USDA or FHA mortgage.
Published on 09/11/2025
10 Reasons Why Owning a Home Is Better Than Renting
For many people, the decision to rent or buy a home comes down to more than just monthly payments. While renting can provide short-term flexibility, homeownership brings long-term financial and personal benefits that renting simply can’t match. Here are 10 reasons why owning a home is often the better choice than renting.
Published on 09/09/2025
Why Mortgage Rates Move: What Every Homebuyer Should Know
Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows—but don’t assume they’ll stay there. Learn why rates move, what drives them, and what smart buyers and homeowners should do next.
Published on 09/03/2025
From Low Income to Homeownership: How a Career Change Can Pave Your Path
Owning a home is one of the biggest steps toward building wealth and stability. But for many, the biggest obstacle isn’t credit or even a down payment—it’s income. If your paycheck isn’t high enough to qualify for a mortgage today, the dream of homeownership can feel out of reach. The good news is this: by switching to an in-demand career with higher earning potential, you could be mortgage-ready in as little as 2–4 years.
Published on 08/27/2025
Mortgage Rates Holding Steady… For Now
After Powell's Jackson Hole speech, mortgage rates hit their lowest levels since Oct 2024. But don’t get too comfortable—more movement could be coming after Friday’s inflation data and next week's jobs report.
Published on 08/27/2025
Is Homeownership Right for You? Where Do You See Yourself in Five Years?
Owning a home is a dream for many, but it also comes with responsibility. Mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and upkeep all require financial discipline and long-term commitment. The truth is, homeownership isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. But it’s worth asking yourself: where do you see yourself in five years if you decide to keep renting?
Published on 08/25/2025
Why Would Anyone Buy a Home in Today’s Market?
It’s a fair question. The numbers don’t lie: Median rent for a 3-bed/2-bath single-family home: $2,100/month Estimated FHA mortgage (PITI + MIP) on a $350,000 home at 6.125%: $2,730/month On paper, renting looks cheaper — you’re saving about $630 per month. So why in the world would anyone buy a home right now?
Published on 08/23/2025
Save Smart While You Wait to Buy a Home: HYSA vs. Roth IRA
If you’re not quite ready to buy a home—whether because of credit score, income stability, or simply waiting for the right market—this doesn’t mean you should sit idle. The time you spend preparing is a golden opportunity to build both your down payment and your long-term financial security. Two powerful tools stand out: High-Yield Savings Accounts (HYSA) – safe, steady, and liquid. Roth IRA – flexible for home purchases and designed to grow your retirement nest egg.
Published on 08/20/2025
Lower Rates? Don’t Relax Just Yet
Mortgage rates stayed mostly flat this week, holding near 10-month lows. Here’s what happened from August 18–20 and why upcoming economic data could shake things up.
Published on 08/20/2025
Mortgage Rates at 10-Month Lows! Big Opportunity!
Mortgage rates are holding near 10-month lows after early August’s jobs report and mixed inflation data. Here’s what homebuyers and homeowners need to know.
Published on 08/14/2025
How Just $15 a Day Can Change Your Entire Future
If you’re 18 and just starting your first job, buying a home might feel like a lifetime away. Retirement? That’s even harder to picture. But what if I told you that by saving just $15 a day, 5 days a week, you could buy your first home shortly after college and retire a millionaire?
Published on 08/12/2025
What is a 3.5% Down Payment FHA Loan? (And How to Qualify for It)
If you’ve been dreaming of buying a home but worry about the size of the down payment, an FHA loan with just 3.5% down might be the key to turning that dream into reality.
Published on 08/11/2025
How to Calculate How Much Home You Can Afford: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homebuyers
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. But before you start browsing listings, it’s essential to understand how much home you can afford based on your income. This blog will guide you through the process of calculating your affordability using your monthly income, and show you how different types of loans and financial factors influence your home purchase decision.
Published on 08/10/2025
Rates Just Hit a 10-Month Low!
Mortgage rates just hit their lowest levels since October 2024 following a big shift in the bond market. Here’s why it matters for homebuyers and homeowners.
Published on 08/05/2025
It’s Getting Harder to Qualify for a Mortgage—Here are some ideas of what you can possibly do about i.t
In today’s housing market, the dream of homeownership feels further out of reach for many buyers. Even with attractive programs like zero down payment USDA loans or down payment assistance options, the reality is that financing any amount over $300,000 can be financially challenging. Why? Because it’s not just about the price of the home anymore. It’s also about elevated interest rates, elevated home prices, high property taxes, and increasing homeowner insurance premiums—all of which directly impact your monthly mortgage payment and your ability to qualify. Let’s break down the challenges and look at how you can overcome them.
Published on 08/04/2025
Renting and Investing vs. Buying a Home: Which Builds More Wealth Over 5 Years?
In today’s housing market, buyers are facing a challenging combination of high home prices, elevated interest rates, and increased insurance costs. Naturally, many potential buyers are asking: Is it better to rent and invest the difference—or should I buy a home and build equity? Let’s take a closer look at the financial outcome over five years by comparing three popular home loan options with a rental scenario, using realistic assumptions and actual rate disclosures. We'll also factor in the power of compound interest and home appreciation to see how wealth is built through both paths.
Published on 08/03/2025
Housing Market Confusing? Here’s Why You’re Hearing Mixed Messages
Confused by the housing market? You're not alone. Here's why the market feels hot and cold at the same time—and what it means for you as a homebuyer.
Published on 07/30/2025
Could Removing Capital Gains Taxes on Home Sales Revive the Housing Market?
A new proposal suggests removing capital gains taxes on primary home sales to boost the housing market. Here’s what it could mean for homeowners and buyers.
Published on 07/23/2025