27 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?

Home Buyer Tips, ,
Buying a home is more than a place to live, it is a path to financial growth, every mortgage payment builds equity, giving homeowners a valuable asset over time, unlike renting where monthly payments go to a landlord, homeowners are investing in their future, with the right mortgage strategy, owning a home can be one of the smartest financial moves you make. Stability and FreedomHomeownership offers stability and freedom to create a space that truly reflects your lifestyle, you can renovate, decorate, and plan for the long term without restrictions, for families, it provides a secure foundation, a community to…
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26 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

Mortgages for Remote Workers Who Want Dual Residences

Mortgage Tips, ,
Remote work has transformed the way people live and plan their financial futures. Instead of being tied to one city, many professionals now choose to split their time between two homes. Some want the excitement of an urban condo while keeping a peaceful retreat in the mountains or at the beach. Others need to balance family life in one state with work opportunities in another. As this trend grows, understanding mortgage options for dual residences has become essential. Primary Residence vs. Second HomeWhen applying for a mortgage, lenders make clear distinctions between a primary residence and a second home. A…
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25 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 25th, 2025

Financial Reports, ,
The FOMC meeting that was held the previous week to discuss upcoming decisions addressed the future of the economic landscape. During his remarks, Jerome Powell stated that inflation will rise in the future, with consumers bearing the burden. Many have speculated that this means reductions in current rates are unlikely to happen anytime soon, in an attempt to keep inflation under control. Another notable release was the leading economic indicators, which once again showed contraction—signaling the potential for further economic decline. Leading Economic IndicatorsThe Leading Economic Indicator (LEI) for the US inched down by 0.1% in July 2025 to 98.7…
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22 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

Can You Use Rental Income to Qualify for a Mortgage?

Mortgage Tips, ,
When it comes to qualifying for a mortgage, your income plays a key role in determining how much you can borrow. For many buyers, especially those interested in investment properties or who plan to rent out part of their home, the question is whether rental income can be counted toward their mortgage qualification. The good news is that in many cases, rental income can help, but there are specific rules and documentation requirements you will need to meet. Understanding How Lenders View Rental IncomeLenders want to ensure that any rental income you list is reliable and can be used to…
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21 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

How to Avoid Mortgage Burnout

Mortgage Tips, ,
Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but it can also be one of the most exhausting. From house hunting and comparing loan options to managing the financial paperwork and deadlines, the process can become overwhelming. Mortgage burnout happens when the stress and demands of the home buying journey begin to wear you down, making it harder to stay focused and positive. The good news is there are ways to protect yourself from burnout and keep the process manageable. Set Clear Expectations From the StartA big source of mortgage burnout is uncertainty. Understanding the timeline,…
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20 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

How to Qualify for a Mortgage While Carrying Credit Card Debt

Home Buyer Tips, ,
Many potential homebuyers worry that carrying credit card debt will prevent them from qualifying for a mortgage. While it is true that lenders carefully evaluate your financial profile, having credit card balances does not automatically disqualify you. By understanding how lenders view debt, taking strategic steps to improve your application, and choosing the right mortgage program, you can still achieve your goal of homeownership. Understand Your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)One of the most important factors lenders review is your debt-to-income ratio. This is the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward debt payments, including your future mortgage. A lower…
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19 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

The Mortgage Options That Make It Possible to Buy a Fixer-Upper

Mortgage Tips, ,
Buying a fixer-upper can be an exciting way to get into a desirable neighborhood at a lower price point, while also creating a home that reflects your style and needs. However, financing a property that needs significant repairs can be challenging if you are only looking at traditional mortgage products. The good news is there are several mortgage options designed specifically for buyers who are ready to take on a renovation project. Understanding these options can help you choose the right path to turn a home with potential into your dream property. FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation LoanThe FHA 203(k) loan is…
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18 Aug 2025
By noelkelman

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 18th, 2025

Financial Reports, ,
This will be the first release of the CPI and PPI report data wherein the data collected and used to determine the current inflation has been reduced. The Producer Price Index has shown quite clearly that there has been the biggest whole price jump in the last 3 years, showing that the administration's policies on tariffs are having an impact. The CPI has shown a similar increase in inflation, but still within expectations in lieu of the current tariff policies.  There is still data to be collected, with some speculation that the Federal Reserve may implement rate cuts in the…
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