Learning Center
5 Impactful Ways to Overcome Financial Stress
Financial stress is one of the biggest causes of poor sleep, anxiety and depression. If that sounds like you, you're not alone. According to a 2023 PwC Employee Financial Wellness survey, 60% of full-time employees are stressed about their finances. Even among...
7 Ways to Boost Your Financial Literacy
Having financial literacy is an essential life skill that can have far-reaching impacts on one's future financial security and well-being. Financial literacy is the ability to understand and effectively manage various financial skills, such as budgeting, saving,...
6 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score to Qualify for a Mortgage
Your credit score is a crucial factor when applying for a mortgage. A low score can lead to loan denial, while a high score opens doors to better interest rates and loan terms. Unfortunately, data shows that due to poor credit, 15% of mortgage applications for new...
8 Strategies to Establish and Build Your Credit History
Having little to no credit history is a major roadblock to getting approved for a loan. Lenders want to see a proven track record of responsible debt management before financing a major purchase like a car or home. If you're a recent graduate, early in your career...
How to Sell a House with a Mortgage
Summary · Selling a house with a mortgage is easy to do, provided there's enough equity to cover the loan at closing.· Negative equity situations may require lender approval for a short sale or personal funds to cover the shortfall.· Key steps include obtaining a...
How to Avoid 3 Common Mortgage Qualifying Surprises
Summary - jump ahead to any section by clicking on these links: 1. Document Overtime, Bonus, Second Job & Commission Income 2. Season and Source Funds to Close 3. Previous Mortgage included in Bankruptcy Tips for Avoiding Surprises during the Home Buying...
Understanding Mortgage Origination Fees
There's more to purchasing your first home than saving a down payment. Many fees are associated with the mortgage application process, commonly bundled under the term "Closing Costs." Among these fees is the mortgage origination fee. What is a Mortgage Origination...
How to Buy a Home in a Competitive Real Estate Market
Despite higher interest rates, the current real estate market has a surplus of buyers, and even more are sitting on the fence waiting for interest rates to drop into the 5% range. To secure victory in this competitive real estate market, prospective buyers need a...
How to Avoid Derailing Your Home Purchase at the 11th Hour
Buying a home is an exciting experience, especially near the end when you’ve got all the elements lined up like neat dominoes, ready to fall in place at the closing table. But like a string of dominoes, a single misplaced tile breaks the chain, taking you back to...
Steps to Take Now to Get a Head Start on Filing Your 2023 Income Taxes
The 2023 tax filing season, which starts on January 29, 2024 and concludes on April 15 (unless you file an extension), is when we are required to file our personal income tax return. While taxes are a simple process for many workers, it’s better to give yourself...
How Increased FHA Loan Limits Benefit First-time Homebuyers in 2024
a Great news for first-time homebuyers who want to purchase a home with a lower down payment and credit score requirements. Starting January 1, 2024, the new FHA floor loan limit will be $498,257 for a single-family home in most parts of the country. In high-cost...
Homebuyer Guide to 2024 Conventional Conforming Mortgage Loan Limits
In response to escalating home prices in 2023, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced a 5.5% increase to the baseline (conventional) conforming loan limit for mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2024. As of 1 January 2024, the base...
Jingle Bells and Juggling Bills: First-Time Homebuyer’s Holiday Survival Guide
We are officially entering the holiday season, and we totally get it – you want to enjoy the festivities without losing sight of the prize - getting yourself to a place of financial preparedness to buy a home. We're here to keep you on track so you can navigate the...