Let’s be honest. If anything about 2020 has been unpredictable, the housing market is near the top of the list. In March 2019, the Federal Reserve indicated only slight rate increases, if any, over the next two years. Homebuyers rejoiced at the opportunity to lock-in a low rate, not knowing that 2020 would bring a... Read More
How many times have you seen a breathtaking home renovation project and thought to yourself, “I could probably do that?” Next thing you know, it’s been three months, you’re still not done with it, and you’re out a few (hundred) bucks more than you planned. While there are DIY’s that aren’t worth your time and money,... Read More
When you apply for a home loan, your Mortgage Advisor acts as the primary contact and resource for any questions you may have. However, many other departments behind the scenes will play a role in approving your loan. These departments may reach out to you during the loan process to ask for additional information or... Read More
Considering all that’s happened so far in 2020, the past few months have been incredibly difficult for the west coast as locals live with dangerously unpredictable wildfires and the fear of evacuation. Nearly 500,000 Oregonians were forced to evacuate their homes over the past two weeks as firefighters battled flames across 900,000 acres of dry... Read More
The journey to homeownership isn’t always easy, and sometimes you need a little help. If your DTI ratio is too high, you’re a first-time homebuyer with a small down payment, or maybe just working on building your credit, you may need a co-borrower to help you get a home Let’s break down the responsibilities of a co-borrower... Read More
Home equity: you dream about it, you build it, and… you use it? As a homeowner, you have access to the equity you gain over time. Typically, this equity is used when purchasing your next home or investment property. However, there are ways to access these “funds” to pay off other high-interest debts or cover... Read More
Anyone else tired of social-distancing, rescheduling events, and washing your hands every few seconds? We totally get it. Life has drastically changed over the past year, but just like we adapted to new habits and rules, we can adapt our housewarming parties, too! The ongoing pandemic doesn’t mean we can’t safely celebrate. It does mean,... Read More
There are countless benefits to owning a home, but arguably, one of the most beneficial reasons is the ability to build equity. To put it simply, home equity is the current market value of your home, minus what you still owe. As a homeowner, you should consistently be working toward getting a positive number out... Read More
We’ve all been there. Life happens, and you miss a few credit payments. Or maybe the worst-case scenario happens; you lose your job and have to declare bankruptcy. When it comes to keeping your credit score in the green, you can only prepare so much. So, how does a low credit score* affect your chances of getting a loan? The Myth... Read More
As you start saving for your first home, many industry professionals will say you need to put down at least 20 percent. Others will argue that the down payment size isn’t as important if you can get a reasonable rate. In fact, the average down payment for a first time homebuyer is only 7 percent.... Read More