The 3 Economic Indicators We Watch Every Week (and Why They Matter to Mortgage Rates) If you’ve been following mortgage rates lately, you’ve probably noticed they seem to change for reasons that aren’t always obvious. One week rates improve, the next they climb — even though the Federal Reserve hasn’t announced any major changes. So […]
How to Know When You’re Ready to Buy a Home Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make — and for most people, it’s also one of the best paths toward building long-term wealth. But that opportunity comes with real responsibility, which is exactly why it’s not a decision to […]
What Do Mortgage Lenders Look At? Here’s the Simple Breakdown: If you’re getting ready to buy a home, you’ve probably heard a dozen different opinions about what it takes to qualify for a mortgage. The good news? Lenders are really just looking at five main things. Once you understand them, you can start preparing months […]
For decades, mortgage lending has relied on a narrow set of “classic” credit scoring models—primarily older versions of FICO—to evaluate borrowers. That’s beginning to change in a meaningful way. As of April 2026, government officials announced that lenders are now permitted to use VantageScore 4.0 as part of the mortgage underwriting process. In the coming […]
Thinking about relocating to Tennessee? You’re not alone. Over the past few years, Tennessee has become one of the most popular destinations for homebuyers across the country—and for good reason. With its affordable cost of living, strong job growth, and unbeatable lifestyle, more people are choosing to call the Volunteer State home. Whether you’re moving […]
Buying a house is already stressful, and being ill-prepared heightens the anxiety. Why put yourself through this? Learn how to think like a lender and educate yourself on the best ways to get your mortgage loan approved: Know Your Credit Score It literally takes a few minutes to pull your credit report and order your […]
Buying a house is a little bit like dating. You don’t want to fall in love only to realize you can’t have the home of your dreams. Consulting a mortgage lender should be the first step in your home buying journey because it establishes reasonable expectations and provides proper financial parameters. First Choice Lending Services […]
Saving for a home doesn’t require extreme budgeting or giving up everything you enjoy. It comes down to understanding your numbers, building a few solid habits, and being realistic about what “affordable” actually means. Start with your real numbers: Before setting a savings goal, look at your last few months of income and expenses. Not […]
When it comes to buying a home, there are different types of loans offered by lenders to consumers. Of course, keeping track of them all can confuse homebuyers, especially if it’s their first time purchasing a house. Fixed Vs. Adjustable All loans adhere to either a fixed or adjustable mortgage rate schedule. Sometimes, it can […]
You’ve decided to go for it. Buying a home can be thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time, especially for a first-time homebuyer — it’s difficult to know exactly what to expect. The learning curve can be steep, but most of the issues can be resolved by doing a little financial homework. Take these steps to […]