When you rent, fall is more about a change in the weather. When you own your home, it feels different. The yard is yours, the porch is yours, and you get to decide what the season looks like. In East Tennessee, fall is hard to beat. The mornings are crisp, the afternoons are still warm […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Buying a new home is an exciting and often stressful task. It involves figuring out what size house you want, how many bedrooms and bathrooms you need, how large the lot should be, whether to pick a one story or two story house, and hundreds of other little features about the home. Another important consideration […]
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 […]
Here are some practical things to consider when getting a home loan. Say NO to “easy money.” Beware if someone claims that your “credit problems won’t affect the interest rate.” If an offer is really appealing, get it in writing and then seek a second opinion. Shop around. Always talk to several lenders to find […]