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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Many potential homebuyers believe the smartest move is to wait until mortgage interest rates drop before purchasing a home. While that idea sounds reasonable on the surface, waiting for lower rates can actually cost buyers more in the long run. Understanding how interest rates, home prices, and market timing [...]
If you're shopping around for a home loan, you've probably received multiple offers for mortgage insurance. In fact, you may even be wondering what it is. Some loans actually require homeowners to obtain mortgage insurance before they finance a home. So what exactly is mortgage insurance? MPI, PMI – What [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
When you’re still trying to finish up school or get settled into a career, renting a home or apartment is the easiest. But, if you plan on setting roots where you are, owning a house can be just as affordable as renting – if not more beneficial. To decide this, [...]
