MortgageCast

Initial landscaping costs depend on whether you’re starting from bare dirt. A basic budget for a new build typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. This often includes:
Sod or Grass Seed: $1,000 - $3,000
A Few Foundation Shrubs & Trees: $500 - $3,000
Basic Mulching and Edging: $500 - $1,500
More complex designs with patios, irrigation, and mature trees can easily cost $20,000 to $50,000 or more.

Your credit score has a direct, inverse relationship with your mortgage rate. Borrowers with higher credit scores are offered lower interest rates because they represent a lower risk of default to the lender. Conversely, borrowers with lower scores are seen as higher risk and are charged higher interest rates to compensate the lender for that increased risk. Even a small difference of 0.25% can significantly impact your monthly payment and total loan cost.

A recast is a formal process where, after a significant lump-sum principal payment, your lender re-amortizes the loan, resulting in a lower monthly payment for the remaining term. Making standard extra payments does not change your monthly payment but shortens the loan’s term.

If you’re self-employed, you’ll generally need to provide two years of personal and business tax returns, along with year-to-date profit and loss statements. For multiple income sources (e.g., bonuses, rental income, commissions), you’ll need documentation like tax returns and account statements to verify the amount and consistency.