Check and Improve Credit Score

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How to Check and Improve Your Credit Score for a Better Mortgage

Your credit score is far more than just a number; it is the cornerstone of your financial profile and a critical factor in the mortgage application pr...

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Unlocking Homeownership: The Power of Assumable Mortgages Explained

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate financing, an often-overlooked option presents a unique opportunity for both buyers and sellers: the ass...

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The Final Steps: Understanding Your Closing Disclosure and Final Walkthrough

The journey to homeownership culminates in two critical final steps: the final walkthrough and the review of the Closing Disclosure. While they occur ...

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Clear Communication and Quick Responses: What to Expect From Your Mortgage Lender

In the journey to homeownership, securing a mortgage is a pivotal step that can feel complex and overwhelming. The experience, however, is profoundly ...

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Creating Your Financial Future: A Guide to Your Post-Homeownership Budget

The moment you receive the keys to your new home is a monumental achievement, but it also marks the beginning of a new financial chapter. The transiti...

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Navigating a Mortgage Servicer Transfer: What to Expect and How to Prepare

The arrival of a notice in the mail announcing that your mortgage servicing rights have been transferred to a new company can be an unsettling experie...

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The physical inspection of the property usually takes between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the home’s size and complexity. The entire process—from the lender ordering the appraisal to the borrower receiving the report—typically takes 7 to 10 days, but can vary based on market demand and location.

Yes, a lender can deny a forbearance request if you do not demonstrate a valid financial hardship, if you do not provide required documentation, or if you do not have sufficient equity in the home. If denied, you should immediately discuss other loss mitigation options your servicer may offer.

Housing inventory (the number of homes for sale) is a fundamental driver of market dynamics. Low inventory creates competition among buyers, leading to bidding wars and rapid price appreciation (a seller’s market). High inventory gives buyers more choices and bargaining power, which can slow price growth or even lead to price declines (a buyer’s market).

A 15-year mortgage builds equity at a much faster rate. Since a larger portion of each monthly payment goes toward the principal balance from the very beginning, you own a greater share of your home more quickly. With a 30-year loan, the payments are more heavily weighted toward interest in the early years, slowing the pace of equity building.

Your credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that represents your creditworthiness based on your credit history. Lenders use it to assess the risk of lending you money. A higher score signals that you’re a responsible borrower, which directly influences the mortgage interest rate you’re offered. A better rate can save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.