Are you throwing money away on rent?

It’s not uncommon to hear the idea that renting is throwing away money. However taking a closer look at the investment that home ownership requires, in comparison to the relative freedom of renting property deserves some context. There can be financial reasons to choose to continue to rent, just like there are benefits to buying […]
Seller-Paid Rate Buy down: Strengthening Your Offer

A seller-paid rate buy down is an option that not many home buyers know about. This type of concession can be a win-win scenario for both buyer and seller. Including this request in your offer will strengthen your offer while making your potential monthly mortgage payments more affordable. In this unique moment in the housing […]
How much is the down payment for a house in Texas?

If you are ready to start planning for your first home purchase… asking “How much is the down payment for a house?” is the right place to begin. You will need some savings as a new home buyer. So planning for the down payment and other upfront costs of buying a home is key to […]
What do higher interest rates mean for first time home buyers?

What do higher interest rates mean for first time home buyers? We are truly in a unique time in the Texas Housing market. We have seen record setting price increases in homes in major metropolitan areas and even some smaller Texas cities in the last two years. There are more potential home buyers in the […]
Custom Down Payment Savings Plan

Developing a custom down payment savings plan can be a great first step toward becoming a future homeowner. Understanding both what you need to save and setting the time you can give yourself is key to making a savings plan that is just right for you. There are a few upfront costs to buying a […]
Mortgage Payment Calculator

Using a mortgage payment calculator is a great place to begin if you are thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage. An online mortgage calculator can be a great tool to estimate your potential monthly mortgage payment. Adjusting the numbers in each field can help you take a look at the numbers […]
How Much House Can I Afford?

How much house can I afford? This is often one of the first questions that potential home buyers ask before starting their home search. Asking your lender this question and applying for mortgage pre-approval is likely the best way to fully understand the flexibility of your home buying budget. While you may know how much […]
Escrow Account Basics

If you are looking for your first mortgage loan as a first time home buyer, you may have some questions about escrow accounts. The questions and answers in this article provide some great insight to the function and purpose of an escrow account. These basic questions will help you better understand the structure of an […]
How to Get Pre Approved for a Mortgage

The first thing you should do before shopping for a home is get pre approved for a mortgage loan. Buying a home is the biggest financial investment that most Americans will make in their lifetimes. We are happy to give you the information needed to begin. How to get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage: 1. Check […]
Home Search Wants and Needs Checklist

Are you ready to begin searching to buy a new home? Planning can help save you time, money, and some stress when you are buying a home. It is a great idea to sit down and make a few decisions about the things that are most important to you in your new home. Let’s take […]