Blog
Understanding Cash Out Refinances vs. Closed-End Second Mortgages and Home Equity Loans
Second mortgages let you tap home equity without replacing your first loan—either as a closed-end second mortgage with a fixed rate, or a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) with flexible draws and a variable rate.
Closed-end seconds are pre...
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What Is a QM Loan vs. a Non-QM Loan?
The difference between a Qualified Mortgage (QM) and a Non-Qualified Mortgage (Non-QM) loan comes down to how the borrower’s ability to repay (ATR) is documented and evaluated.
Qualified Mortgage (QM) Loan
A QM loan follows strict federa...
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No Tax Return Mortgage Programs for Self-Employed & High-Net-Worth Borrowers
GuardHill offers no-tax-return mortgage programs designed for self-employed borrowers and high-net-worth individuals who need flexible ways to qualify without traditional income documentation.
How You Can Potentially Qualify
Self-Employed ...
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Condominium vs. Cooperative: What’s the Difference?
The key difference between a condo and a co-op comes down to ownership structure.
With a condominium, you own your individual unit as real estate and receive a deed.
With a co-op, you purchase shares in a corporation that owns the building...
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Understanding When a Refinance Makes Sense
Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move. Understanding when a refinance makes sense can help you potentially lower your monthly payment, reduce long-term interest, or access your home’s equity.
What Is a Mortgage Refinance?
A...
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Mortgage Process Dos and Don’ts
Applying for a mortgage can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to do—and what to avoid—can help keep your loan on track and make the process as smooth as possible.
Below are some key mortgage dos and don’ts every borrower should know.
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January Mortgage Market Update
Mortgage markets are entering 2026 with optimism as inflation cools and policy signals toward potential rate relief.
Recently, President Trump announced a directive to pursue $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) purchases, aimed at ...
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Jumbo Loans: What They Are and How They Work
If you’re buying a home in a high-cost market like New York City, you may encounter the term jumbo loan. Understanding how jumbo loans differ from conforming loans can help you prepare and avoid surprises.
A jumbo loan is a mortgage that exceed...
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Strategic positioning for 2026
As 2025 comes to a close, the mortgage market is finally feeling more stable after a long stretch of ups and downs. Slow inflation and steadier Treasury markets are reducing volatility, helping buyers and homeowners plan with more confidence. With c...
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Fall Market Shifts: What to Expect
As we move into the middle of November, the mortgage market is showing signs of stabilization after months of rate volatility. On October 29th, the Fed reduced the federal funds rate by ¼ point, which actually caused a slight uptick in mortgage rat...
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