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What is an Appraisal? The Home Appraisal Process

October 6, 2021 | 5 min read | The mortgage process
Appraisals are a standard part of the home buying process, usually required on a purchase and refinance transaction. This page will outline everything you need to know about the home appraisal process ranging from preparing befor...
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Reasons to Buy a Bigger House & How to Afford a New Purchase

September 30, 2021 | 2 min read | Owning a home
After buying a home, your needs and desires may change years later. The home you purchased five or ten years ago may no longer be suitable for you and your family. So, what are some common reasons that many people choose to upgrade and buy a bigger ...
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Home Buying Process Step by Step: 2021 Guide on How to Buy a House

September 30, 2021 | 5 min read | Owning a home
One of the most significant decisions that anyone can make in their life is purchasing a home. If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may be wondering, “I want to buy a house; where do I start?” Our goal is to make the home buying process as sea...
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What is a Condop? How to Get a Mortgage for a Condop

September 28, 2021 | 1 min read | Owning a home
A condop is a mixed-use building found in New York City rarer than traditional condos or co-ops.  It is referred to as a condop because of a co-op forming within a condo. What Does a Condop Look Like? Since a condop is a mixed-use bui...
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Tricks to Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio when Applying for a Mortgage

September 24, 2021 | 3 min read | Owning a home
What is a Debt-to-Income Ratio? Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio compares your monthly debt expenses to your monthly income. This evaluates how much debt you have and your ability to repay those debts with your current income stream. How to...
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What is Mortgage Insurance?

September 23, 2021 | 2 min read | Owning a home, The mortgage process
Mortgage insurance is an insurance policy that protects the mortgage company if you happen to default on your loan. There are different insurance policies that may be required when buying a home, but primate mortgage insurance (PMI) is one of the mo...
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How Long Does it Take to Build Credit?

September 21, 2021 | 4 min read | The mortgage process
Having an established credit history tells a story of how you have handled monthly debt obligations in the past and helps shed light on what type of borrower you may be. If you don’t have an established credit history or are looking to improve you...
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What are the 5 C’s of Credit?

September 21, 2021 | 3 min read | The mortgage process
The 5 C’s of credit are a way for financial institutions to evaluate how responsible and trustworthy you are based on your ability to handle and repay debt obligations. This is also referred to as your ‘creditworthiness.’ The 5 C’s include c...
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What is a Gift Letter for a Mortgage?

September 20, 2021 | 3 min read | The mortgage process
If you are thinking about buying a home, you should consider how much money you will have for a down payment. A down payment is one of the highest up-front costs to purchasing a home. Many people, especially first-time homebuyers, rely on ...
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How to Choose a Mortgage Lender: Questions to Ask When Shopping for a Mortgage

September 15, 2021 | 3 min read | The mortgage process
A significant question people face during the mortgage process is determining which mortgage company to choose. Just remember, choosing the right lender is not always about getting the lowest rate. Many prospective borrowers spend countless hours co...
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