How to Use Home Equity: 5 Ways to Access It and Put It to Work
September 21, 2026 | 7 min read | The mortgage process
Home equity is the difference between your home’s current value and what you still owe on your mortgage. As you pay down your loan or your property value changes, that equity may grow.
You may be able to borrow against a portion of it without s...
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New Fannie Mae Condo Rules: What Real Estate Brokers Need to Know
August 22, 2026 | 6 min read | The mortgage process
Fannie Mae has introduced new condo lending guidelines that change how many condominium projects are reviewed for conventional financing. For loan applications dated on or after August 3, 2026, the Limited Review option has been retired, meaning man...
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Condo vs. Co-op in NYC: Key Differences for Homebuyers
July 23, 2026 | 7 min read | The mortgage process
When comparing a condo vs. a co-op in NYC, the biggest differences come down to ownership structure, building approval, financing requirements, monthly costs, and flexibility. Condos typically offer more ownership flexibility, while co-ops are commo...
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Mortgage Lender vs. Bank: Why Homebuyers Choose GuardHill
July 15, 2026 | 5 min read | The mortgage process
Choosing the right mortgage lender is an important part of the homebuying process. Homebuyers choose GuardHill because they want the best combination of rates, service, and ease of process. Buyers want to be treated like VIPs. Homebuyers want a lend...
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Mortgage Broker vs. Mortgage Banker vs. Retail Bank: What’s the Difference?
March 18, 2026 | 3 min read | The mortgage process
When exploring home financing, you will likely come across terms like mortgage broker, mortgage banker, and retail bank. While they may sound similar, they play very different roles in the lending process.
Understanding the difference between a m...
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GuardHill Licensing Requirements
March 11, 2026 | 1 min read | The mortgage process
As a mortgage banker, GuardHill is held to some of the highest licensing standards in the industry. These licensing requirements are designed to protect borrowers and ensure they are working with qualified mortgage professionals throughout the l...
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Corporate Mortgage Program
March 5, 2026 | 2 min read | The mortgage process
GuardHill’s Corporate Mortgage Program is designed for companies that want to offer a meaningful mortgage benefit to their employees.
Buying a home, refinancing, or exploring mortgage options can be a major financial decision. Through GuardHill...
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HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinance
February 25, 2026 | 7 min read | The mortgage process
If you have built equity in your home, you may be able to use that equity to access funds for renovations, debt consolidation, education costs, investments, or other financial goals. Three common options are a HELOC, a home equity loan, and a cash-o...
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What Is a QM Loan vs. a Non-QM Loan?
February 18, 2026 | 1 min read | The mortgage process
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 Borrowers
February 11, 2026 | 4 min read | The mortgage process
For some borrowers, traditional mortgage documentation does not always reflect their full financial picture. Business owners, entrepreneurs, freelancers, real estate investors, and high-net-worth individuals may have strong cash flow or significant ...
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