Category: Homebuying

Do not let outdated information keep you from becoming a homeowner. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will make. Unfortunately, many prospective buyers enter the process relying on advice they have heard from friends, family members, or social media that may be incomplete or outdated. As a mortgage professional, I often speak with buyers who assume they need more savings, better credit, or the perfect interest rate before they can even consider purchasing a home. In many cases, they are surprised to discover that they may have more options than they realized. Here are...

When you’re shopping for a mortgage, your lender may ask whether you’d like to “buy discount points.” It’s a common option, but many homebuyers aren’t exactly sure what it means — or whether it’s worth the extra upfront cost. The answer depends on your financial goals, your available cash, and how long you expect to keep the mortgage. What Are Mortgage Discount Points? Mortgage discount points are upfront fees paid at closing in exchange for a lower interest rate on your loan. Typically, one discount point costs 1% of the loan amount. For example, on a $400,000 mortgage, one point...

When buyers begin shopping for a home, one of the first questions they ask is, “What will my monthly payment be?” While that seems like a simple question, many buyers are surprised to learn that a mortgage payment is made up of several different components – not just the amount borrowed for the home. Understanding what makes up a mortgage payment can help you budget more accurately, compare homes more effectively, and avoid surprises during the home buying process. Most mortgage payments include four main components, commonly referred to as PITI: Principal The principal is the portion of your payment...

If you’re buying or selling a home in the DC area, you’ve probably heard the terms appraised value and assessed value. While they sound similar, they serve very different purposes – and understanding the distinction can help you make smarter real estate decisions. Whether you’re purchasing a condo in Arlington, selling a townhome in Alexandria, or simply reviewing your annual tax bill, here’s what you need to know about appraised value vs. assessed value. What Is an Appraised Value? An appraised value is a professional opinion of what a home is worth in the current real estate market. A licensed...

When most buyers think about qualifying for a mortgage, one number tends to steal the spotlight: the credit score. And while it absolutely plays a role, it’s only one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Mortgage underwriters look at your entire financial picture to determine risk and long-term affordability. Their goal isn’t just to approve a loan—it’s to make sure the loan makes sense for both you and the lender. Here’s what underwriters actually care about when reviewing your file. Income Stability (Not Just Income Amount) Underwriters aren’t only interested in how much you earn. They want to understand how...

Mortgage rates have been a major topic over the past few years. From 2023 through 2025, buyers dealt with higher rates than many expected. As we look ahead, one big question remains: what will mortgage rates look like in 2026? While no forecast is guaranteed, most experts agree on one thing. Rates are expected to be more stable in 2026. Some modest improvement is possible, but dramatic drops are unlikely. The General Mortgage Rate Outlook for 2026 Most industry forecasts point to mortgage rates leveling off or easing slightly next year. Compared to recent highs, this would be a welcome...