When you are ready to buy a home, finding the right mortgage is just as important as finding the house itself. Many buyers go straight to their own bank, but you have another powerful option called a mortgage broker. A mortgage broker is a licensed professional who works for you, not the bank, to find the best loan for your specific needs. They compare rates from dozens of lenders at once, often saving you thousands of dollars and hours of paperwork. Planning to buy or sell a house or... [read more]

If your current income or credit score isn't quite enough to qualify for the home you want, you don’t have to give up. You can apply for a mortgage with a co-borrower, which means adding a second person - like a spouse, partner, or family member - to the loan. Lenders evaluate both of your incomes and credit profiles, which can significantly increase your buying power and help you qualify for a mortgage. Just remember that a co-borrower shares full financial responsibility for... [read more]

One of the biggest battles during a separation is deciding who pays the mortgage while you’re waiting for the house to sell. If both names are on the loan, both people are fully responsible for the payments-even if one has already moved out. When the person living in the home misses a payment, that late payment can hurt the credit scores of both people. The safest move is to make a written agreement that clearly splits the mortgage and housing costs fairly until the home is... [read more]

If you have less-than-perfect credit and think you are completely locked out of buying a house, the short answer is: you might be wrong. Your credit score is a major factor for lenders, but a low score does not automatically mean an instant denial. It usually just means your mortgage will come with stricter requirements, higher interest rates, or extra upfront fees. The best next step is to speak with a trusted mortgage professional who can review your options and help you build a... [read more]

One of the biggest battles during a separation is deciding who pays the mortgage while you’re waiting for the house to sell. If both names are on the loan, both people are fully responsible for the payments-even if one has already moved out. When the person living in the home misses a payment, that late payment can hurt the credit scores of both people. The safest move is to make a written agreement that clearly splits the mortgage and housing costs fairly until the... [read more]