Home Financing

Why Legacy First Republic Jumbo ARM Borrowers Could Face an Unprecedented Payment Shock — and How to Check If You're Exposed

A decade ago, First Republic's interest-only ARMs were the sharpest liquidity tool in Bay Area luxury lending. As the last cohort of those 10-year fixed periods rolls off, some of those notes are recasting without the periodic caps most borrowers assume every adjustable-rate mortgage has.

How Much Cash Do You Really Need to Buy Your First Home?

New Mortgage Credit Scores: Your FAQs Answered

The mortgage industry is changing how credit scores are calculated. Learn what VantageScore means for your home loan and how to prepare with The Gilli Team.

Financing a Home in Palm Beach County

A local loan officer breaks down Palm Beach County home financing: down payment assistance programs, Florida mortgage options, and navigating homeowners…

Self-Employed and Buying a Home? How Mortgage Lenders Look at Your Income

Being self-employed doesn't mean you can't qualify for a mortgage, but documenting income can be different from the process for a salaried employee. Stuart Kiehne explains how lenders evaluate self-employed income, why tax returns and business deductions matter, and what borrowers can do before appl

Higher Rates: A Hidden Opportunity for Home Buyers

Higher mortgage rates might raise your payment — but a slower market can give buyers leverage.

Date the Rate, Marry the Home: A Potential Strategy for Today's Market

There may be more to consider than today’s rate.

Buying a Higher-Priced Home? What Homebuyers Should Know About Jumbo Financing

Buying a higher-priced home can require a different approach to mortgage financing. Stuart Kiehne explains what homebuyers should know about jumbo loans, including loan limits, down payments, cash reserves, credit, documentation, appraisals and why planning early can make the financing process easie

5 Years of Stability, Then Flexibility: Understanding the 5/1 ARM

A 5/1 Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) offers a fixed interest rate for the first five years, followed by annual rate adjustments. This type of loan may appeal to borrowers who expect to sell, refinance, or have a shorter ownership timeline and want to compare a potentially lower initial rate with tra

What I Wish More Homebuyers Knew Before Financing a New Construction Home

Financing a new construction home is different from getting a mortgage on an existing property. Stuart Kiehne shares key things homebuyers should understand about construction financing, including budgeting, appraisals, builder requirements, construction draws, land equity and construction-to-perman

Why the VA Didn’t Decline Your Loan (Your Lender Did)

Think the VA rejected your application? Think again. Learn the truth about lender overlays and how a mortgage professional can get your VA loan back on track.

What Is a Non-QM Loan? Guide for Unique Finances

Non-QM loans help self-employed workers, investors, and high-net-worth buyers qualify using bank statements, rental cash flow, or assets instead of tax…

HomeZero FHA Program: Flexible Down Payment Assistance for Homebuyers

HomeZero FHA combines flexible financing with forgivable and repayable down payment assistance options designed to help qualified buyers reduce upfront homebuying costs.

What if a Little Insight Could Make You a Homeowner?

First time home buyer workshop for a group of young professionals out learn everything they can about everything.

Pay Cash or Finance Your Treasure Valley Retirement Home

Nearing retirement in the Boise area? A local loan officer breaks down whether paying cash for your home is really the smartest financial move.

The 5 Certainty Checkpoints: A Smarter Way to Navigate the Homebuying Process

This article introduces Tracy Leddy’s Five Certainty Checkpoints—Payment, Financing, Offer, Property, and Closing Certainty—a simple framework designed to help homebuyers navigate the mortgage process with greater clarity, preparation, and confidence.

Should You Pay Points to Lower Your Mortgage Rate?

A lower mortgage rate isn't automatically a better deal. Learn how mortgage discount points work, how to calculate your break-even point, and when paying more upfront for a lower rate may—or may not—make financial sense.

Why choose Clayton NC for your next home?

Buy Before You Sell: How to Trade Up Without the Stress

Stop worrying about the timing of your next move. Learn how a buy-before-you-sell strategy lets you move into your new home before listing your old one.

Affordability Strategies: Using Seller Concessions in 2026

With mortgage rates near 7%, seller concessions offer a strategic path to lower payments. Learn how permanent and temporary buydowns can help you secure a home.

The End of Limited Condo Reviews: 2026 Mortgage Update

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are eliminating Limited Condo Reviews starting August 3, 2026.

Can I Buy My First Home in Yuma County If I Have Student Loans?

Yes. You can often buy your first home in Yuma County, Arizona even if you have student loans, as long as your income, debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, credit profile, and loan eligibility meet your lender's requirements.

"Self-Employed? Your Tax Returns Aren't the Only Way to Qualify"

Self-employed borrowers

The End of Limited Condo Reviews: A 2026 Financing Guide

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are retiring the limited condo review process. Discover how stricter reserve rules and documentation impact your path to…