Latest Articles
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.
Tracy Leddy110Should 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.
Dave Cook50Why choose Clayton NC for your next home?
Christie Latham30Buy 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.
Jeff Nunley20Affordability 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.
Dylan Crews NMLS 1987505132The End of Limited Condo Reviews: 2026 Mortgage Update
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are eliminating Limited Condo Reviews starting August 3, 2026.
Alex Anderson201Can 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.
Daniel Jackson20"Self-Employed? Your Tax Returns Aren't the Only Way to Qualify"
Self-employed borrowers
Kelly Manderscheid142The 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…
Dylan Crews NMLS 198750541Asset Depletion Loans: Qualify With Savings, Not Income
High savings can replace traditional income in mortgage qualifying. Learn how the asset depletion formula converts liquid wealth into the monthly income…
Mike Rogers60How do property taxes affect affordability?
Mortgage payments are about more than just principal and interest!
Christie Latham40Non-QM Loan Guide: Home Financing When You Don’t Fit the W-2 Box
Self-employed or told "no" by a bank? Discover how Non-QM loans use bank statements and rental income to open homeownership doors in Central Texas.
Josh Penland17455Unlock Liquidity Without Disrupting the Portfolio A Strategic Alternative to Margin Loans for High-Net-Worth Clients
Thierry Abel1370Appraisal Gap Riders Explained: The Math Most Buyers Miss
Signed an appraisal gap rider and not sure what it means? We break down exactly how it works, what it costs, and when it's the right move.
Craig Messman10Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a Home?
One of the biggest myths in home buying is that you need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. While putting 20% down can have benefits, many buyers qualify with far less. In this article, I'll explain your options, the pros and cons of different down payment amounts, and how to determine what's ri
Dave Cook1611The Fed Doesn't Control Mortgage Rates
Most people assume mortgage rates move whenever the Federal Reserve changes interest rates—but that's not actually how it works. In this article, I'll explain what really drives mortgage rates and how understanding the difference can help you make smarter home buying and refinancing decisions.
Dave Cook1231Why Renting Isn’t Always the Best Option, Especially for This Generation
Renting is not bad, but staying in a renting cycle without a plan is expensive.
Craig Messman11Florida Hometown Heroes 2026: $50M Launch and Guide
Florida's Hometown Heroes program launches July 13, 2026, with $50 million in funding.
Gary Crowder953Warrantable vs Non-Warrantable Condos: 2026 Financing Guide
Understand the 2026 differences between warrantable, non-warrantable, and condotels. Learn why 25% down is often required and how local expertise saves deals.
Sue Botelho90Financing Equestrian Properties in Loudoun & Fairfax (2026)
Navigate 2026 equestrian financing in VA. Learn how USDA, VA, and Agricultural loans impact horse property buys in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties.
Dave Shelor81Portable Mortgages: Solving the US Housing Inventory Global
Explore how portable mortgages could unlock the US housing market by allowing sellers to keep their low interest rates when moving to a new home.
Walter and Emily Howard The Howard Team at Fairway Home Mortgage NMLS 85438 & 1633389222
