homebuyer

Moving to Fort Myers, Florida? 15 Things to Know Before You Buy a Home

NAVIGATING PHFA LOANS WITH CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE

CrossCountry Mortgage is the #1 retail mortgage lender in Pennsylvania. Learn how PHFA loans and local Bethlehem expertise help first-time homebuyers get on…

Can You Use a VA Loan More Than Once? Understanding Entitlement and Reuse

Many veterans are surprised to learn that a VA home loan benefit isn't necessarily a one-time benefit. Stuart Kiehne explains how VA entitlement, restoration and reuse work—and why having used a VA loan before doesn't automatically prevent an eligible borrower from using the benefit again.

Can You Use Land You Already Own as Equity to Build a Home?

Owning land may provide a financial advantage when you're ready to build a home. Stuart Kiehne explains how land equity can factor into construction financing, what happens when land has an existing loan, and why appraisals, construction budgets and builder requirements matter when planning a custom

Should I Buy a Home With a Swimming Pool in Fort Myers, Florida? Pros, Costs, and What Every Buyer Should Know

This article covers what buyers should know before purchasing a home with a swimming pool in Southwest Florida, including maintenance costs, pool inspections, insurance, equipment, screen enclosures, resale value, and year-round pool ownership.

New Construction vs. Resale in Surprise, AZ: Which Fits You Better?

Should you buy a new construction home or a resale in Surprise, Arizona? Local Realtor Todd Pooler explains how to compare costs, financing, location, condition, and move-in timing—with a practical checklist to help you choose.

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

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

How Much House Can I Afford in Charleston, SC? 7 Numbers to Know Before You Start Looking

Seven numbers to understand before buying a home in Charleston or Mount Pleasant, from monthly payment and cash to close to property taxes, insurance and flood considerations.

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