Soon, rents will increase to two or three times higher than a mortgage loan payment! Renting is not tax deductible and is not an asset. Many homeowners use the equity in their homes to help pay for their children's college tuition and home renovations. If interest rates decline in the future, it is a good idea to refinance your loan to reduce your monthly payments. Some successful business owners have used the equity in their homes to start their businesses. Renting is a waste of time and money!

The easiest way to purchase a home is to have control of your debt. Do not buy any expensive items such as a car or maintain high credit card debt!  Late payments, collections, charge-offs, judgments and bankruptcy will significantly reduce your credit scores.  Healthy credit is king!  Check your credit regularly and communicate with your creditors. 

I originate loans in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, & Virginia.  New York & New Jersey coming in 2024!

Need a loan for areas outside of the above listed states?  I am happy to refer you to one of my colleagues!  Our loan process is unwavering with exemplary service!

Community redevelopment is good when existing residents are involved. There are too many investors buying houses to price out the current residents!  Fix your credit to purchase the homes in your own neighborhood!  I have loans and down payment assistance to help with this (not all areas have down payment assistance)!  Ask me about purchase-renovation loans! 

IIn my experience, homeownership is not intimidating as some people believe. I watch YouTube videos for instructions on how to repair my appliances, simple plumbing, and gardening. Nextdoor.com is a good place for helpful information. Nextdoor.com is where the community will share experiences with local businesses on their products and services. Whenever you ask for a referral, the community will happily respond. Consider opening a separate savings account for major repairs such as roof replacement or a new HVAC system. A top priority for every homeowner should be to maintain a strict budget. Purchase a service contract for your HVAC system. The company you choose will inspect and repair (if needed) your HVAC system twice a year to ensure it will operate properly during the summer and winter. A home warranty is a good idea for other repairs to your home.

MPI is imperative to keeping your home safe from foreclosure due to permanent disability or an untimely death! Mortgage Protection Insurance (MPI) is often confused with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI protects the lender if you happen to foreclose on your home. You pay for this insurance when you have less than 20% of equity in your home at the time of purchase (i.e. purchase price $200,000, you put 10% down $20,000 = 10% equity in the home). You can cancel PMI when your home reaches 20% equity saving you hundreds or thousands per year. At 22% equity, PMI automatically cancels, but your mortgage payments must be current (conventional loans only).

Keep good records! Ensure your tax returns and W2s for the last two years are easily accessible. Your lender will request current bank statements, pay stubs, and proof of income from all sources. Maintain detailed records of your work history with accurate dates, supervisor and manager contacts with a phone number and email address. Government issued IDs or work visas must be current. If you are renting, provide your landlord's complete contact information. Read articles on homebuying and keep a list of questions to ask your lender. Communicate with current homeowners to ask questions. In any case, please listen to your lender.