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What to Expect During the Mortgage Approval Process

May 14, 2026 by Kay Monigold

Getting pre-approved is an important step in the homebuying journey, but it is only the beginning of the mortgage process. Many buyers are surprised by what happens next and are not fully prepared for the steps involved in final approval.

Understanding what to expect can help you stay on track and avoid delays that could impact your ability to close on your home.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Loans, Mortgage Process, Mortgage Tips

How to Get Started with Down Payment Assistance Programs

May 13, 2026 by Kay Monigold

For many homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest barrier to homeownership. The good news is that down payment assistance programs exist specifically to help bridge that gap. Understanding how these programs work and how to get started can open the door to opportunities you may not have realized were available.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Down Payment Assistance, First Time Buyer, Mortgage Tips

Local Lender or Online Option? Understanding the Trade-Offs

May 12, 2026 by Kay Monigold

Choosing the right lender is a critical part of the homebuying process, and many buyers find themselves deciding between a local lender and an online option. While both can provide financing, the experience, level of service, and overall support can vary significantly.

Understanding the tradeoffs allows you to choose the option that best fits your needs and helps ensure a smoother transaction from start to finish.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Loans, Lender Options, Mortgage Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 11th, 2026

May 11, 2026 by Kay Monigold

The inflation data scheduled for this week has been pushed back by one week. The unemployment data was the only impactful economic report released this week. Across the board, unemployment statistics came in within expectations, while wage increases were slightly below expectations. Historically, wages have lagged behind inflation, making both unemployment and wage growth strong barometers of the economy's overall health. Despite the current state of affairs, the economy appears to be holding strong, as reflected across the broader markets.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

Home Appraisals Explained: What Buyers and Sellers Should Know

May 8, 2026 by Kay Monigold

Whether you're buying or selling, the appraisal is one of those moments that can quietly make--or break--a deal. It's also one of the most misunderstood parts of the process.

So what actually happens during an appraisal, and how can you prepare for it? Here's what you need to know.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Buyer and Seller Tips, Home Appraisals, Mortgage Tips

How to Keep Your Sanity During the Closing Process

May 7, 2026 by Kay Monigold

You found the home. Your offer was accepted. Everything should feel exciting... right?

And then comes closing.

Suddenly there are emails, documents, deadlines, inspections, and about 47 things you didn't realize you'd need to sign. Even the most laid-back buyers can start to feel overwhelmed during this phase.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Closing Process, Home Buyer Tips, Home Inspections

Facing Foreclosure? Here’s What It Means–and What You Can Do About It

May 6, 2026 by Kay Monigold

If you're a homeowner, foreclosure is one of those things you hope you never have to think about. But if payments start getting tight, it can suddenly feel very real--and very overwhelming.

The good news? Foreclosure doesn't happen overnight, and you usually have more options than you think.

Filed Under: Foreclosure Tagged With: Assistance Programs, Foreclosure, Homeowner Tips

4 Costly Remodeling Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

May 5, 2026 by Kay Monigold

Remodeling your home can be one of the best ways to increase its value--and make your space actually work for your life. But let's be honest: it can also go sideways fast if you're not careful.

Whether you're tackling a small update or a full renovation, avoiding a few common pitfalls can save you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

Filed Under: Homeowner Tips Tagged With: Costly Mistakes, Home Remodel, Homeowner Tips

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 4th, 2026

May 4, 2026 by Kay Monigold

The latest Trade Balance data has shown that despite the rigorous action involved with tariffs, it has had little impact on adjusting the trade balance amongst the US and other countries. The imbalance has gone the other direction -- becoming worse -- the last 3 releases alone.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

How Much House You Should Buy vs. How Much You Can Buy

May 1, 2026 by Kay Monigold

One of the most common misconceptions in home buying is that the amount you are approved for is the amount you should spend. In reality, lenders calculate the maximum you qualify for based on your income, debts, and credit profile.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tagged With: Budget Smart, Home Buying, Real Estate

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Our Team

Kay MonigoldKay Monigold
Owner/Mortgage Broker/Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS#1086176

Steven LoweSteven P Lowe, Sr
Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS #1085638

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