Mortgage 101

By Joe Valenti
•
June 2, 2025
The U.S. housing market just hit a notable milestone: for the first time in over a decade, home sellers now outnumber buyers—and by the widest margin since 2012. According to Redfin, this marks a real turning point after years of tight inventory and intense buyer competition.

By Travis Erickson
•
May 27, 2025
When homeowners look to tap into their home’s equity, they’re often faced with a wide range of options—and just as many questions. One of the most common questions we hear is: Is a HELOC a second mortgage? The short answer is yes—but with a few important caveats. In this blog post, we'll break down the key differences between a HELOC, a home equity loan, and other related products like reverse mortgages and closed-end second mortgages, so you can make an informed decision.

By Travis Erickson
•
May 21, 2025
If you're looking to buy a home, getting pre-approved for a mortgage should be your first priority. A mortgage pre-approval letter is more than just a piece of paper — it’s your ticket to standing out in today’s competitive real estate market. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or upgrading to your next dream home, mortgage pre-approval shows sellers you mean business.