Mortgage 101

By Travis Erickson
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July 22, 2025
If you're planning to buy a home, you'll probably come across two major types of home loans early on: FHA loans and conventional loans. Both are popular, but they work differently. Understanding how each one functions can help you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary costs or complications.

By Joe Valenti
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July 14, 2025
On the United States’ 249th birthday, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a landmark update with significant implications for the real estate investing community. This bill changes how investors manage property tax write-offs, depreciation deductions, and real estate income taxes for the foreseeable

By Joe Valenti
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June 20, 2025
Donald Trump recently announced that he has plans to transition Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac back into the private sector. Since the housing crisis of 2008, both FNMA (Fannie Mae) and FHLMC (Freddie Mac) have been subject to federal oversight. Critics of this potential restructure worry that it would result in an increas

By Travis Erickson
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June 17, 2025
When searching for a home loan, many borrowers focus solely on getting the lowest mortgage rates or finding the best mortgage calculator online. But the truth is, one of the most important decisions you'll make in the process is who you choose to work with — and not all lending professionals are held to the same standards.
Whether you're a first time home buyer in Texas, exploring a home equity loan in Arizona, or simply comparing loan terms, understanding how Texas mortgage brokers and Arizona mortgage brokers operate can help you make smarter financial decisions.

By Joe Valenti
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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
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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
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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.