No matter how many times you’ve purchased a home, the decision to do so is always a monumental one, and should never be taken lightly. So before you make that decision, you need to ensure your financial situation is up to par, to avoid any potential obstacles with your mortgage application.
There's no shortage of advice for anyone buying a home, especially on the internet. And it's okay for homebuyers to seek advice online, especially if they're in the early stages of their search. However, as they get further along in their search, and are in a position to make an offer, they really should consult the trusted advice of the mortgage company they chose.
Just buying a house can be stressful enough, but throw in the fact that many buyers are also trying to sell a house at the same time, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for losing one’s mind. Ok, maybe that’s a tad bit dramatic, but the point is, buying and selling a house at the same time is a complicated, and even tense, experience.
For many, owning a home is the pinnacle of what is considered the American Dream. You graduate high school, then attend college or a vocational training, and eventually set off into a career. And whether that career is white- or- blue-collar, you know you have really “made it” when you own your own home
Real estate is an industry built on relationships. As Mortgage Loan Originators, we know it is important you build these relationships to increase your purchase-loan business.
Strong relationships between real estate agents and loan originators (LOs) stand to benefit everyone involved with purchasing a home.
If you’re like many Americans, your vacation plans have gone belly-up this spring and summer due to the coronavirus pandemic. Honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone whose 2020 overall is going according to plan.
Welcome to our last installment of “What Does My Client’s ____ Do?” Over the last few months we’ve helped you better understand the many different professional roles involved in the mortgage application and closing process.
If we mentioned it once, we’ll mention it a thousand more times: Residential real estate transactions are complex and time-consuming. So now the time has come – you’ve gone through all the open-houses and showings, and finally found “the one.”
Closing is such a special moment for you and your clients, and most agents choose to mark the occasion by giving their clients a gift. Let us help you take the guesswork out of the process with this curated list of fun and unique ideas for gifts!
Summer weather has already turned up the heat. And as we all know, the hotter it gets, the more energy your home is going to use to try and keep things cool.
This week on “What Does My Client’s ____ Do?” we uncover the mystery of the Appraisal Desk and Disclosure Desk.
The mortgage process is full of unfamiliar terms for most buyers. Closing. PMI. Appraisal. Underwriting. The list goes on and each, unfortunately, does require a bit of explaining to better understand. In fact, we have done another blog on Mortgage Jargon.
It’s undeniable: We now live in a digital world. For the past several years, professionals that want to stay in business have had to acclimate – and in many cases, radically change – how they go about doing things, and real estate agents are no different.
2020 saw big changes to the VA Loan Program. The short of it: veterans will have more borrowing power but will also pay slightly higher fees.
The Underwriter. Some people may get intimidated when they hear the term “underwriter,” because they know that is the person who makes the final decision on whether a real estate deal can close or not.
It’s a question as old as the real estate business. But it’s not asked as often as you might think, because most people do use a real estate agent. In fact, a study conducted in 2018 found that 90% of consumers use an agent when selling or buying a home.
We’ve talked about how important relationships are, and in the real estate business it is no different. In fact, they are more than important, they are a crucial element of a successful business. People often think of the key relationships as: agent / buyer and buyer / mortgage provider.
Spring 2020 is already in the running for the longest season ever. And, seeing as none of us have anywhere to go, now is the perfect time to spring up your yard and your home’s value.
Conducting Business in a Social Distancing World | For better or worse, 2020 is officially becoming the year of social distancing. And as everyone, businesses included, have had to adjust to the current crisis, virtual meetings are more necessary than ever.
With the blooming of Spring, the housing market is about to be back in full swing. Whether you’re looking to downsize, need room to grow, or you’re ready to find your dream home, now could be the best time to sell your house.
Guardian Mortgage is dedicated to providing unparalleled customer service to every one of our clients – buyer, seller, or agent. We aim to make the transaction as painless and effortless as possible.
As winter comes to a rest and spring begins to bloom, cleaning is on everyone’s mind. Probably even more so than years past, in fact.
Spring is here! The days are getting longer. The weather is warmer. Birds are chirping. Everyone feels refreshed as they escape their winter stupor…and of course, we’re all busy cleaning.
Every year brings its own goals. And one of your goals for 2020 may be to finally become a homeowner. If so, you’re reading the right blog. Homeownership is a big deal and once you have the keys to your first home, or your dream home, it’s one of the most exciting moments in your life.
Buying a home is a major decision. And since it is something people don’t do every day it’s a transaction most people don’t know a lot about. This is especially true if your clients are first-time home buyers. Hosting seminars is a great way to help people better understand every detail about buying a home.
You know the old saying, it pays to have friends? Well, in the world of home mortgages, it pays to be friends with your bank. Specifically, Sunflower Bank or First National 1870.
If there’s anything more complicated than the real estate business, it’s credit scores. Which, ironically, are one of the more complicated aspects of real estate.
Building a new home is exciting. And there are a lot of decisions to be made during the process. Most of which are about how your home is going to look when it’s completed. But one of the more important decisions you’ll need to make is what lender you’ll use.
Over the last several years business has been booming for home builders across the country. As communities continue to grow and more people purchase new and custom built homes, builders need a mortgage partner with programs that benefit them and their buyers equally.
When buying a newly constructed home, unless you are doing a custom build, it’s likely for most of the home finishes you’ll get builder’s grade quality unless you choose to upgrade for a higher cost. As a result, many homeowners choose a mixture of builder’s grade and custom options based on their personal preferences.
It’s hard to believe that we are already a few days into 2020. Busy days make time fly by. And we certainly hope 2019 was a productive and successful year for you.
Every industry has its own library of jargon and acronyms that few customers truly understand. And when it comes to mortgages and real estate, it is no different. But knowing, and understanding, common terms can be the difference between a good or bad experience with buying and selling a home.
In today’s ever-more-competitive market, it’s vital that you’re getting the most out of your reviews and testimonials. Below, we outline some simple, yet crucial, ways you can put your great reviews to work for you.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re the one doing the hosting, it can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. And it shouldn’t be. After all, few things are better than being with the people you love.
The internet has changed nearly every industry today, including real estate. In addition to websites like Zillow, Trulia, and others, there are now even sites to help you boost your listings like Tour Factory and Listing Booster.
You just closed on your dream home. Or your first home. Or the home that’s perfect for this chapter of your life. No matter which home you find yourself in, closing this close to the holidays can feel extra stressful. But we have some tips...
Your preferred vendor and contractor list can go a long way to ensuring you deliver a top-notch experience for all of your clients. After all, if your clients trust you, they’re more likely to act on your recommendation.
Winter is coming. And we’re not talking about a new season of that show with the dragons. We’re talking about wind chills, frosted windshields, early sunsets, snow, and plenty of hot chocolate.
Buying or selling a home is a big deal. For some, it’s one of the biggest decisions they’ll ever make.
Bad questions? Too many questions? There’s no such thing when it comes to home loans. And certainly not for first time home buyers.
Technology is great when it serves to promote the relationships that build your business. But technology evolves so quickly that it can be easy to miss great apps that might make everyday tasks a little easier.
You may have heard good things about the FHA loan program, but is it something you should pursue? The FHA (Federal Housing Administration) has provided mortgage insurance on certain loans since 1934.
Although Guardian Mortgage Loan Originators are here to guide customers every step of the way, we know that sometimes buyers feel more comfortable in speaking to you, their real estate agent, about the mortgage process first.
Since its creation in 1934, the U.S. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has insured over 47.5 million mortgages, enabling mortgage lenders to offer loans to individuals who may not have qualified for financing otherwise.
The buyer, the lender, and the real estate agent are like the three sides of a triangle— when they come together, there’s tremendous strength in the formation.
Selling real estate is a rewarding career choice, but it's a highly competitive, get-it-done-yesterday business. That's why it's important to team up with a loan originator who works as hard as you do.
Choosing each detail. Selecting thoughtful touches. Having a vision and seeing it come to life.
Whether you’re looking to put your house on the market or you just want to add freshness to your home’s exterior, here are some of the easiest ways to enhance curb appeal this summer.
When you find the right home and your offer is accepted, it’s exciting! In most cases, though, there’s still a lot that must happen to get to the closing table.
Everyone wants to be happy in a new home. The right neighborhood, the right floor plan, and the right sales price go a long way to maximize customer satisfaction.
Your home is where you go to feel comfort, have fun, and spend time with the people and pets you love. But life changes, and there may come a time when you find yourself wondering if your current house or condo is still a good fit.
Did you know that refinancing is a powerful tool? Aside from interest rates, other reasons to refi include improving your term or getting cash out of your home’s equity.
Making smart financial decisions can be easier than you think. By understanding a few key concepts about debt, you can successfully manage your income, your budget, and your expectations.
How do you decide which referral partners deserve your time? Should you spend lots of effort putting together an email for past customers?
Guardian Mortgage is proud of the men and women who devote themselves to our country.
If you are new to mortgages and residential lending, it can sometimes be overwhelming to understand all of the related terminology.
Do you see potential behind that paneling? Possibilities for that plumbing?
It’s the time of year for pumpkin-flavored drinks, football season, and those projects that get your house looking great and ready for winter. Whether you tackle these yourself or hire someone to help, they’ll save you money and could possibly add equity. Get started today!