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Homeownership can awaken the Bob Vila within all of us, even those who don’t know much about home improvement. These tips will set you up for success, no matter if you are tackling major renovations or just starting to dabble in DIY. Get a plan Renovations don’t always go according to plan. But that doesn’t mean you have to do it all by yourself. Last-minute changes can be stressful and costly, so make sure you have all the details in order. This means that you know what results you want, and how much time and money it will cost to get them. Many... Read More

If you’ve started looking into getting a mortgage, you’ve probably realized that it’s a lot of work. But that’s no reason to worry – that’s why mortgage brokers exist. Every day, they’re helping people just like you make the most of their mortgage. But before picking a partner that can help you do the same, it’s important to get a few answers. Here are some questions to ask any potential mortgage broker before you sign the dotted line. What is the application process like? Applying is more than half the battle when it comes to getting a mortgage, so you... Read More

Finding the right kind of mortgage that works for you is one of the earliest and most important parts of the home buying process. Before you find the home of your dreams,  you need to figure out the best way to pay for it. Conventional loans and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are both common options, especially for first time homebuyers. How do you decide which loan makes the most sense for you? Get started by understanding the differences between them so you can make the best choice for your financial future. Down Payment Both conventional and FHA loans require... Read More

Before making any major decision in life, it’s important to understand the rules that go along with it. Refinancing is no different. But sometimes, knowing which rules you don’t really need to follow can help you have the best results. So forget what you’ve been told: here are the rules you can break when refinancing your mortgage. “Rule” #1: Save At Least 1% You don’t need to save at least 1% on your interest rate for refinancing to be worth it. Lowering that percentage even just a little bit will help put money back in your pocket. It all depends... Read More

Those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country deserve the opportunity to live in a home they’ve always dreamed of. That’s why we’re committed to providing competitive VA loans to veterans. The best part? It’s typically easier to qualify for VA loans than conventional mortgages, and with help from our expert loan consultants, we’ll make the process even easier. If you’re interested in a VA Loan in the St. Louis area, just check out the four-step process below.   Pre-qualification and Pre-approval Getting prequalified and approved is a simple but incredibly important step in the process. Pre-approval typically involves providing... Read More

Buying a home can be a pretty complicated process. And rightfully so – it’s a pretty major investment, no matter what or where you’re buying. But don’t let yourself get overwhelmed. Following these six steps below is a good way to wrap your head around what’s going to be a long, expensive, and ultimately rewarding process. 1. Improve your credit score Unless you’re flush with cash, you’ll most likely be getting a mortgage to help pay for your house. And to get a mortgage best suited for your needs, you’ll want to have the highest possible credit score. You can... Read More

While it can be said that lenders have varied criteria regarding their approval or denial of loans, there are common threads between each. We’ve compiled a handy list of actions and things to be aware of during your mortgage approval process. Gather Documentation Before applying for any type of mortgage loan, you can save time by gathering the necessary documentation beforehand. Any lending institution will have a list of required documents on their website, or they’ll have a toll-free number to call. It also helps to have a head start on documents that require some shipping or clerical work to acquire,... Read More

So you finally did it – you got the loan you needed to make the impossible possible, whatever your possible might be. But what happens now? Before doing anything, it’s a good idea to start thinking about how you’re going to repay this loan in as little time as possible. Because not having a plan (or not sticking to it) will cost you in the long run. If you’re finding yourself without a solid path forward, check out the tips below for quickly repaying loans in a way that won’t rack up extra expense. Relax First and foremost, take a deep... Read More