Your closing package may be needed years after buying. Learn which mortgage and property records to keep for servicing, taxes, refinancing, and selling.
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Should You Use Seller Credits to Buy Down Your Mortgage Rate?
Seller credits can reduce your cash at closing or help lower your mortgage payment. Learn how permanent and temporary rate buydowns compare.
Why the Lowest Mortgage Rate Is Not Always the Best Deal
A low mortgage rate can look attractive, but it is not always the best deal. Learn how to compare rate options, costs, credits, and savings.
Should You Pay Off Debt Before Buying a House?
Paying off debt may help you qualify for a mortgage, but using too much cash can create new problems. Learn how to balance debt, savings, and buying power.
Why Did My Mortgage Payment Go Up If I Have a Fixed Rate?
Your mortgage rate may be fixed while your total payment still changes. Learn how property taxes, insurance, and escrow shortages can affect the amount due.
When Does Refinancing a Mortgage Actually Make Sense?
A lower mortgage rate does not automatically make refinancing worthwhile. Learn how to compare savings, costs, loan terms, and your break-even point.
Seller Credits When Buying a Home: How They Work and When They Make Sense
Seller credits can reduce the cash needed at closing, but they have limits. Learn how they work and when they may make sense for a homebuyer.
How Much Should You Put Down on a House? Why 20% Is Not Always the Best Choice
Putting 20% down can lower your mortgage payment, but it is not always the best financial strategy. Learn how to balance home equity with savings and liquidity.
Buy Before You Sell: How a Mortgage Recast Can Help Preserve Cash
Buying a new home before selling your current one does not always mean draining your savings or selling investments first. A mortgage recast may give you more flexibility now and a lower payment later.
How Long Does Mortgage Pre Approval Take?
If you are getting ready to buy a home in Nebraska, one of the first questions you may have is: How long does mortgage pre-approval take? In many cases, mortgage pre-approval can...
How Mortgage Refinance Interest Rates are Determined
When you refinance your mortgage, the interest rate makes all the difference. A lower rate can mean a smaller monthly payment, faster payoff, or thousands of dollars saved over...
Temporary Rate Buydowns in Lincoln & Omaha, Nebraska
Temporary Rate Buydowns: Making Homeownership Easier Buying a home is one of the most exciting moments in life. It is also one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever...
Waiting for the Feds to Cut Rates
When it comes to mortgage rates, it sometimes feels like we’re all looking into a crystal ball—trying to guess where things are headed next. This past week gave us a perfect...
Breaking Barriers: A Revolutionary Loan Option for First-Time Homebuyers
Unlocking Homeownership: The 1% Down Mortgage Revolution In today's challenging real estate market, many aspiring homeowners find themselves trapped between the dream of owning a...
Boost Your Credit Score: Essential Steps to Take Before Homeownership
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting milestone, but before you can unlock the door to your dream home, you need to ensure your financial foundation is solid....
Trigger Leads 101: What They Are and How to Make Them Stop
A trigger lead is a type of marketing lead sold by credit bureaus to lenders and mortgage companies. When someone applies for a mortgage and their credit report is pulled, it can...
Market Update – 8/30/2024
Scott Bradley Brixen August 30, 2024 It’s time to start cutting rates, said Fed Chairman Jerome Powell in his speech from Jackson Hole last Friday. Anticipating this policy...
Unlocking Savings: Why Brokers are Key to Lower Mortgage Costs
In the ever-evolving world of mortgage finance, finding the best deal is paramount for homebuyers. The 2024 Channel Study, conducted by Polygon Research for United Wholesale...
How Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Can Be Your Greatest Tool for Building Wealth
When you think of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), your first reaction might be a sigh of frustration. After all, it’s an extra cost added to your monthly mortgage payment. But...
Market Update – 8/3/2024
Real Estate News in Brief The Fed kept rates steady (again), but said that a rate cut on Sept 18 was definitely “on the table” given progress on inflation and the recent rise in...
The Cost of Waiting for Rates to Come Down
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you can make, and it's natural to want to time your purchase perfectly. Many prospective buyers hold off, hoping...
Market Update – 5/27/2024
Week of May 20, 2024 in Review The pace of home sales declined in April, though the speed at which existing homes sold accelerated. Plus, a parade of Fed speakers and the minutes...
First-Time Homebuyer Success
Embarking on the journey of purchasing your first home is a thrilling and sometimes daunting experience. As a first-time homebuyer, you may face challenges ranging from...
What is the easiest home loan to get approved for?
Buying a home is a significant financial milestone, and choosing the right mortgage can make all the difference. Understanding the different types of home loans and their...
Market Update – 5/6/2024
Week of April 29, 2024 in Review The Fed once again held rates steady, labor sector data showed signs of softening, and there’s more evidence of rising home values across the...
What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval, and How Does it Work?
If you're in the market to buy a home, you've likely heard the term "mortgage pre-approval" thrown around. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it work? In this...
Frugal Fun: How to Make it Fun Saving Money
Maintaining a social life while on a budget can be a real struggle. It often feels like we have to choose between having fun and being financially responsible. However, finding...
What’s Happening – April, 2024
Check out some of the fun and unique activities happening around the area or click the links below for a full list. Lincoln Events - Omaha Events - Nebraska Events ...
Market Update – 04/01/2024
Week of March 25, 2024 in Review Progress on the Fed’s preferred inflation measure has stalled, while the latest data on appreciation and signed contracts show strength in the...
Nebraska Down Payment Assistance
With the rising costs of consumer items in recent years, saving up for a down payment and closing costs to purchase a house can be a significant financial challenge for many....
Online Mortgage Pre-Approval
Key Takeaways Online mortgage pre-approval can streamline the home-buying process and save time. The benefits of online mortgage pre-approval include knowing your budget, locking...
Debunking Myths: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions about Mortgage Brokers
Mortgage brokers play a crucial role in the home buying process, yet many common misconceptions and myths surrounding their profession often lead to confusion for potential...
Market Update – 2/28/2024
Week of February 19, 2024 in Review Closings on existing homes picked up last month, while recent commentary shows that Fed members remain cautious about cutting rates too soon....
Navigating Omaha VA Mortgage Rates
When it comes to securing a home loan, especially for veterans, understanding the intricacies of mortgage rates is crucial. In the heart of the Midwest, Omaha, Nebraska, stands...
Revitalize Your Home with These Spring Cleaning Tips
As the chilly winter days make way for the warmth of and EARLY spring, it's the perfect time to give your home a rejuvenating makeover. Spring cleaning isn't just about dusting...
What’s Happening – March, 2024
Check out some of the fun and unique activities happening around the area or click the links below for a full list. Lincoln Events - Omaha Events - Nebraska Events Price Is...
The Art of Making an Offer: Key Considerations When Buying a House
Buying a house is one of the most significant financial decisions we make in our lives. It's a process that requires careful consideration, research, and negotiation skills....
Refinancing Your Mortgage: How to Determine If It’s the Right Time
For many homeowners, a mortgage is one of the most significant financial commitments they will make in their lifetime. Over time, however, circumstances change, and what once was...
15 Creative Ways to Supercharge Your Mortgage Down Payment Savings
Achieving the dream of homeownership often begins with a solid plan for saving up for that all-important mortgage down payment. While the task may seem daunting, especially in...
Understanding the VA IRRRL Program
The VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan) program is a valuable benefit offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans and service members....
Negotiating the Best Price on a Home: Savvy Strategies for Homebuyers
Purchasing a home is one of the most significant financial decisions in most people's lives. Securing the best possible price for your dream home not only saves money but also...
How to know if it is the right time to refinance your mortgage
Refinancing your mortgage can be a strategic financial move, potentially saving you money and offering various benefits. However, determining the right time to refinance requires...
The Weekend Update – December 30, 2023
What are the different types of mortgages in Nebraska?
Nebraska, with its amazing small towns and vibrant communities, serves as a desirable destination for many people looking to settle down and buy a home. However, navigating...
Can I Get a Mortgage with Bad Credit?
Owning a home is a dream for many, but what if your credit history is less than stellar? The prospect of obtaining a mortgage with bad credit can seem daunting, but it's not...
The Top 5 Tips for Improving Your Credit Score
Your credit score plays a crucial role in your financial life. Whether you're looking to buy a house, finance a car, or even apply for a credit card, a good credit score can open...
How Mortgage Payments are Calculated
For many people, owning a home is a dream that requires financial planning and careful consideration. One of the most important aspects of homeownership is understanding how...
When to get a mortgage pre-approval
Buying a home is a significant investment, and before embarking on your search, securing a mortgage pre-approval is crucial. This step provides clarity on your borrowing capacity...
What is an escrow account in a mortgage?
Purchasing a home is a significant financial decision, and most homeowners rely on a mortgage to fulfill their dream. However, the mortgage process can be complex, filled with...
How to Choose the Best Down Payment for My Mortgage
Buying a home is a significant milestone in anyone's life, and it often involves obtaining a mortgage to finance the purchase. One of the critical decisions you'll need to make...
Can I get a mortgage if I’m self-employed?
Being self-employed comes with several advantages that many individuals find appealing. However, for those considering homeownership, there may be some concerns regarding...
What are my mortgage down payment options?
When it comes to purchasing a home, one of the most important aspects to consider is the down payment. Unless you have the ability to pay for a house in cash, a mortgage and down...
How do I improve my credit score?
Your credit score is a critical factor that lenders use to determine your creditworthiness and assess your risk level as a borrower. Whether you're looking to apply for a...
What is Mortgage Insurance?
Purchasing a home is often considered one of life's biggest investments. However, not everyone can afford to pay the full purchase price upfront. To bridge this financial gap,...
What is a pre-approval for a mortgage?
Obtaining a mortgage is a significant step towards owning a home. However, understanding mortgage terminologies and processes can be overwhelming, especially for first-time...
Unlocking the Secrets of a Mortgage Refinance
For many homeowners, a mortgage is one of the biggest financial commitments they will make in their lifetime. As the years go by, circumstances change, and it's natural to wonder...
The Student Loans Pause is Over. Now What?
On March 25, 2020, the U.S. Congress passed a landmark legislation known as the CARES Act, which was subsequently signed into law on March 27, 2020. This pivotal act allocated a...
How do mortgages work
For many individuals, owning a home is a lifelong dream. However, the thought of navigating the complex world of mortgages can be overwhelming. Understanding how mortgages work...
Why you should work with a local mortgage broker in Nebraska
When it comes to purchasing a home in Nebraska, choosing the right mortgage lender is a crucial decision. While big banks and nationwide lenders may seem like attractive options...
How to secure a purchase mortgage in only 6 days
In the world of real estate, the conventional timeline for securing a purchase mortgage often extends to around 30 days or more. However, if necessary, this timeline can be...



























































