Tyler Brown Mortgage Professional NMLS #1876610

#2021 is here! What are your home goals for the year? Lower your mortgage payment, consolidate debt, buy your first home? Whatever your plans, I’m here to help. Let me know what I can do for you to make your #homegoals happen this year!

From my family to yours, Happy Holidays! #2020christmas

Wisdom Wednesday - If you want to buy a vacation home, then your property will likely be classified as a second home. A second home classification depends on how you plan to occupy the property, not whether it is actually the second home you’ve ever bought or currently own. Your property will be considered a second home if it meets these conditions: * You must live in the house for some part of the year. * The home cannot be subject to a rental, timeshare, or property managem...ent agreement. * The borrower must have exclusive control over the property. * The home must be a one-unit dwelling, and must be suitable for year-round occupancy. TIP: If you don’t plan to live in this property full time, keep in mind that the home’s location can affect whether it’s considered a second home. If you choose a place too close to your primary residence, it may be classified as an investment property, which could mean higher mortgage rates and stricter qualifying requirements. . Credit - BETTER.COM . . #PRMG #interestrates #homes #homeownership #firsttimehomebuyer #refinance #homesweethome #realestate #lending #homeloans #hospitality #secondhome #vacationhome

3 ways to give your home some extra curb appeal. Thanks Daniel!

Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veteransliving or deadbut especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. . . . Thank you to all of the veterans and their families for the sacrifices you have made to keep our country safe #veteransday #wisdomwednesday

FHA loans are loans that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. This loan offers borrowers the option for low down payments, low closing costs, and a lower credit score to qualify. An FHA loan only requires a down payment of 3.5%. When you get an FHA loan you will have mortgage insurance that you will pay to FHA. The reason for this mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is to protect the lender incase the loan goes into default. ... FHA loans were first started during the Great Depression to help stimulate the housing market. They exist today to help people with lower credit scores and low to moderate income become homeowners. #thoughtfulthursday #mortgageterm #programs #fha #homeloans #mortgage #homeowners #homebuyers #lenderlife #homesweethome

#DidYouKnow - The average interest rate nationwide on a 30yr fixed rate mortgage was 2.76% at the end of 2020. That’s almost 1% down compared to a year ago! That means that if you refinanced your home loan last January there is a HIGH likelihood you could refinance again and lower your monthly payment further. . Reach out if you’d like me to see if l can lower your interest rate and start saving you some money! . SOURCE: Freddie Mac... . . . #PRMG #interestrates #homes #homeownership #firsttimehomebuyer #refinance #homesweethome #realestate #lending #homeloans #hospitality #mortgagerates #homegoals See more

Mortgage News - While the election results are still pending, it appears that both the bond and stock markets are responding well thus far. Big gains do set us up for big drops pending any news the markets don’t like but for the time being mortgage rates are benefiting from this somewhat artificial inflation. Mortgage applications continue to rise, currently up over 88% year-over-year and the industry is feeing it! However, with the pending adverse market fee looking to hit ...refinances this month, it’s likely we’ll see a small slow down going into the holiday season. Big take-away = if you’re looking to refinance or purchase... do it while rates are still low! #PRMG #interestrates #homes #homeownership #firsttimehomebuyer #refinance #homesweethome #realestate #lending #homeloans #hospitality

A little inspiration to get ya going for the week #motivationmonday

The Fed News - You may have recently heard that the Fed announced that they think the Fed Funds Rate will remain at zero through at least 2023. First and foremost, the Fed Funds Rate and Mortgage Rates are two totally different instruments. The Fed Funds Rate can change from one day to another, but a Mortgage Rate may be in effect for over 30 years. Mortgage Rates will be affected by inflation because inflation erodes the buying power of the fixed return that a mortgage ho...lder receives. And interestingly, the best way to combat inflation is by raising the Fed Funds Rate. If inflation begins to rise, and there are already some signs of this, Mortgage Rates will start to climb in response. All this can occur while the Fed Funds Rate is at zero. If you would like to see an example of this, look no further than what transpired a few years ago when Mortgage Rates rose nearly 1%, while the Fed Funds Rate remained at zero. #fednews

I am ready to do loans in our nations capitol! #dc #washingtondc #capitol #usa #nation #loans #purchase #refi #homeloans #vote2020

Cheers to the beverage that gets us through the day! #coffee #nationalcoffeeday #caffeine #coffeeday2020

It's officially pumpkin pie season! What is your favorite thing about fall? #fall #autumn #firstdayoffall #pie #pumpkins #favorite #loanofficer #lenderlife

Privileged to be speaking with some of my Collins College alum about becoming a homeowner on Tuesday 9/22 @ 6:00pm PDT. Event link in my profile

Before you go house hunting you will want to reach out to a lender to get a pre-approval letter. Think of this as your golden ticket. This letter lets realtors know that you are already approved for a specific loan amount. It makes it easier for you because you already know what you can afford, so you narrow down your home search. I would be more than happy to help you get your pre-approval letter. Please reach out to me so we can get an application started. I will look at your income, credit score, and debt to income ratio to determine what you are approved for. #wisdomwednesday #preapproved #letter #househunting #homebuyers #homeloans #loanofficer #lenderlife #homeowners #dreamhome

Nobody wants to replace an appliance sooner than necessary. These simple maintenance tips from Real Simple can help you give your fridge a long shelf life. You can help prevent cool air from seeping out by making sure seals are clean and free of food particles. Clean them quarterly using a toothbrush dipped in a solution of water and baking soda. Keeping your fridge full helps keep the temperature low, as the food absorbs the warm air that comes in when the door is open. Be s...ure to set your fridge temperature from 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit and keep your freezer at 0 degrees or follow the manufacturer's recommendation. Place a level on top of your fridge to check that your fridge is even. An uneven fridge may not close properly, which could strain the motor and cause condensation. Lastly, refreshing the ice regularly can both prevent ice buildup and keep ice from absorbing food odors. An open box of baking soda can also help keep your fridge smelling fresh. Home Hack of the Week brought to you by @mbshighway #hackoftheweek #fridge #appliances #clean #fresh #icecold #food #maintenance #loanofficer #lenderlife

Anybody ready to buy or refi in Virginia? #licensed #virginia #eastcoast #virginiaisforlovers #11states #loanofficer #lenderlife #homeowners #homebuyers

Let’s talk down payments! When purchasing a home, the more you put towards your down payment the better. Depending on the loan program you qualify for, the minimum required down payment is between 3 and 3.5%. But here are a few things to consider before you decide to only put down the minimum: ... Larger down payments could give you a lower monthly payment. It will also help you pay off your mortgage faster. Also, it affects how much your mortgage insurance will be. The higher your down payment, the lower your mortgage insurance. Remember, you can put 20% down then you won’t even have to worry about mortgage insurance. When you’re are saving up for your down payment, consider saving some extra to help pay for closing costs. This way you don’t end up have to reallocate some of your down payment funds to pay for the closing of the loan. If you have any questions about how much you should be trying to save for a down payment, contact me for details. I would be happy to help you get prepared for home ownership! #wisdomwednesday #mortgageterm #downpayment #homebuyers #homeloans #mortgage #loanofficer #savings #lenderlife

There's nothing worse than being in the middle of a recipe only to realize you're missing an ingredient especially if your kids are growing hungrier by the minute. If you ever find yourself in a pinch, a pinch of these easy substitutions can help. If you're missing allspice, mix cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg. If you need cinnamon, try nutmeg or allspice, but only 1/4 of the amount. Basil, oregano and thyme can be interchanged with each other, while cilantro and parsley ca...n also be swapped with great results. You can make your own Italian seasoning by blending basil, oregano, rosemary and ground red pepper. And if you need 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning, mix 3/4 teaspoon sage plus 1/4 teaspoon blend of thyme, savory, rosemary, black pepper and marjoram. Save the day, and your meal, with these quick substitutions! Home hack of the week brought to you by @mbshighway #homehack #weekend #cooking #substitute #spices #kitchen #meal #lenderlife

A VA loan is a loan that is partially or fully guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The money for the loan comes from a private lender but the VA will back the loan incase it goes into default. VA loans are available to those who have served in the military. These loans have a 0% down payment and no mortgage insurance. A few things that you need to know about VA loans:... -There is VA funding fee that can be included in the loan amount. -There is no prepayment penalty for making extra payments are paying off the loan early. -You can only get a VA loan for move in ready homes that will be your primary residence. #mortgageterm #va #loans #service #homeloans #homebuyers #homeowener #programs #lenderlife

Some Mondays require a little boost. After three days of working in the backyard in 100 degree heat, I am happy to be working inside today and extremely grateful for a full pot of coffee. #motivationmonday #coffee #summer #heatwave #workhard #homeimprovements #loanofficer #lenderlife #homeloans

Staying hydrated is so important when the temperatures soar. Here's a simple recipe to help you beat the heat and keep your family smiling and cool. First, make a simple syrup by adding 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer until the sugar is dissolved. Then remove from heat, add 1 tablespoon of fresh mint and steep for 15 minutes. Next, chop up a honeydew and add it to a blender, along with 2 cups of cold water, 4 teaspoon...s of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of the simple syrup. Blend and then strain through a mesh sieve. Serve over ice, garnish with fresh mint, and sit back, relax and enjoy! Home Hack of the Week brought to you buy @mbshighway #homehack #heat #hydrate #recipe #drink #staycool #summertime #weekendfun #loanofficer #lenderlife

Excited to add Rhode Island to the list! Now licensed in 10 states I have a few more states coming up soon, so stay tuned. #motivationmonday #licensed #rhodeisland #newengland #lenderlife #USA #10states #lenderlife

Pets love to be outside during the summer months but when temperatures rise, our four-legged friends can heat up quickly. It's important to be aware of signs of overheating in your pets, which include excessive panting, increased heart rate, drooling, weakness, glazed eyes, vomiting or even unconsciousness. If you're ever concerned your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, the Humane Society suggests following these do's and don'ts. If you're away from home, move your pet i...nto the shade so she can begin to cool off. If you're at home, bring your pet inside, sit her in front of a fan and place a cool washcloth on her belly, ears, paws and neck. It's important not to use cold water or a cold bath to help cool her off, as this could cause shock. Call your vet and ask for further advice on what to do next. These safety tips will help your pets enjoy the summer sun safely! Home Hack of the Week brought to you by @mbshighway #hackoftheweek #home #pets #summer #hot #staycool #homeowner #petowner #loanofficer #lenderlife

Conventional loans are the most common loans that you will come across. These loans are backed by private lenders and insurance on the loan is paid by the borrower. Because conventional loans are not insured by the federal government, they are harder to qualify for. Here is how you can qualify for a conventional loan: -You will need to prove you have a steady income. This is done by providing recent pay stubs, tax returns, and bank statements (for purchases). ... - If you are purchasing a home you will need a down payment of at least 3%. - You will also need to have a high enough credit score to qualify for a conventional loan. Conventional loans also offer various term lengths. You can get a mortgage for 10, 15, 20 or 30 years. Typically, conventional loans also have a fixed rate mortgage, so you don’t have to worry about your rate changing during the life of the loan. If you are considering a conventional mortgage it is a good idea to try to put down as much as you can on a down payment. Any down payment under 20% will require that you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). The more you put down, the less PMI you will pay. If you think you may qualify for a conventional loan or if you want to find out if you do, please reach out to me. I am happy to help find you the best mortgage program and get you into the home of your dreams! #wisdomwednesday #mortgageterm #mortgageprogram #conventional #homebuyers #homeowner #purchase #refi #lenderlife #loanofficer

Your actions speak louder than your words. Get out there this week and turn your plans into actions. #motivationalmonday #actions #plans #results #words #getoutthere #loanofficer #lenderlife #homeloans #refi

Looking for some new ways to keep your kids entertained throughout the remaining hazy days of summer? Here are two outdoor craft ideas that are sure to be a hit. Everyone loves tie-dye, and now you can up the ante beyond t-shirts and sweatshirts by tie-dyeing old beach towels or a blanket. Once they've dried, extend the fun by planning a picnic outing where you can put them to good use. Pool noodles are for more than swimming pools they can double as paint brushes. First, l...ay easel paper flat, placing rocks along the edges and corners so the paper doesn't blow away or move. Next, add washable paint to large bowls. Your kids can then dip the ends of the pool noodles into the paint and start creating their masterpieces. Enjoy the warm weather with these fun and creative outdoor crafts! Home Hack of the Week provided by @mbshighway #homehack #weekend #fun #activities #summer #kids #home #homeowners #lenderlife #loanofficer

Mortgages are broken up into different programs. These programs have different characteristics and requirements to qualify. The purpose of mortgage programs is to present multiple options for people. It makes home buying and refinancing more accessible to everyone. Over the next few weeks I will highlight some of the mortgage programs available to home buyers. This will hopefully give you a better understanding of a few of the options available to you. ... #wisdomwednesday #mortgage #programs #qualify #homebuyers #homeowners #options #buying #refinancing #homeowner #lenderlife

Summer is prime time for picnics! These simple tips are the perfect set up for a relaxing day with loved ones. Keep your food and drinks cooler longer by filling plastic storage bags with water and freezing them the night before. The large chunks of ice will last longer than smaller cubes. Keep it simple by bringing things that aren't too heavy to carry, especially if your perfect picnic spot involves a hike or long walk to get there. Also, plan your menu well so you won't ...have a lot left to carry back with you. Don't forget the trash bags. Save yourself an unexpected hike back to the car by placing things like napkins, cutlery, hand sanitizer and bug spray in sealable plastic bags and taping them to the inside top of your cooler. Last, don't let ants ruin the party. Put a plastic container under each picnic table leg and fill with water to help prevent them from crawling up the table. Home Hack of the Week brought to you by @mbshighway #hackoftheweek #weekendactivities #picnic #getoutside #finallyfriday #lenderlife #hike #food #loanofficer #homeloans

Most people don't fail because they did their best and fell short. More often people fail because they never try. It's easy to say, "I'm waiting for the right time" or "The conditions aren't perfect yet". There is no perfect moment. ... sometimes you just have to go for it #motivationmonday #success #ready #goforit #moment #dontwait #lenderlife #loanofficer

July is National Ice Cream month. Making homemade ice cream is an activity that's fun for the whole family, and it's easy to do even if you don't have an ice cream maker. Just follow these simple steps from our friends at Taste of Home. First, freeze any freezer-safe shallow pan or bowl. A 13x9 inch Pyrex pan or stainless steel pan are great options. Then mix 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 2 cups half-and-half, 1 cup sugar and 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract, making sure th...e sugar is well dissolved. Next, add your mixture to the cold pan and freeze it for about 20 to 30 minutes. Once the edges start to freeze, take out the mixture and beat it using a hand mixer to keep the ice cream smooth. Repeat this process several times until the ice cream is firmly frozen. For an added bonus, mix in chocolate chips, candy chunks or drizzles of melted chocolate before freezing the ice cream. Or have a family sundae night and serve with everyone's favorite toppings. Home Hack of the Week brought to you by @mbshighway #hackoftheweek #icecream #july #nationalicecreammonth #homemade #diy #favoriteflavor #lenderlife #loanofficer

Your credit score is an important aspect of the home purchase or refinancing process. When you have a good credit score, it helps you to qualify for better interest rates and loan terms. Lenders will look at your credit score to determine your likelihood to make your payments. If your score is low, they will consider you high risk. Therefore, low scores typically mean higher interest rates. Because your credit score plays such an important part in the home loan or refi pr...ocess, here are a few things you can do to make sure your credit score is in good shape: Before or during the loan process, limit any applications for new credit as this can decrease your credit score Pay down existing balances to reduce the amount of debt that you have Keep accounts open even if they have a zero balance, closing accounts can negatively impact your credit Diversify the type of credit you have because this can increase your score Make sure you are paying your bills on time #wisdomwednesday #credit #creditscore #knowbeforeyouowe #creditwise #loanofficer #lenderlife #homebuyers #refi #homeloans

Take the lessons from your past and use them to keep moving forward to a better future. #past #future #moveforward #motivationmonday #lenderlife #loanofficer #homeloans #homeowner #homebuyer

Barbecue season is in full swing, but your grill can do far more than perfect your favorite proteins. These easy tips for grilling fruit from the folks at Spruce Eats make for a healthy and delicious summertime dessert. Plums are delicious over the grill, as the cut sides will caramelize thanks to the fruit's natural sugars. After cleaning and oiling your grill's cooking grate, heat it to medium high. Rinse and dry plums, and then cut them in half and remove the pits. Next, p...lace the plums on a baking tray and brush with oil or melted butter. Once your grill is hot, place plums cut-side down, cover and cook for about 5 minutes until heated-through. And if you prefer peaches or nectarines, they're equally delightful on the grill. Simply follow the above steps. You can also brush these with honey as you're grilling them. Lastly, don't forget to serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a generous scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Home Hack of the Week brought to you by @mbshighway #homehack #weekend #bbq #fruit #icecream #alamode #dessert #yum #lenderlife #loanofficer #homeloans

When your loan is sent to underwriting it means that someone is assessing your application to determine if it should be approved. Underwriters will do a risk assessment to decide if your loan is saleable to the investor. This decision is based on your income, cash reserves, equity, financial assets, and your debt. This information will help them verify your ability to pay back the loan. If the underwriter finds that you are financially capable of handling the loan, they will ...approve you. This is an important step in the loan process and applications cannot proceed to the next step until your risk assessment has been completed. If you have any questions about the underwriting process, please comment below or contact me. Not sure if you are ready to apply for a loan? Please reach out! At the very least I can help you put together a plan of action so we can get the loan process started for you as soon as possible. #wisdomwednesday #mortgageterm #underwriting #homeloan #homeowner #homebuyer #refi #application #lenderlife #loanofficer

Growing up my mom showed me that you need to work hard for what you want. It's easy to settle into where you're at and choose not to grow based on your current situation. You have to make good choices daily to get what you want. #motivationmonday #workhard #success #goals #dreams #want #lenderlife #loanofficer

Sparklers are especially popular over the July 4th holiday and can be fun for kids to watch. But they can also be dangerous if they're not handled correctly. Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind from the folks at Good Housekeeping. First, to prevent a large burst of sparks, only light one sparkler at a time. Also, don't pass already-lit sparklers as burns can occur while someone reaches for one. Remind your children not to toss or wave their sparkler, to avoid ...hurting anyone nearby who may be hit by an errant spark. Also, it's best for kids to remain standing while holding sparklers. Wearing closed-toe shoes is also recommended. Lastly, since the sparkler sticks can remain hot long after the flame has burned out, it's best to dispose of them in a bucket of water. Home Hack of the Week brought to you by @mbshighway #hackoftheweek #4thofJuly #JulyFourth #sparklers #fireworks #holidayweekend #funinthesun #independenceday #loanofficer

An appraisal is when an unbiased, qualified appraiser comes to assess the value of your home. A home will need to be appraised when it is bought, sold or refinanced. The reason for an appraisal is to determine if the house is worth the loan amount. Lenders want to be sure the borrower is not being lent too much money. A home’s value is determined by its condition, location and features. An appraiser will also look at similar home prices in the area and current market tren...ds to help them determine the value of a home. Appraisals are done in person and the appraiser will look at the interior and exterior of your home as well as take photos of your property for their report. Appraisals don’t just help to protect the lenders, but it also protects the buyers from paying more than a home is worth. It is an important part of the home buying or refinancing process. #wisdomwednesday #mortgageterm #appraisal #home #value #selling #buying #homebuyers #lenderlife #loanofficer See more

Can’t believe it’s been 7 years already. No one else I would rather go through this crazy life with. #anniversary #7years #wife #happylife #manymoretocome #lenderlife #loanofficer #mymotivation #motivationmonday

Summer vacation plans have changed for many people this year, especially trips that involved long flights. If you're considering a road or day trip, our friends at Real Simple offer these tips to help your family travel safely. Before heading out, check for local, state and regional updates, as states and localities are in different phases of re-opening. Be prepared as well in case things change during longer trips. Pack a kit for all members of your family, including gloves,... hand sanitizer and masks (which are required in some places). Also, bring plenty of drinks, snacks and meals to limit any unnecessary stops. Experts recommend wearing gloves when pumping gas and throwing them away as soon as you're done. Choose outdoor activities and restaurants with outdoor seating, as they are great and safer options for your family to spend time together and also enjoy the summer weather. If you'll be staying overnight somewhere, don't be shy about using antibacterial wipes on high-traffic surfaces like light switches, door handles, bathroom sinks and remote controls. And once you get home, disinfect anything you brought with you, including suitcase, coolers, backpacks and purses. These tips will help your family enjoy outings safely this summer! Home hack of the week brought to you by @mbshighway #hackoftheweek #summervacation #summer #roadtrip #sanitize #wearamask #familyoutings #trips #safety #lenderlife #homeloans #mortgages

Thinking about updating your home but don't know where to start? How about making a list of updates for your home. Separate the list into "need to do" and "want to do". This will help you prioritize your projects. You can start with the smaller, easier projects while you save up for the bigger ones. Or you can pick one project a month to focus on. You can even alternate between the projects that need to be done and the ones that you want to do. It is a good idea to determ...ine which upgrades you can do yourself and which ones you will need to hire a professional for. Knowing this will help you budget your projects. Updating your home doesn't need to be overwhelming. Just take it one project at a time. #wisdomwednesday #homeimprovements #upgrade #projects #diy #home #lenderlife #homeloans #loanofficer #mortgage

You probably keep hearing it all over the news... "Mortgage rates are historically low" or "It's the best time to refinance". Even with all this news, many are still wondering if it's a good idea to wait and see if rates get better before refinancing. One of the things that's not often considered is the amount of money that could have been saved while playing the waiting game. Even if rates do improve in the future, the dollars that would have been saved during the waiting... period may be significant... A few hundred dollars saved per month could add up to potentially thousands before a lower rate opportunity arises. It could take a long time for the incremental savings of a lower rate in the future to make up for all the money that was lost by waiting. And remember, there's no guarantee that rates head even lower. It's important to weigh out the options. Need help doing that? Reach out, I'm here to help!

Why are we successful in achieving some of our goals but not others? I think a lot of it has to do with the "why" behind the goal. Your "why" gives you purpose, gives you drive, makes you want to fight to achieve your goal. It's not something you're willing to give up on when things get tough. A strong "why" can lift you up when you feel like you can't be any further down. It's a constant reminder of why you set that goal in the first place. So when things get hard and you f...eel like giving up, remember your "why" #motivationalmonday #dontquit #rememberwhy #whatsyourwhy #goals #lenderlife #loanofficer #homeloans

This year, Father's Day is June 21. While the types of celebrations that are possible may vary widely around the country with differing stages of stay at home orders in place, these ideas from Good Housekeeping can make for a perfect celebration anywhere. Start the day off right by cooking a hearty brunch for dad with all his favorites. And you can never go wrong with baking your dad's favorite dessert for later in the day. Plan a family game or movie night where everyone ste...ps away from their phones and screens and enjoys fun time together. Drive-in movies have also become popular in many cities and can provide a fun and safe night out. If your dad loves to learn new things, consider signing him up for an online class. Many universities offer free or low-cost classes or consider sites like MasterClass that provide classes from some of the most successful people in sports, writing, the arts and more. For the travel-loving dad, consider a day of virtual "travel" via free online tours of museums and other famous sites all around the world. Lastly, if your dad is missing his favorite sports team, many past games are available to stream. Create a marathon of winning games from his favorite teams that he can enjoy. Family hack of the week brought to you by @mbshighway #hackoftheweek #fathersday #weekend #brunch #games #sports #family #travel #lenderlife #homeloans

It’s not so much about what you decide to be as it is who you decide to be. Whatever path you choose in life, make sure you work hard to be good at what you do. The type of person you are and how well you do what you do will make just as big of an impact. #motovationmonday #beagoodone #whoyouare #life #chooseyourpath #workhard #lenderlife #loanofficer #homeloans #homeowners

The official start of summer is just a few weeks away. These quick and easy seasonal tips will ensure your family is safe and home is ready as the temperatures rise. Your air conditioner is the last thing you want to fail when you really need it. If you haven't scheduled a service call for your unit yet this year, now is the perfect time to do so. Clean your ceiling fans with a damp rag to make sure they don't spread any allergens when you're ready to use them. Also, make sur...e they're set to spin counterclockwise to provide cool air during the summer months. Check playgrounds and other outdoor sports equipment for any cracks or warping that may have occurred during the winter months. Double check fences as well for any rotten or sagging areas. If you have an electric fence for pets, check the batteries. Keep your garage safe for kids and pets by storing gasoline for your lawnmower or grill, paint and any other chemicals out of their reach. Last, check and replace any outdoor light bulbs, especially around your porch and deck if your family enjoys spending time outside in the warm evenings. As an added bonus, consider adding string lights for both extra light and ambiance. Home Hack of the Week brought to you by @mbshighway #summertime #homehack #summernights #stringlights #backyard #outdoors #keepcool #lighting #lenderlife #loanofficer #mortgages

Now serving Arizona! #licensed #arizona #thegrandcanyonstate #9states #lenderlife #loanofficer #mortgage #homeowner #purchase #refi

Interest rate is what is costs for you to borrow money and is based on the principal loan amount. The APR includes the interest along with any fees or costs paid in order to obtain the loan. Fees and costs include closing costs, rebates, mortgage insurance, loan origination fees and money paid for discount points. Since the APR includes the interest rate plus these fees, the APR is higher than the interest rate. Make sure you look for the interest rate and the APR when you are deciding on a loan. #wisdomwednesday #mortgageterm #apr #interestrate #lenderlife #loanofficer #mortgage #homeowners #homebuyers #refi

Another Eastern state to add to the list. Anyone looking for a home in Tennessee? I can help! #licensed #tennessee #easternUS #volunteerstate #8states #lenderlife #homeloans #stayingbusy #refi #purchase #homeowners

These licenses keep coming through and providing me with even more motivation. Motivation to continue learning and growing in this industry and to help even more families to become homeowners. #license #Nevada #state7 #silverstate #lenderlife #loanofficer #homeowner #home

Ready to meet your mortgage needs in West Virginia! #license #westvirginia #state6 #mountainstate #lenderlife #loanofficer #homeowner #home

Amortization is how a loan is paid down. The amortization schedule is a breakdown of payments from month to month. This schedule details how much will be paid towards interest and how much will be paid towards principal. In the beginning of your loan, most of the money goes towards interest. As your loan matures, most of the money pays off the principal. Once the principal and interest of a loan has been paid off the loan has amortized. The amount of time it takes for a loan ...to fully amortize (get paid off) depends on the length of a loan. If your mortgage is a 30 year mortgage, then it will take 30 years for your loan to fully amortize. Of course, there are ways to reach amortization more quickly. For instance, you can make a few extra payments throughout the year on your loan. Or you can refinance your loan into a shorter term. If you are interested in how to get your loan to amortize more quickly, please reach out to me. I am happy to help! #mortgageterm #amortization #wisdomwednesday #homeowner #homeloans #loanofficer #lenderlife #house #homesweethome

Added another state to the list! #northdakota #loanofficer #licensed #lenderlife #5statesandcounting #roughriderstate #peacegardenstate #bismarck #fargo #homeowners #puchase #refi

With the start of summer less than a month away, spending time in your garden may be high on your to-do list. Here's a great checklist you can follow from the folks at Better Homes & Gardens. Bird feeders are no exception when it comes to needing a spring clean. If you haven't done so already, wash and refill yours with fresh seeds for the season. As your spring bulbs continue to flower, take note of any empty spots in which you may want to plant additional bulbs in the fall.... Annuals are great for providing pops of color throughout your yard as well as in containers on your front porch or back deck. Check local garden centers for the best options for your area and soil type. Fresh layers of mulch around your plants can also help minimize weeding over the summer. Lastly, take a word of advice from moms and don't forget your veggies. Tomatoes, peppers and herbs are great choices as the weather starts to warm in earnest. Home Hack of the Week provided by @mbshighway #homehack #gardening #betterhomes&gardens #summer #outside #backyard #frontyard #loanofficer #lenderlife #homeowners

Did you know Washington state has quite a few house boats? At one point in time the number of house boats in the state was as many as 2500! Would you want to live in one of these cool houses? #funfact #wisdomwednesday #houseboat #washington #houseboatlife #livinonthewater #loanofficer #homeloans #lenderlife

3-day weekends are a thing of beauty! Unfortunately, they tend to go by just a little too fast. Here are a few tips to get the most out of the long weekend: 1. Turn Off Your Email - Most people will not be working, you shouldn’t either. Take away the urge to check your inbox on your phone by simply turning it off 2. Plan Your Must Do’s - You can’t do everything so don’t try. Pick a few things that will add the most value to your time off and focus on those 3. Get Ready for Tu...esday Today - Use the last 30-minutes of today’s work day to prepare for next week so you won’t have to think about it until then Have an excellent weekend everyone!

Closing costs are the expenses that are incurred during the mortgage process. They typically include; lender fees, origination fees, escrow fees, appraisal fees, property taxes, title insurance cost, appraisal fee, credit report fee, and discount points. If you are purchasing a home, there could be other costs such as a home inspection cost. The closing costs range from 2 to 3% of the loan amount, so it is a good idea to save some extra money when you are going to buy a home... to cover these costs. You may hear that some loan companies are offering no closing costs, but be aware, just because you don’t pay them upfront doesn’t mean you aren’t paying them. In this type of situation, the closing costs are either reflected in a slightly higher interest rate or are built into the cost of loan which means you end up paying interest on your closing costs. If you have questions about closing costs please contact me, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you to prepare for these costs. #wisdomwednesday #closingcosts #mortgageterm #loanofficer #lenderlife #mortgage #homeowners #homebuyers #refi #homeloans

Did you know there are many health benefits to having house plants? House plants act as natural filters purifying the air you breath and increasing oxygen levels. Studies have shown that rooms with plants create a less stressful environment and can even boost your mood and focus. Maybe it’s time to think about adding a little bit of greenery to your home.... #wisdomwednesday #houseplants #health #benefits #stress #focus #home #loanofficer #lenderlife #homeowners

It only takes a few healthy habits to be successful. Start this week by making good choice and being consistent with your actions. Consistent actions lead to habits, habits create discipline, discipline breeds results. #motivationmonday #consistency #actions #habits #discipline #success #results #loanofficer #lenderlife #mortgage

Three business days after completing a loan application you will receive a three-page document called a loan estimate (LE). Here is what you will learn from this document: How much money you are borrowing Terms of the loan (length of time and interest rate) The type of loan (Conventional, FHA, etc.) and purpose (purchase, refi, etc.) of the loan Projected payments (monthly and interest paid overtime)... Fees that will need to be paid for processing the loan Any mortgage points that may have been bought Estimate of losing costs The cash you will need to close the loan (if any) Cost compared to other loans This document is a guide for the total costs of your loan. Some of these costs may change before closing, especially if you experience a significant drop in your credit score or if situations with the home arise before closing. It is important to make sure that the information on the LE is correct all the way down to the spelling of your name. If you notice any mistakes, let your loan officer know immediately. LEs are a good way for you to compare loans from different companies. If you would like me to look over a loan estimate for you to see if I can help you out, please contact me. #wisdomwednesday #termoftheweek #loanestimate #mortgageterms #homeloans #mortgage #loanofficer #lenderlife #refi #homeowners #homebuyers #househunting

May the fourth be with you! #starwarsday #thefourth #maytheforcebewithyou #jedi #starwars #loanofficer #homeloans #mortgages

With the weather warming and schools still closed in many areas, you may be looking for some new backyard activities your kids can enjoy. Our friends at HGTV shared these ideas. Your kids can still enjoy the fun of camping, but safely in your own backyard. Set up a tent and bring all the usual camp side fun, like binoculars, musical instruments and, of course, all the ingredients for s'mores. If you have a plastic pool or sandbox your kids no longer use, help them turn it... into a fruit or veggie garden that they can water daily and pick anything that's ready to eat. Most kids love sidewalk chalk, and you can make their daily drawings both fun and educational by encouraging them to draw a scene from a favorite book or movie. Everyone loves a good scavenger hunt. You could hold weekly scavenger hunts in your backyard, and even tie the items your kids need to find to some of their lessons from school. Family hack of the week provided by @mbshighway #family #hackoftheweek #funfriday #worklifebalance #enjoyyourweekend #camping #sidewalkchalk #scavengerhunt #gardening #loanofficer #homeloans

I'm sure you have all heard of house warming parties, but do you know where the term "house warming" came from? Traditionally, house warmings parties started because people would bring new homeowners firewood for their fire place to warm up their new home. Since we typically don't need firewood in order to heat our houses anymore, what is your ideal house warming gift?... #housewarming #firewood #gift #homeowners #homeloans #loanofficer #homebuyers #wisdomwednesday

I am licensed to do home loans in the Lone Star State! #homeloans #Texas #loanlicense #greatnews #loanofficer #homebuyers #homeowners #purchase #refi #lonestarstate

Enough said! #motivationmonday #choice #chance #change #life #goforit #homeloans #loanofficer #homebuyer #homeowner

If your grill has sat idle all winter, get it ready for the warmer weather with these cleaning guidelines from our friends at Taste of Home. First, give your grill a once over. Check for rust as well as any bugs that may have nested during winter. Inspect hoses and replace any that have cracked or frayed. Next do a deep clean. Turn on the grill for 15 minutes, which will make it easier to brush off any leftover buildup from the grates. Instead of using a brush (which could le...ave small bristles that can get in your food), cut an onion in half and rub it over the warmed grates with barbecue tongs until stuck-on particles break loose. Not only will this clean your grill, it will season it as well. If any stuck-on grit remains, soak cooled grates in a bucket of warm, soapy water for several hours. Then use a stainless steel or manufacturer-recommended cleaner to degrease the outside of your grill and help protect it all season long. Also, take a moment to make sure all your grill tools are in working order. Replace any as needed and deep clean everything before using For some extra fun, let each family member pick an item on the menu for your first grill-out. Consider hosting a virtual barbecue so friends and family can join you online with a barbecue of their own. Home Hack of the Week provided by @mbshighway #grillingseason #homehack #bbq #mbshighway #funfriday #loanofficer #homeloans #refi #homeowner #homebuyer

Great news! I am now licensed to do home loans in Washington state! #loanlicense #Washington #homeloans #greatnews #loanofficer #homebuyers #homeowners #purchase #refi