By Sam Wax Most buyers walk into their home-buying process focused on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. That's the number on the listing calculator, the number your lender quotes, the number...
By Gilbert Bennett If you've served and you're thinking about buying a home in Tampa Bay, you've probably heard that the VA loan is one of the best benefits available to veterans. Zero down, no...
By Sam Wax Wondering whether your credit score is the only thing standing between you and a home in Tampa? For decades, every conventional mortgage in the country used the same model: Classic FICO....
The home financing process in Tampa can quickly go from exciting to overwhelming. From credit checks to inspections to closing costs, the appraisal often feels like just another delay draining your...
By Stephen Arthur With nearly $1.84 trillion in outstanding student loan debt spread across more than 42 million Americans, it’s no surprise that student loans are one of the biggest concerns we...
By Eric Yoder After all you’ve been through in the housing process, the deal falls apart at the 11th hour. Why? Getting pre-approved can feel like you’ve got it in the bag, but all pre-approvals...
By Gilbert Bennett Buying a home while serving on active duty can feel like one more mission stacked on top of an already packed schedule. Between PCS timelines, deployment uncertainty, and the cost...
By Sam Wax One of the first things potential borrowers will say in the introductory phone call goes along the lines of “I just want the best rate.” This very straightforward statement has a...
By Lesley Holroyd Buying a home is stressful enough without running into a financing wall. And if the home you’ve got your heart set on costs more than $832,750, that’s exactly what happens with a...
By Eric Yoder If you’ve been putting off buying your first home in Tampa because you think your credit score isn’t good enough, you’re not alone. Fannie Mae found that roughly one in three Americans...
By Eric Yoder You’ve been saving for a down payment, your credit score looks solid, and you’re ready to start shopping for a home in Tampa. But when you sit down with a lender, they bring up a...
By Anthony Chiorazzi If you’re shopping for a mortgage in the Tampa Bay area, you know there’s no shortage of brokers and lenders competing for your business. From the outside, they can all start to...