17 Sep 2026
By Mark Feder

How Buying a Home With Someone You Are Not Married To Changes the Financial Conversation

Mortgage Tips
Buying a home with a partner, friend, sibling, or other person can make homeownership possible sooner and allow two people to combine their financial resources. But when two people who are not married purchase a home together, there are financial conversations worth having before they begin looking at properties. A mortgage may be shared, but income, debts, savings, credit profiles, and expectations about ownership can be very different. Applying Together Means Sharing the Financial PictureWhen two people apply for a mortgage together, the lender evaluates information from both borrowers. That can include income, employment, debts, assets, and credit histories. One…
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10 Sep 2026
By Mark Feder

Why Your Cash Reserves Matter After You Buy a Home

Mortgage Tips
Saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs can feel like the primary financial goal when purchasing a home. However, becoming a homeowner does not mean your need for savings disappears at closing. Keeping money available after the purchase can provide an important financial cushion as you adjust to the costs and responsibilities of homeownership. Homeownership Comes With Unexpected ExpensesEven a well-maintained home can surprise you. An appliance can stop working, a plumbing problem can appear, or an HVAC system may suddenly need attention.Unlike renting, homeowners are generally responsible for handling repairs and maintenance themselves. Having reserves available…
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28 Aug 2026
By Mark Feder

What Homeowners Should Know Before Removing Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage Tips
Mortgage insurance can make homeownership accessible with a smaller down payment, but many homeowners eventually wonder whether it can be removed. The answer depends on the type of mortgage you have, your loan balance, property value, payment history, and the rules that apply to your specific loan.Understanding those factors can help you know what questions to ask your loan servicer. Start by Identifying Your Loan TypeMortgage insurance does not work the same way for every mortgage program. Conventional loans may have private mortgage insurance, commonly called PMI, while government-backed loan programs can have different types of mortgage insurance and different…
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27 Aug 2026
By Mark Feder

How a Large Down Payment Can Affect More Than Your Monthly Payment

Mortgage Tips
When buying a home, it is natural to assume that putting as much money down as possible is always the best financial decision. A larger down payment can provide meaningful advantages, but it also affects more than the size of your monthly mortgage payment. Understanding the broader impact can help you decide how much cash makes sense to use at closing. A Larger Down Payment Reduces the Amount You BorrowThe most obvious benefit is a smaller loan balance. Borrowing less generally means a lower principal-and-interest payment and less interest paid over the life of the loan, assuming the other loan…
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