Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—right up there with deciding whether to splurge on the fancy guacamole at a restaurant. Unlike guacamole, though, a house comes with a lot more fine print and a much bigger price tag. So before you start mentally arranging furniture in a home you don’t own yet, let’s make sure your finances are actually ready for this adventure.

Mortgages are fun said no one ever. Between confusing terms, inconsistent advice, and enough paperwork to choke a printer, most people would rather schedule a root canal than shop for a home loan. That’s where mortgage brokers come in.

You’d think lenders would be thrilled to hand out money to anyone with a pulse and a dream. Spoiler: They’re not. Behind all the "we're here to help you" slogans is a hard truth—lenders have a very specific idea of who they want to lend to. If you don't fit the mold, many of them will happily (and quietly) move you to the “No Thanks” pile. Here are three types of clients most lenders turn away—and what you can do about it.

Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay to finalize your mortgage. They’re due at (surprise) closing. These are separate from your down payment, and they typically run between 2% to 5% of your home’s purchase price.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, chances are you’ve heard all kinds of advice—some good, some… not so much. Mortgage myths are everywhere, and believing the wrong ones can slow you down or even keep you from buying a home. Let’s set the record straight and clear up some of the biggest misconceptions so you can move forward with confidence

There’s a persistent fantasy out there that if you wait long enough, the market will hit a magical low point where home prices drop, interest rates tank, and unicorns prance across your front lawn. It’s called timing the market, and it sounds great in theory. In reality? It's about as predictable as your neighbor's Wi-Fi name changing weekly. Let’s break down the myth of perfect timing and talk about when buying a home actually makes sense—for you.

If you’re in the market for a home loan, you’ve probably realized that mortgage options are a lot like coffee orders—overwhelming, filled with jargon, and somehow everyone has a strong opinion. But don’t worry, I’ll keep this simple. Here’s a breakdown of four major loan types: Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA—so you can pick the one that actually makes sense for you.

You’ve binge-watched enough HGTV to know you want a house. Now the big question: how much house can you actually afford? Because despite what social media makes it seem, buying a home isn’t as simple as “manifesting” it into existence.