All Articles (6)

Homebuying Basics

Does Closing Your Credit Card Hurt Your Credit Score?

You’ve finally done it! Paid off your credit card. That zero balance feels amazing, and now you’re staring at the card wondering: should I just close it?

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1 min 12/10/25
Ready to Act

Common Mistakes That Increase Your DTI

The mistakes outlined below are surprisingly common among first-time homebuyers.

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1 min 11/10/25
Beginning the Journey

7 Proven Ways to Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio can make or break your mortgage application.

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1 min 11/6/25
Beginning the Journey

What is debt-to-income ratio?

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward paying debts.

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2 min 11/4/25
Beginning the Journey

The Real Cost of Buying a Home: How Much Should You Save Before You Buy?

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone but it also comes with a number of hidden costs that first-time buyers often overlook.

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1 min 7/1/25
Beginning the Journey

Pre-Qualification vs Pre‑Approval

Embarking on the journey to homeownership is exciting—but understanding the financial steps involved is crucial. Two terms you'll encounter early on are pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they might seem similar, they serve different purposes in the mortgage process. Knowing the difference can save you time, strengthen your offer, and help you navigate the competitive housing market with confidence.

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1 min 6/2/25

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