03 Sep 2025
By Mark Feder

Mortgages for Newlyweds, Combining Finances and Buying Your First Home

Mortgage Tips
Starting your life together as a married couple is an exciting season filled with new milestones. One of the biggest decisions many newlyweds face is whether to buy a home together. While combining households and finances can feel overwhelming, taking time to understand how mortgages work and planning together can set you up for long-term success. Understanding Your Finances as a Team Before starting the home search, it is important to sit down together and look at the full picture of your finances. This means reviewing income, savings, credit scores, outstanding debts, and long-term goals. Many couples discover they have…
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28 Aug 2025
By Mark Feder

How Emotions Shape Your Mortgage Decisions

Mortgage Tips
When it comes to money, emotions play a big role. Many home buyers get caught up in excitement, fear of missing out, or the desire to impress others. These feelings can influence mortgage choices, leading to decisions that might not align with long-term financial goals. Recognizing emotional triggers is the first step to making smarter choices. The Impact of Excitement on Homebuying: Falling in love with a property can make buyers overlook important details. A high-interest rate or a larger mortgage than you can comfortably afford may seem acceptable when the home feels perfect. Excitement can push buyers to act…
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24 Jul 2025
By Mark Feder

How to Determine Your Ideal Monthly Mortgage Payment

Mortgage Tips
Buying a home is one of the most exciting financial decisions you will ever make, but understanding what you can comfortably afford each month is essential for long-term success. Your ideal monthly mortgage payment should not just fit within your budget today, but also allow for financial flexibility and security in the future. Start With Your Total Monthly IncomeBegin by calculating your total monthly household income before taxes. This provides a clear foundation for your homebuying budget. Most financial experts recommend that your total housing expenses should not exceed twenty-five to thirty percent of your gross monthly income. This includes…
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10 Jul 2025
By Mark Feder

Creative Ways to Use Rent-to-Own Agreements to Buy a Home

Home Buyer Tips
A rent-to-own agreement is a contract that allows a tenant to rent a home with the option to buy it later. Part of the monthly rent payment typically goes toward the future down payment or purchase price. This approach can be ideal for buyers who need more time to improve their credit, save money, or get financially ready for homeownership. It blends the flexibility of renting with the long-term goal of owning. Why Rent-to-Own Appeals to Future BuyersRent-to-own is especially attractive to those who may not yet qualify for a traditional mortgage but are motivated to own a home. It…
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