1. Look Past the Pretty — Check the Condition It’s easy to get swept up by stylish staging, but your first focus should be on the bones of the house. Keep an eye out for water stains, ceiling cracks, uneven floors, or outdated systems like old HVAC units or electrical panels. These could signal hidden […]
1. Earnest Money Shows You’re Serious When you make an offer on a home, you’ll typically include earnest money—a deposit that tells the seller, “I’m committed.” It’s usually 1% to 2% of the purchase price, and it’s paid shortly after your offer is accepted. Think of it as a good faith gesture that says, “I’m
1. Start with Trusted Referrals Word of mouth is still king. Ask friends, family, coworkers, or neighbors if they’ve worked with someone they’d recommend. The best agents leave a lasting impression—and chances are, someone in your circle has already found a gem. Pro tip: ask why they recommend that agent (Was it communication? Expertise? Hustle?
1. Real Estate Agents Are Licensed Guides A real estate agent is licensed to help buyers and sellers navigate real estate transactions. They can show homes, write offers, negotiate, and support you every step of the way. However, agents must work under a licensed broker, who oversees the legal and ethical side of every deal.
A Fixed-Rate Mortgage Keeps Your Payments Predictable With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate—and your monthly payment—stay the same for the life of the loan, whether that’s 15, 20, or 30 years. This is ideal if: It’s the “set-it-and-forget-it” option that gives many buyers peace of mind. An Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM) Starts Lower—Then Changes An
DTI Measures How Much of Your Income Goes to Debt Your debt-to-income ratio is the percentage of your gross monthly income (before taxes) that goes toward paying your debts. That includes: So if you earn $5,000 a month and $2,000 goes to debt, your DTI is 40%. The lower your DTI, the stronger your financial
Before you start scrolling Zillow or touring open houses, stop and ask yourself one crucial question: “Am I buying a home to live in — or a property to build wealth with?” That one shift in mindset can completely change what you look for, how you budget, and the kind of future you’re building. At
It’s one of the most common questions we hear: “Should I buy now… or wait?” Maybe you’re worried about interest rates. Maybe you’re unsure if prices will drop. Or maybe you’re just not sure if it’s your time yet. At Stairway Mortgage, we believe good decisions come from clarity, not pressure. Here’s how we help
Buying your first home is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. There’s no shortage of advice out there, and unfortunately, not all of it is accurate or helpful. At Stairway Mortgage, we’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence. Here are the top mistakes we see — and
Let’s be honest — the housing market can feel unpredictable. Rates move. Prices fluctuate. Inventory shifts. It’s tempting to wait for “the perfect time.” But here’s the truth: time is your greatest asset when it comes to building wealth through real estate. At Stairway Mortgage, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers realize that the smartest move