What If You Could Graduate With Equity Instead of Student Loan Debt? College used to be all about education and debt. But a new wave of young adults is using a smarter strategy: buying real estate as a student. With the right housing investment loan, you can purchase a home or multi-unit property, live in part of […]
Welcome: Can We Help You Refinance Smarter? Most people think refinancing is just about chasing a lower rate. But the truth? It’s one of the most underused tools for building wealth, reducing risk, and creating long-term financial freedom. At Stairway Mortgage, we don’t just look at what a refinance can save you today — we
1. What Is PMI, and When Do You Pay It? Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is a monthly cost added to your mortgage payment when you: Put down less than 20% on a conventional loan Have a higher-risk loan profile from the lender’s point of view PMI doesn’t protect you—it protects the lender in case you default. It usually adds 0.3% to
1. Get Pre-Approved to Know Your Budget Pre-approval is your first smart move. You’ll provide your lender with basic financial information—income, debts, credit history—and they’ll give you a pre-approval letter with a loan amount you qualify for. This helps you shop with confidence, knowing what’s in your price range—and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer.
How Can I Pay Off My Home Faster? You’ve built equity. You’ve got momentum. Now you’re asking a powerful question: “How can I get out of this mortgage sooner?” Good news — we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners shorten their loan terms, save tens of thousands in interest, and move one step closer to financial freedom.
The Real Cost of Waiting to Buy “I think I’ll wait until the market cools down.” “I want to save more first.” “I’ll buy next year — when rates drop.” These are all valid thoughts. But here’s the problem: the market doesn’t wait. And the cost of waiting to buy a home is often far
Your home has equity — and maybe a lot of it. The big question is: Should you tap into it? And if so, should you refinance your whole mortgage or open a HELOC instead? Both options have pros and cons, and the right one depends on your current rate, your cash needs, and your long-term
Refinancing your home doesn’t mean going it alone. At Stairway Mortgage, we believe every homeowner deserves a support team, not a sales pitch. That’s why we surround you with real people whose job is to guide, protect, and empower your journey. Here’s who’s on your side — and what they actually do. 1. Mortgage Advisor
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
1. Always Inspect Both Systems Before You Close A traditional home inspection might not cover the well and septic in detail—so request separate inspections from licensed specialists: A well inspection will test water quality (for contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, or arsenic) and check the flow rate A septic inspection ensures the tank and drain field are working properly and
1. With a Condo, You Own the Unit Buying a condo (short for condominium) means you: Own your individual unit outright (just like a house) Share ownership of the building’s common areas (like the gym, hallways, pool) with other unit owners Receive a property deed Can often rent out or sell your unit freely This gives you