In the world of mortgages, debt plays a crucial role in determining your eligibility and terms. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, understanding the types of debt and how they influence your mortgage application is essential for securing the best deal possible. Types of Debt: Consumer Debt: This includes credit card balances, personal loans, and other debts not tied to an appreciating asset. Lenders scrutinize consumer debt closely as it directly impacts your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), a key factor in mortgage approval. Student Loans: With the rising cost of education ..read more

As a mortgage company committed to helping individuals achieve their dream of homeownership, we understand the importance of finding the right loan option tailored to your needs. For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, VA loans present a powerful opportunity to secure affordable financing and realize the dream of owning a home. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about VA loans, from their unique benefits to the eligibility requirements and application process. Understanding VA Loans: What are VA Loans? VA loans are mortga ..read more

Feet Quote of the Day: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the one who’ll decide where to go.” – Dr. Seuss This Week in Economic History: It was on May 31st, 1977 when after three years of construction, the trans-Alaska oil pipeline was finally completed. The length of this pipeline is 800 miles, and the minimum volume of oil barrels needed to give the pipeline its most efficient flow is 9,059,057 barrels. Ya want know how many gallons are in a barre ..read more

Turtle Quote of the Day: “If a turtle doesn’t have a shell, is he homeless or naked?” – George Carlin Today in Economic History: It was on this date in 1805 when a strike by shoemakers (called cordwainers back then) was abruptly ended when local police intervened under orders from a local judge. This marked the first time an employer sought help from the courts to end a strike. Possible Game Show Answer: Alaska is simultaneously the westernmost and easternmost state. This may explain why Alaska has more bipolar people than any other state. (*I made that last sentence up, but adm ..read more

Playing Quote of the Day: “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw Possible Game Show Answer: The term ‘lawn mullet’ means having a neatly manicured front yard and an unmowed mess in the back. And with that, Mortgage Fans, here are the greatest mullets in pop culture history Today in Economic History: It was on this date in 1792 when twenty-four traders meet under a buttonwood tree in lower Manhattan to work out the rules and regulations for the speculative market. The modest two-sentence agreement gave bir ..read more

I had a minor flood in my basement, Mortgage Fans, and had to clean out all the bins in my crawl space. This led me down a rabbit hole of finding the bin filled with all my old school stuff – yearbooks, reports cards, etc. Back in the 1970s teachers could say anything they wanted and not get into trouble. On my 7th grade report card was a note from my English teacher Miss Freezma who wrote, “Barry is a distraction to the class, has a hard time concentrating, is underachieving, and sadly I honestly doubt Barry has the ability to do better.” What?? Are you serious?! Honestly doubt?? I reme ..read more

Rule Quote of the Day: “Rules and regulations, who needs them. Open the door, we can change the world.” – Graham Nash Possible Game Show Answer: Platypuses sweat milk. This is because it doesn’t have teats. Yum – where’s my spoon and Lucky Charms?! Today in Economic History: It was on this date in 1784 when a group of shoemakers got together to battle for better wages and working conditions. Their first meeting was held in Philadelphia and they called themselves the Federal Society of Journeymen Cordwainers. What is a cordwainer you ask? It’s a shoemaker who makes new shoes from ..read more

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make in your lifetime, and navigating the mortgage application process can seem daunting. At A and N, we believe that with the right guidance, securing a mortgage can be straightforward and stress-free. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your mortgage application. Step 1: Assess Your Financial Health Before diving into the application, it’s crucial to evaluate your financial situation. This includes checking your credit score, assessing your debt-to-income ratio, and re ..read more

As a prospective homebuyer, attending open houses can be an exciting step in the home-buying process. It’s your opportunity to explore potential homes, visualize your future, and gather detailed information beyond what’s available online. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seasoned in the real estate market, making the most of each open house can significantly enhance your decision-making process. Here are essential tips to help you navigate open houses effectively: 1. Prepare Ahead Before you step into an open house, preparation is key. The first step is to find a Realtor you trust. Rea ..read more

After buying a house as your primary residence, you might eventually decide to move. People often assume that you can list your home on the real estate market and relocate as soon as it sells. Yet knowing the right time to sell your home is key if you don’t want to lose money on such a major investment. There isn’t a simple answer for how long to live in a house before selling. Homeowners have many factors to consider, so the answer differs for everyone. In the guide below, our professionals from A and N Mortgage help answer the “How long should you own a house before selling it” question. Key ..read more