Call Today! (734) 737-9600

Blog

Understanding the Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program

Introduction to the ProgramThe Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program is a government-backed initiative designed to help homeowners finance necessary repairs, upgrades, and improvements to their primary residence. Established under the National Housing Act, this program makes funding accessible for individuals who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans due to limited equity or lower credit scores. Purpose and Scope of the LoanThis loan program was created to support the maintenance and improvement of existing housing, thereby preserving the nation's housing stock and enhancing community stability. The funds can be used for a wide range of…
Read More

The Impact of Gender and Race on Mortgage Approval Rates

Addressing Inequity in LendingThe mortgage approval process is a critical step in the path to homeownership. While lending guidelines are designed to promote fair and consistent evaluation, studies have shown that disparities persist based on gender and race. These differences raise important concerns about equal access to credit and the long-term effects on wealth building, community development, and financial equity in the United States. Understanding the Approval ProcessMortgage approval decisions are based on a range of factors, including credit history, income, employment, debt-to-income ratio, and property value. In principle, these criteria are applied uniformly. However, when outcomes differ significantly across…
Read More

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 30th, 2025

With the passing of the previous busy weeks of rate decisions, this week features the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation report in the PCE Index, which has shown that inflation has come in hotter than expected for the month of May. This likely cements the Federal Reserve’s decision to take no action until later and further confirming most economists' predictions. The consumer confidence has also taken a hit as it has further declined again for the month of May, indicating there is still significant apprehension within the markets and consumers alike. This is accompanied by Consumer Spending data, which met expectations,…
Read More

From Pre-Approval to Closing What to Expect in the Mortgage Journey

June is National Homeownership Month, making it the perfect time to understand the full path to homeownership. If you are planning to buy a home, especially for the first time, knowing what to expect during the mortgage process can take away much of the stress. This guide walks you through each step and highlights how working with the right mortgage professional keeps everything on track. Step One: Pre-ApprovalThe first and most important step in your mortgage journey is pre-approval. This is where a lender reviews your income, credit, debt, and assets to determine how much home you can afford. You…
Read More

How HomeReady and Home Possible Mortgages Open Doors During National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to spotlight the programs that make owning a home more accessible to more people. While many potential buyers believe they need perfect credit or a large down payment, programs like HomeReady® and Home Possible® prove otherwise. As a mortgage originator, I see firsthand how these affordable loan options can turn homeownership from a dream into a reality. Understanding HomeReady and Home PossibleHomeReady® is offered by Fannie Mae and is designed for low-to-moderate-income borrowers. Home Possible®, offered through Freddie Mac, serves a similar purpose. These programs are especially powerful for first-time buyers, younger households,…
Read More