Author: josh

A dry closing is a closing where all documents are signed, but the transaction isn’t funded on the same day. The lender typically wires the funds the next business day, after completing final reviews. Until the money arrives, the buyer doesn’t legally take ownership and the seller doesn’t receive payment.  Dry closings are allowed in some states and prohibited in others. While they can prevent delays when lenders need more time, they also introduce risk and logistical challenges for both buyers and sellers. Whether you are closing in Dallas, TX, Atlanta, GA, or Sacramento, CA, learn how a dry closing…

If you’re planning to buy a home, getting preapproved for a mortgage is one of the most important early steps. But many buyers don’t realize these letters don’t last forever — and an expired preapproval can slow down your home search, whether you’re exploring a home for sale in San Diego, CA or eyeing a charming house in Seattle, WA. This Redfin article breaks down how long a mortgage preapproval lasts, how to stay eligible while it’s active, how to extend it, and what lenders look for when renewing your letter. How long does a mortgage preapproval last? A mortgage…

I’m on the spectrum. I’m dyslexic. I’m a CEO. I’m a Senior VP. I’m an actor. I’m fill-in-the-blank. America is the land of labels. And yet, as the number and intensity of the labels we wear have grown, so has our collective crisis of health — mental, physical, and even spiritual. Our diagnoses, our maladies, our jobs, our titles, our sexual preferences — these are all real, but they do not define us. Or at least, they shouldn’t — because if our labels define us, we’re also confined by our labels. When we live inside our designations, we shrink the…

Dave:Imagine you have a super low mortgage, like two or 3%, which is not only locked in for 30 years, but you can also take it with you when you move to a new house. It sounds amazing, right? This is the idea behind portable mortgages, the latest concept to help unlock the housing market and improve housing affordability. That’s currently being explored by the Trump administration, but will portable mortgages actually work? Is it feasible to implement them in the United States, and if so, who will benefit today we’re digging into portable mortgages. Hey everyone, welcome to On…

In This Article Remarkably, Fannie Mae has officially removed the 620 minimum FICO requirement for Desktop Underwriter (DU) submissions, aligning their approach with Freddie Mac’s LPA as of Nov. 15. Approvals are now determined entirely by DU/LPA findings rather than a hard credit score cutoff. Strong compensating factors have the largest impact toward obtaining A/E findings—e.g., larger down payments, shorter terms, excess assets, etc. Within the first week, some top national lenders reported the following:  Many approved applications came in with sub-620 FICOs—roughly 6% of overall application volume—with some as low as 490. Several brokerages have already begun reevaluating their…

President Donald Trump will propose a two-year extension to enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act to avoid a massive spike in premiums next year, sources told Politico.The proposal would require a minimum premium payment and limit eligibility for the subsidies, which come in the form of tax credits, to enrollees with income up to 700% of the federal poverty line, the report said. The administration is also seeking an option that would let enrollees to get part of their tax credit through a savings account, according to Politico. That’s after Trump had suggested earlier that consumers receive subsidies directly.The…

Your first real estate deal doesn’t need to be a home run. If it gives you a little cash flow and the confidence to keep going, it’s worth it. Ashley and Tony had very little real estate investing experience and almost no money saved when they found their first rentals, but they took action, and the rest is history. YOU can do the same!Welcome back to the Real Estate Rookie podcast! In this episode, Ashley and Tony are breaking down their very first real estate deals, step by step. They talk about everything from building their buy boxes and analyzing…

A structured financial system provides benefits that reach far beyond monthly budgeting. With clarity and consistency, financial structure shapes your long-term well-being and overall life quality.  Reduced Stress and Anxiety Structure creates predictability, and predictability reduces stress. When you know exactly what your month looks like, financial worries become far more manageable.  Improved Decision-Making When your plan is organized, your choices become clearer. You know your limits, your goals, and your commitments — which makes responsible decision-making easier.  Stronger Long-Term Progress Financial structure helps you build on each month’s achievements. Instead of starting over repeatedly, you grow steadily over time. …

Financial confidence isn’t about the size of your income — it’s about your sense of control. People at all income levels can build strong financial habits, reduce stress, and create long-term stability.  Start by Understanding Your Monthly Plan  Confidence comes from clarity. When you understand your monthly obligations and spending, it becomes easier to make decisions and plan ahead.  Build Predictable Routines  Create a consistent system that includes weekly reviews, monthly check-ins, and a predictable payment schedule. Predictability builds trust in your own ability to manage money effectively.  Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection  Most people overlook their progress. Even small wins — like managing spending for a week…

Financial stress doesn’t always come from income — it often comes from uncertainty and disorganization. Understanding your stress triggers can help you create a healthier, more predictable approach to money.  Trigger 1: Not Having a Clear Overview  When you don’t know what you owe or when payments are due, stress naturally builds. Clarity eliminates the unknown and gives you a sense of control.  Trigger 2: Juggling Multiple Accounts  Multiple due dates and payment amounts can overwhelm anyone. Simplifying your financial structure is one of the fastest ways to reduce stress.  Trigger 3: Lack of a Predictable Plan  Financial unpredictability creates anxiety. A structured monthly plan is…