Mortgage Blog
Alabama's Mortgage Expert
The Assumable-Mortgage Gold Rush
August 7, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
Imagine locking in a mortgage rate that starts with a 3 while today's averages hover near 6.5 percent. Thanks to a surge in assumable FHA, VA, and USDA loans written during the pandemic, that o ...
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July 30 - 2025 Federal Reserve issues FOMC statement
July 30, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
Although swings in net exports continue to affect the data, recent indicators suggest that growth of economic activity moderated in th ...
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Refinance in 2025? How Lower Fed Rates Affect You
July 16, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
After years of rising rates and tightening budgets, the Federal Reserve has finally made its move-lowering interest rates for the first time since the pandemic-era hikes. If you're a homeowner i ...
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VantageScore 4.0 Arrives: How the New Credit Model Could Open Homeownership to 5 Million More Americans
July 9, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
On July 8, 2025, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) gave mortgage lenders an historic green-light: they may now submit loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac using the VantageScore 4.0 credit ...
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Home Selling Season is Around the Corner: Tips to Get Ready
June 6, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
Home selling season is rapidly approaching. In most cases, spring is the top time to sell a home. One reason spring is the top-selling season is that home buyers align their moving schedule with their ...
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Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early?
May 23, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
It's a dream to be able to pay off your mortgage early, but is there a downside? While it sounds like a great idea, there are some factors to consider before doing so. This article will ex ...
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Real Estate 101: Essential Tips for First-Time Home Buyers
May 16, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
Buying a home is always a big decision, but when you're a first-time buyer it's even more important to get it right. Without home-buying experience to draw on, it's easy to make mistakes you could reg ...
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10 Essential Tips for Taking Out Your First Mortgage
May 9, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
Taking out your first mortgage presents a major financial commitment, possibly the biggest one you'll ever make, so it's crucial that you get the best deal available. Getting a mortgage is often not a ...
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Should You Refinance Your Mortgage?
May 2, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
There are a multitude of reasons why a homeowner may be considering refinancing their mortgage. However, before any final decisions are made it is always a good idea to consider carefully whether refi ...
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Should You Spend the Full Mortgage Amount You're Approved For?
April 25, 2025 | Posted by: Darren McAusland
Before you start shopping for a new home, you'll need to know exactly how much house you can afford. Otherwise, you could end up in a home that is way out of your budget. What you qualify for may not ...
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