Mortgage education, client stories, homeownership lessons, and real answers to real questions.
Mike O'Day built a 7-property portfolio before age 30 by starting small and thinking long-term — a mindset that offers powerful lessons for any first-time buyer. This article breaks down what his approach teaches about financing, equity, and making the next right move instead of waiting for perfect conditions.
Ryan Harding
June 2026
Utah Housing Corporation offers several programs — including down payment assistance and below-market rate options — that may help first-time and repeat buyers in Utah afford a home sooner. This guide explains how the programs work, who commonly qualifies, and what steps to take next.
Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) measures how much of your gross monthly income goes toward debt payments, and it plays a major role in mortgage approval decisions. Understanding your DTI — and how to improve it — can help you prepare for a stronger application across most loan programs.
Buying a home without traditional employment isn't automatic, but it's possible with the right loan program, strong documentation, and an honest conversation with your lender. This article explores real-world strategies — from bank statement loans to co-borrower approaches — that help non-traditional borrowers move forward confidently.
A Loan Estimate is a standardized three-page document every lender must provide within three business days of your mortgage application, and knowing how to read each section can save you thousands and help you compare lenders fairly. This guide walks through every key number — from loan terms and projected payments to closing costs, APR, and the five-year comparison — so you know exactly what you're looking at before you sign.
Not having 20% saved doesn't mean you can't buy a home. This article breaks down low down payment loan programs, down payment assistance options, and practical steps to help you move forward sooner than you might think.
Deciding between renting and buying in Utah comes down to honest math — how long you plan to stay, what you can realistically afford, and what programs may help you get there. This guide breaks down the true costs on both sides and offers a practical checklist for assessing your readiness.
Different mortgage programs have different credit score requirements — FHA loans commonly allow scores as low as 580, while conventional loans generally start at 620. Your score is just one factor lenders consider, and there are clear steps you can take to improve it before you apply.
This article explores whether waiting for interest rates to fall is the right strategy for homebuyers, weighing the risks of rising prices and competition against the benefits of acting now. It also covers when waiting may genuinely make sense and what loan programs could help buyers move forward in today's market.
This article explains how self-employed borrowers can qualify for a mortgage, covering loan program options like conventional, FHA, and bank statement loans, along with the documentation lenders require. It provides practical tips and real-world examples to help business owners and freelancers navigate the home-buying process with confidence.
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