Steven Levin's Mortgage Report

Is your credit ready for a home purchase?

28 March 2023

When you apply for a mortgage, your qualifications will be reviewed, and your credit will have a significant impact on what mortgage rates and loan products will be available to you. The stronger your credit, the better chance you have at qualifying for a great interest rate and more loan options. Because of this, your first step in the homebuying process should be examining your credit. Here’s how you can find out if your credit is ready for buying a home.

Your checklist for spring cleaning

21 March 2023

Spring is a time of renewal, and for many people, it’s also the perfect time to refresh their homes with some spring cleaning. Giving your home a thorough cleaning can be a big project, but with a checklist, you can tackle it one task at a time. Follow this helpful spring-cleaning checklist to stay organized and on track.

Get proactive with these home safety tips

28 February 2023

We’re fortunate to live in a time of unmatched safety and comfort. However, it’s easy to overlook the more mundane dangers that still exist in our homes. Though they rarely grab headlines, threats such as fires, carbon monoxide and falls leave thousands injured or worse every year. Thankfully, many of these dangers can be significantly reduced with some simple precautions, habits or products. Here are four such ways to make your home safer.

5 popular mortgage programs for first-time homebuyers

21 February 2023

Buying your first home can be a challenge. There’s a down payment to save for, credit score minimums to meet and a monthly payment to fit in your budget. However, with the right mortgage program, you may be able to purchase your first home with less cash, easier qualifying requirements or lower monthly expenses than you might expect. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular home financing options for those who are ready to become homeowners.

How to prepare your home to sell

14 February 2023

Selling a home is rarely as simple as staking a “for sale” sign in the front yard and waiting for buyers to come knocking. To increase your odds of a quick sale, a high price and a smooth process, you’ll often need to invest in preparing your home for the market. With the basic steps below, you can help your home show its best and dazzle potential buyers.