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Blog: All About Mortgage Education

>> Loan with Jen Education

"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest."

- Benjamin Franklin 

Welcome to our Loan With Jen blog! Here, you'll learn the latest (and greatest) tips and tricks to fund your dream home. Also, we have many different ways to learn about mortgage education! If you prefer to learn on the go, podcast-style, click here. Or, if you prefer to learn video-style, click here and subscribe to our YouTube channel. With our ever-evolving market we put out new content weekly so we're sure to have an answer to your mortgage question!

This image shows a line of five small red house-shaped pieces arranged in a row on a wooden surface.
By Jennifer Hernandez 05 Apr, 2024
Curious about the meaning of mortgage escrow accounts? Explore the mechanics behind escrow accounts and understand why they matter in your home buying journey.
Solar panels installed on the roof of a red brick house with a clear blue sky in the background.
By Jennifer Hernandez 14 Mar, 2024
Explore the basics of solar energy in our beginner's guide. Understand how solar panels function, and discover the benefits of harnessing the sun's energy for your home with a solar system. This is Solar Energy 101.
What Is a Home Mortgage and Why Do They Exist?
06 Feb, 2023
Mortgage loans allow people to buy their own homes without having all of the cash upfront. Learn about the history of mortgages and why they exist here.
A hand holding a key with a house-shaped keychain, with a blurred building in the background.
By Jennifer Hernandez 09 Nov, 2022
When buying a home, one of the most important things to have is a good credit score. Which is why knowing the truth about credit can be helpful! Everyone wants to have the highest score possible! What do homebuyers in Texas need to know? What can a local Houston loan officer tell you? This is your guide!
First time homebuyer signing contract
By Jennifer Hernandez 19 Sep, 2022
Purchasing a home is a big step in life, especially for first time homebuyers. There are some mistakes you'll want to avoid in order to make the process go smoothly. By avoiding pitfalls, you'll put yourself in a better position to purchase your dream home without any major issues. So, without further ado, here are ten mistakes that homebuyers in Texas should strive to avoid. Keep reading to enhance your homebuyer knowledge and make an informed purchase when house hunting.

Pre-Approval

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By Jennifer Hernandez 17 Feb, 2024
Step into your dream home with ease. Follow our simple, step-by-step guide covering essential aspects from credit scores to asset management, tailored for first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike.
The image shows three individuals in a meeting.
By Jennifer Hernandez 01 Feb, 2024
Considering a home purchase or sale? Consider 7 compelling reasons why partnering with a realtor is a smart move. From negotiation to market insights, find out how realtors enhance your real estate experience.
This image shows keys in a hand. Possibly keys to a house.
By Jennifer Hernandez 31 Dec, 2023
Discover the distinctions between home appraisals and inspections in order to make informed decisions on your home purchase.
This image shows a two-story house with white siding and a dark red roof.
By Jennifer Hernandez 23 Oct, 2023
Ready to buy your first home? Explore the advantages that come with being a first-time homebuyer in our detailed guide. Learn about low down payment opportunities, the Mortgage Credit Certificate, and how working with a local lender can make all the difference.
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By Jennifer Hernandez 31 May, 2023
Unravel the distinctions between mortgage pre-approval and pre-qualification with our concise guide. Understand the nuances and prepare effectively for your home buying journey.
Steps to buying a home
09 Mar, 2023
Are you thinking about finally buying a home this year? Read on for a complete guide on how to buy a home in eight easy steps.
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By Jennifer Hernandez 31 Jan, 2023
Mortgage points, also known as discount points or origination points, are fees that you pay your lender at closing in exchange for a reduced rate on your loan. Paying for mortgage points is essentially making an upfront interest payment to lower your long-term costs, and save you money over the life of the loan in the form of less interest paid. In this article, we will explore mortgage points, the advantages and disadvantages of paying for them, and how you can calculate if they are a good fit for your home loan.
An image of miniature model of a house resting on a calculator. Next to a card.
By Jennifer Hernandez 27 Sep, 2022
Due to the significant amount of money at stake, lenders go through a much more thorough review process before simply signing off on a borrower's request. A pre-qualification is a review of credit only, while a pre-approval additionally reviews income, assets and special circumstances. Are you wondering what documents you will need to get pre-approved in Texas? This is your guide!

Down Payment

A happy couple stands in front of a house, holding a wooden sign between them.
By Jennifer Hernandez 31 Jul, 2023
Ease the stress of buying a home in Texas with our comprehensive guide on homebuyer assistance programs. Find out how you can get the support you need for a smoother home purchasing journey.

Closing Costs

A woman is seated at a wooden table working on a laptop in a well-lit, modern kitchen.
By Jennifer Hernandez 31 Jul, 2023
Navigate the final stage of home buying with our detailed breakdown of closing costs. Learn what to expect and get tips on how to potentially reduce these expenses for a smoother real estate transaction.
The Top Hidden Costs When Buying a Home
06 Feb, 2023
First-time homebuyers may not be aware of all the hidden costs during the home-buying process. Learn what to expect in this guide.

Income for Qualifying

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By Jennifer Hernandez 06 Feb, 2023
If you're looking for ways to step into the the property ladder, but worried you don't earn enough, this guide will help show you how to buy a home with a low income.

Different Loan Programs

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By Jennifer Hernandez 29 Mar, 2023
Get acquainted with the diverse home occupancy types crucial for real estate investors. Our comprehensive guide breaks down each category to enhance your investment strategy.
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By Jennifer Hernandez 20 Oct, 2022
On paper, FHA loans are ideally to be for the house that you live in, rather than one that you use as an investment. It's a loan that people often seek when buying their first home, but you may have some options if you'd like to use it for an investment property.

Mortgage Payments

This is image shows a person writing on a document.
By Jennifer Hernandez 15 Jan, 2024
Explore the ins and outs of having a cosigner for your mortgage with our comprehensive guide. Learn how cosigners affect loan qualifications, credit scores, and make informed decisions for your home purchase.
A large, leafy green tree dominates has branches stretching out to frame the top portion of a house.
By Jennifer Hernandez 31 Jul, 2023
Discover why Texas, now with a population surpassing 30 million, has become a top destination for relocation. Explore the driving factors, including job prospects and cost of living, and learn the crucial details about Texas property taxes for homebuyers.
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By Jennifer Hernandez 03 Jan, 2023
The 2/1 Buydown strategy can be especially useful when rates are at a higher than normal level. As the market has seen from the upward swing in rates since that historic day in 2022 where rates practically doubled in a 6 month period, homebuyers more than ever are looking for ways to save money. The 2/1 Buydown could be just the product you are looking for. We've put together a brief guide that details everything you need to know. Let's get started.
A two-story house during twilight with illuminated windows, featuring a gabled roof and a porch.
By Jennifer Hernandez 14 Dec, 2022
Have you ever wondered how are mortgage rates determined? Buying a home for most people involves borrowing large sums of money from a lender, so it's helpful to know exactly what affects these rates. While there are a variety of factors that can affect mortgage rates, there are some that are beyond your control. However, by controlling the factors that are in your control, you will have more choices when it comes to making your next home purchase.

Market Insights

A red miniature house model is placed atop house blueprints with a black pen and a magnifying glass.
By Jennifer Hernandez 05 Apr, 2024
Understand the tax saving strategy to defer capital gains taxes for real estate investors by using a 1031 Exchange. This article provides you with key insights and strategies to optimize your investments and defer taxes effectively.
An aerial photograph of a suburban neighborhood. Rows of closely spaced single-family homes.
By Jennifer Hernandez 27 Mar, 2024
Uncover key trends in the Houston Housing Market 2024 . Discover what industry experts foresee for Houston's residential real estate, providing you with the knowledge to make informed decisions in the upcoming year.
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