How My $16,000 Roof Replacement Taught Me to Trust No One (Especially in Chicago)
The dream of homeownership in Chicago often comes wrapped in charming brick facades and leafy streets. What they don’t tell you? The roof over your head might be a ticking time bomb, maintained by an industry where trust is the first casualty. This is the story of how I learned that lesson the hard way […]
Stop Zillow-Scrolling, Start Getting Mortgage-Ready — Why Your “Maybe” Phase Is the Secret Weapon No One Talks About
You’re Not Wasting Time—You’re in Training It’s 11:37 PM. You’re on the couch, phone in hand, thumb hovering over a dreamy Craftsman with exposed beams. Or maybe it’s a Victorian with a turret. A sleek modern build with floor-to-ceiling windows. You imagine the life inside those walls.Sunday coffee. A future nursery. A dog named Louie […]
Ready to Buy a Home? Understanding and Improving Your Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio for a Smooth Homebuying Experience
Buying your first home is an exciting journey, but it’s also a major financial decision. While you may already be thinking about home inspections, offers, and location, there’s one key aspect of mortgage approval that often gets overlooked until it’s too late: your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio. Understanding what this ratio is, how it’s calculated, and how it impacts your mortgage approval is critical to securing the best mortgage rates and setting yourself up for a successful homebuying experience.
Understanding Mortgage Refinancing: Pros, Cons, and Guidelines for the Seasoned Homeowner
As a homeowner, lenders and brokers may reach out to you after a period to present the opportunity to refinance your mortgage. This could be an appealing option for many homeowners offering the potential for lower interest rates, reduced monthly payments, and even a shorter loan term.