From Renting to Owning: Your 2026 Guide to Buying a Home for the First Time
Renting offers flexibility. But for many, the dream of homeownership is about stability, building equity and creating a space to truly call your own. If you’re a renter looking to make the leap in 2026, you’re not alone. High rent costs, limited housing inventory and interest rate concerns may feel like roadblocks; but with the […]
Homebuying in 2026: What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?
Understanding mortgage credit requirements in 2026 can help you plan smarter and avoid surprises when applying for a home loan. One of the most important numbers to understand before you start shopping for a new home is your credit score. Mortgage lenders use your credit score to determine how likely you are to repay a […]
How Much Equity Will You Gain from Owning a Home? It Depends on These 6 Factors
One of the most powerful benefits of homeownership is the potential to build equity. But what exactly is equity, how do you gain it and how fast can it grow? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or planning your next move, understanding equity can help you make smarter decisions and grow your wealth in the process. […]
Best Home Loans for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026: Top 5 Loan Programs to Know
Thinking about buying your first home in 2026? If so, you’re probably asking, “What are the best home loans for first-time buyers?” The good news is that today’s mortgage landscape includes a variety of affordable home loan options—many with low down payments, flexible credit requirements and competitive rates. At Compass Mortgage, we specialize in helping […]
What to Expect on Closing Day: A 2025 Guide for Homebuyers
Closing day is the final milestone in your homebuying journey. It’s the moment where your dream of homeownership becomes a legal reality. This comprehensive guide breaks down what to expect, what to bring and how to prepare for one of the most exciting days of your life. What is closing day? Closing day is the […]
Mortgage 101: Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Home Loan Process
earn the 6 key steps in the mortgage loan process—from pre-approval to closing—and how Compass Mortgage makes it faster, easier and more personal.
16 Mortgage Acronyms Every Homebuyer Should Know
What do APR, P&I, and CD all have in common? They are all mortgage acronyms you will likely come across during the home loan process, including in your paperwork or lender communications. In this article, we’ll break down 16 essential mortgage acronyms and explain how knowing these terms can help you confidently navigate the loan […]
What’s the Difference Between an FHA and Conventional Appraisal?
In all cases in which a mortgage loan is used to purchase a home, a lender will require an appraisal of the home. Appraisals are used by lenders to determine a property’s value and to help protect the lender’s investment as well as that of the homebuyer. Home appraisals differ based on the type of […]
7 Things to Know About the HomeStyle® Renovation Loan
TV shows like Fixer Upper and Rehab Addict can inspire homebuyers to purchase a home in need of renovations or rehab and make it into their own, but they leave out a very crucial part of the process: financing the renovations. Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle® Renovation Mortgage allows borrowers to include financing for home improvements when […]
9 Ways to Slash Your Home Utility Bill This Fall & Winter
Energy efficient home maintenance tasks probably aren’t on your list of favorite fall activities. Nevertheless, these home improvements and home maintenance fixes will keep your cool-weather utility costs a little bit lower this fall and winter. Maintain Your Furnace Having an HVAC professional take a look at your heating system can do wonders for your […]