Buying a home in Louisiana, whether for the first time or the last, is an exciting event. Yet before you even take a look at a single home for sale, it is a smart idea to have your mortgage financing lined up. While it is possible to get a home loan directly with your local

While homeownership has long been the American dream, buying a home is not necessarily the best choice for every person or every situation. There are many factors to consider in determining if a home purchase is the right decision for you right now. Can you Afford It? If the cost to own a home –

This year I’m celebrating my 40th! Some of you reading this are thinking… my gosh I’d love to be 40 again. And others are thinking “man, that’s old”! 40 feels great! I don’t feel old. I actually feel… wiser is the term I’d use. And grateful! Looking back on how I’ve changed as I meet

Is it just me, or is there just not enough time in the day? It’s even harder when you’re the type of person who feels like they have to plan and organize everything… that makes it especially hard to relax and just have fun. Now, don’t get me wrong. I have some stuff I love

A new client comes in to let you handle their real estate transaction. They don’t have a lender yet. You do what you’ve been told is the right thing… the ethical thing. You give them 3 business cards of lenders you have good relationships with. Heck, we might even be one of them. But that

If you’re considering buying a home, it’s important to make sure your finances are in proper order before you start looking for a house. Having your finances in shape, and well-organized is essential. You not only need to provide your taxes, proof of employment and paystubs, but also your bank statements. In fact, the bank

Sometimes change is hard. It can take weeks, years. Crying, therapy. Sweat, motivation. Other times, change is easy. We’re granted the gift of wisdom. We see things differently. Getting a mortgage loan can go either way. You can make it hard. Fighting with underwriting the whole way. Stressing over documents, approvals. Wondering about your rates

Everyone makes a point on Veterans Day and Memorial Day to thank our veterans for their service to our country. But what about the days in between? Those of you (like me) who come from non-military families can probably relate to the feeling that we could (and should) be doing more for those who sacrifice

You’ve picked out your home. You gave the sellers a deposit. You paid for the appraisal and the inspection. The lender says they just need a few more documents. Your loan closing is less than a week away. You’ve done everything right. Then it happens. YANK! Your lender tells you the last documents you sent

Buying a home is expensive! First you’ve got the cost of the home. Add on the required things…appraisals, inspections, taxes, insurance, maybe even repairs. Then you’ve got discretionary things like furniture, landscaping & decorations. Total it all up and you’re making a major investment! The sheer risk of losing your hard earned money is one