Learning Center

Buying a home is a big decision and we know you have questions.

Whether you are thinking about buying your first home, refinancing your current property, buying a second home, or wondering how to begin the process of getting a VA home loan, we are here to provide answers. You can find answers to anything home related: learn about finances, mortgages, credit score, tips about moving, and more!

Happy learning!

Family of four walking into new home looking happy
November 21, 2024

Should You Buy a Single-Family Home?

As you’re browsing through properties during your home search, are you considering the different types of residences?   There are many, and one type that many homebuyers desire is the single-family home. While its definition can vary depending on who you

Lifestyle & Homeownership
Recent
Family of four cooking food together in their home kitchen
November 19, 2024

6 Ways to Get Your Kitchen Ready for the Holidays

With the decrease in temperature, changing leaves and rich, satisfying fall flavors comes the holiday season. And whether you’re cooking for the whole family or opening your home for a holiday party, you’ll likely need to do some kitchen preparation. 

Lifestyle & Homeownership
Man working on radiator inside home
November 13, 2024

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Depending on Your Region

The first day of winter is quickly approaching. Are you ready for it?  As a homeowner, you know you’re responsible for the longevity of your home, and that includes protecting it against the natural forces that transpire on our planet.

Lifestyle & Homeownership
Woman sitting on floor of new home while holding picture frame
November 11, 2024

Understanding First-Time Homebuyer Loans and Your Down Payment Options

While buying a home is intimidating, buying one for the first time can be even more daunting. You’re completely new to the process, people and commitment. And you’re probably wondering where you should even start.  One of the first items

Mortgage Loans
Lifestyle & Homeownership
Family of four cooking food together in their home kitchen
November 19, 2024

6 Ways to Get Your Kitchen Ready for the Holidays

With the decrease in temperature, changing leaves and rich, satisfying fall flavors comes the holiday season. And whether you’re cooking for the whole family or opening your home for a holiday party, you’ll likely need to do some kitchen preparation. 

Lifestyle & Homeownership
Man working on radiator inside home
November 13, 2024

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Depending on Your Region

The first day of winter is quickly approaching. Are you ready for it?  As a homeowner, you know you’re responsible for the longevity of your home, and that includes protecting it against the natural forces that transpire on our planet.

Lifestyle & Homeownership
Understanding Home Equity Loan Appraisals
October 21, 2024

Understanding Home Equity Loan Appraisals

Home equity loans have the potential to do a lot for you. They can help you start that kitchen remodel you’ve been thinking about since you moved in, act as a starting point for that small business endeavor you’ve had

Lifestyle & Homeownership
Banking & Personal Loans
Family sitting on couch while celebrating soccer game
September 5, 2024

Can a Certificate of Deposit Account Help You Save for Your Favorite Team’s Season Tickets?

Sports fans: Are you thinking of repping your team in person all season round? It may be time to invest in those season tickets. But if you don’t have the extra money hanging around to buy them, it could be

Banking & Personal Loans
Parent and child holding piggy bank together
June 10, 2024

How to Prepare Your Child for Their Very Own Checking Account

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to start planning for your child’s financial future as early as possible. No age is too young to teach them about financial responsibility. And you can do so in simple everyday living. However, you

Banking & Personal Loans
Man and woman reviewing financial documents
April 5, 2024

What is Debt Consolidation and Should You Consider It?

Have you ever found yourself surrounded by a stack of bills and credit card statements, wondering, “How did I get here, and more importantly, how can I find a way out?” If this scenario feels all too familiar, you’re not

Banking & Personal Loans
Mortgage Loans
Woman sitting on floor of new home while holding picture frame
November 11, 2024

Understanding First-Time Homebuyer Loans and Your Down Payment Options

While buying a home is intimidating, buying one for the first time can be even more daunting. You’re completely new to the process, people and commitment. And you’re probably wondering where you should even start.  One of the first items

Mortgage Loans
Man examining notes on laptop
November 7, 2024

All About Foreign National Loans

Believe it or not, the quintessential American dream of owning a home isn’t limited to Americans. As a non-U.S. citizen, you may think that it’s impossible to invest in real estate on American land. However, there are programs specifically catered

Mortgage Loans
Couple sitting at table together while they review documents on laptop
November 5, 2024

A Simple Guide to FHA Loans

Starting the home loan process begins with learning about all your financing options. And one common option (that you’ve probably already heard of) is a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan. FHA loans are a popular choice among different kinds of

Mortgage Loans
Construction
Couple discussing with builder in the middle of home building
July 25, 2024

Navigating the Market: When to Consider a Construction Loan

As the housing market goes through ebbs and flows, there will eventually be periods in which homes just aren’t being listed in abundance. If you’re a homebuyer, this can be frustrating, disappointing and, ultimately, feel hopeless. However, even when housing

Construction
Man and woman copule smiling while reviewing blueprints with builder
July 9, 2024

Construction Loans: Process, Timeline and Borrower Requirements

Searching for your dream home can take a lot of patience and compromise, but what if you discover that it just doesn’t exist yet? When you build your home, you have more control over as much as possible, down to

Construction
Wooden structure of house being built
March 13, 2024

What are Jumbo Construction Loans, and Who Are They For?

When you’re on the quest for your ideal next home, constructing a new house to your specifications can be a very attractive idea. If you are interested in building a home to suit your high-income lifestyle, or even looking to

Construction
VA Loans
Couple discussing over laptop while sitting together on couch
September 27, 2024

Why a VA IRRRL Could Be a Fitting Refinance Option

Wondering what your refinancing options are? As you’re doing your research, you may find yourself in information overload. However, if you already have a home loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may find that sticking

VA Loans
Woman sitting on couch while looking at laptop
September 25, 2024

A Beginner’s Guide to a VA IRRRL or VA Streamline Refinance

The opportunity to refinance your mortgage would ideally come with a handful of positives. But if you’re a qualified military borrower who already has a home loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may be able

VA Loans
Couple reviewing documents on laptop while sitting at table
September 19, 2024

Do VA IRRRLs Come with Closing Costs?

As a military borrower with a loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), you may be wondering what a VA refinance entails. If you opt for a VA interest rate reduction refinance loan (IRRRL), also known as

VA Loans