HBFRnation

04/30/2026

Breaking News!

How mortgage expert Margie Hennessey turned her cultural connection into a mission — guiding buyers, especially those in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, through the home loan process with accessibility, education, and expertise.

04/21/2026

Coutuing down to our biggest event this year!

along with Flemer Linguistics and Signing Home Loans

https://www.deafnation.com/dnexpo/2026-atlanta/

03/31/2026

03/06/2026

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Late last week, mortgage rates dropped, driving the weekly average down to its lowest level in more than three years. The impacts are noticeable, as weekly purchase applications and refinance activity have jumped, underscoring the benefits for both buyers and current owners. It appears that housing....

02/13/2026

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7606442435165654285

How do credit scores affect interest rates?

This clip sparked lots of interest so in case you missed it...

Credit scores play a major role in determining the interest rate you’re offered on a loan. Even a small change in your score can make a meaningful difference.

A difference of as little as 20 points, whether higher or lower, can impact your interest rate. Over time, that rate difference can translate into thousands of dollars more or less paid over the life of the loan.

Because of this, understanding your credit profile and how it affects your borrowing power is an important part of the mortgage process. Small improvements to your credit can lead to long-term savings and stronger loan options.

Check out Signing Home Loans’s video.

02/13/2026

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7606442308195732750

What’s actually included in a monthly mortgage payment?

This clip sparked lots of interest so in case you missed it...

A mortgage payment is often referred to as PITI, which stands for principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.

The principal portion goes toward paying down the loan balance. Interest is the cost of borrowing the money and is paid to the lender. Taxes refer to property taxes, which are typically collected monthly and held in escrow. Insurance is the homeowner’s insurance that protects the property.

In some cases, an additional insurance component may be included, such as private mortgage insurance or FHA mortgage insurance, depending on the loan type and down payment amount.

It’s also important to note that expenses like HOA or condo dues are not part of the mortgage payment itself, but they should still be factored into your total monthly housing cost.

Understanding how each part of your payment works makes it easier to budget confidently and know exactly where your money is going each month.

Check out Signing Home Loans’s video.

02/13/2026

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7606441940397083917

This clip sparked lots of interest so in case you missed it...

Appraisal and inspection are often confused, but they serve very different purposes. An appraisal focuses on the home’s value and whether it supports the purchase price for the lender. An inspection looks at the home’s condition and identifies potential issues with the property itself. Both are important, but they answer two completely different questions.

Check out Signing Home Loans’s video.

02/13/2026

https://www.tiktok.com//video/7606441510871108877

Can you use gift money for a down payment?

This clip sparked lots of interest so in case you missed it...

Yes, gift funds can be used toward a down payment in many loan programs, but there are important rules to follow.

Typically, gift money must come from an acceptable source, such as a family member, and it must be clearly documented as a gift rather than a loan. Lenders require specific documentation to verify where the funds came from and to confirm that repayment is not expected.

A clear paper trail is essential. The movement of the funds needs to be traceable, which means undocumented cash deposits are not allowed. Proper documentation helps ensure the loan meets underwriting guidelines and avoids delays.

When handled correctly, gift funds can be a helpful way to make homeownership more achievable. Understanding the requirements ahead of time makes the process smoother and prevents surprises later on.

Check out Signing Home Loans’s video.

02/06/2026

How long does it take to go from under contract to closing?

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In many cases, the standard timeline is about 30 days from contract to closing.

That said, timelines can be much shorter when everything is well prepared. If a loan is fully pre-approved, has already been through underwriting, and all documentation has been satisfied, it may be possible to close in as little as 10 days.

The biggest factor in how quickly you can close is preparation. Being well organized and fully vetted upfront can make a significant difference in the timeline.

02/06/2026

Can you buy a home if you have student loans?

This clip sparked lots of interest so in case you missed it...

Having student loans does not automatically prevent you from buying a home. Many buyers qualify for mortgages while carrying student loan debt.

When evaluating an application, lenders look at how your student loan payments fit into your overall budget. A manageable portion of your student loan obligation is factored into your debt-to-income ratio alongside your proposed housing payment.

The goal is to make sure your monthly income can comfortably support both your existing student loan payments and the new mortgage. With the right structure and planning, homeownership can still be a realistic option even with student loans in the picture.

02/06/2026

What is an escrow account and how does it work?

This clip sparked lots of interest so in case you missed it...

An escrow account is often compared to a savings account. To escrow simply means to hold funds.

In a mortgage, escrow is a lender-managed account used to pay property taxes and homeowners insurance. Each month, your mortgage payment includes one month’s worth of taxes and insurance, which is added to the escrow account.

When your property tax bills or insurance premiums are due, they are paid automatically from this account. This helps ensure those important expenses are paid on time without you having to manage them separately.

By including taxes and insurance in your monthly payment, an escrow account simplifies budgeting and reduces the risk of missed payments.