Our Blog
The Anatomy of a Loan Estimate
Along your journey to homeownership, you’ll likely be given a loan estimate to review. A loan estimate is an extremely important document that provides a complete breakdown of your mortgage loan. It will give you information about your loan amount,...
15 vs. 30-Year Mortgages and How to Choose Which Is Right for You
If you’ve done even the slightest bit of research on obtaining a mortgage, you’ve undoubtedly discovered there are a wide range of mortgage solutions to choose from. For many potential buyers, the variety and qualifications of each product can be...
The Lowdown on Low Rates: What Do They Mean for You?
Low interest rates typically mean that buyers have more purchasing power, and that home ownership is more accessible than ever before. But is the time truly right for you? Falling rates bring more new homeowners into the marketplace and tempt existin...
4 Things to Know About Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a critical part of your fiscal health. The interest rate that home buyers can get on their mortgage, for example, is directly influenced by their credit score. Here are four things to know about that score. Ratio of Credit Used V...
Thinking About Refinancing Your Mortgage? Here Are Some Things to Consider First.
When you make the decision to buy a home, you do so knowing it will be among the largest and most important purchases of your lifetime. Most tangible objects you purchase will likely not cost as much. Furthermore, the cost, care, and time it takes to...
Prime Time for Purchasing or Refinancing a Home
If you were looking for a great time to purchase or refinance a home, this might be it. Lower interest rates have caused the seller’s market to slow down, and historically low rates make this an attractive time to buy or look for better loan te...
Historically Low Rates Make This a Prime Time to Refinance
Over the past five decades, 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have reached highs of 18.63%, in 1981, and lows of 3.31%, in 2012. Today, mortgage rates hover near historical lows. In fact, more than half of all mortgage holders hav...
Mortgage Types and Terms Explained
If you’re a first-time home buyer, the process of securing a mortgage can seem overwhelming. There’s a whole new vocabulary to learn, and you must make a sober assessment of your financial situation and what makes sense for you and your family. B...
What to Look for in a Home Inspection
When you’re ready to purchase your next house, the home inspection is a vital step in contract negotiations with the Seller, as well as determining the general condition of the property. Having an informed decision helps ensure you (and the Seller)...
Simple Ways to Save for Your Mortgage Down Payment
Congratulations! You’re in the market to make a home purchase, perhaps your first, and Gateway is ready to help you move in as soon as you can. This is one of the biggest steps a person can take, and it may very well be the most expensive one you u...
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Buy Your New Home
Traditionally, home listing and buying season starts in the Spring and Summer. It’s not hard to see why: lawns are green, flowers are in bloom, and homes and neighborhoods tend to look their best. As the weather cools, so do the markets – which m...
Things to Remember When Buying Your First Home
So you’re ready to jump into the search for your first home. It’s the American dream, after all, right? Just be sure to get your ducks in a row before setting out on your grand adventure. Here are our top three things to remember when buying your...
