
When applying for a mortgage, most people must provide paystubs and W-2 forms to verify their income. So what are you supposed to do if you're self-employed or a 1099 contractor? Many falsely believe buying a home is significantly more challenging if you're not a W-2 employee, but this is essentially a myth.
Buying a home when you're self-employed isn't difficult, it just requires a couple of extra steps. Our real estate agents are here to walk our non-traditional earners through the steps of securing a mortgage.

Buying a home is not the same process as five years ago. Saving up for a down payment and maintaining good credit used to be the biggest obstacles for homebuyers. Those challenges still exist, but in today's fast-paced market, you need to have more than just your finances in order. You need to adopt a specific mindset and be willing to put in the work to see success. Our real estate agents support successful homebuyers every day, so we pulled together a list of some of the most common traits our successful clients have in common.

Whether you need additional space or are looking to build wealth, buying a home is a major financial goal for millions of people. When you're ready to start the home shopping process, it's easy to be intimidated. Real estate transactions are complicated, and home purchases are a big decision. This is why it's so important to trust an experienced real estate professional to guide you through the process. To make things a bit easier for first-time buyers, our real estate agents created this quick cheat sheet to help you get started:

From charm to craftsmanship, older homes have a lot to offer. But when it comes to maintenance and upkeep, they can also be full of surprises. There is no shortage of older homes in the area, but are they worth the investment? The answer isn't always straightforward, and it ultimately comes down to tradeoffs. Older homes can hold a lot of value, but you must have the time, energy, and funding to maintain them. If you're considering an older home, our real estate agents pulled together a quick list of considerations to help inform your decision:

If you're ready to purchase a new home, our real estate agents always recommend reviewing your finances as a good first step. When it comes to obtaining a mortgage, your credit score is one of the most important considerations. Lenders use your credit score to evaluate the likelihood that you'll repay the loan. As a result, you'll need a good credit score to be approved for a mortgage. Once approved, lower interest rates are generally available to consumers with top credit scores. A good credit score can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
In the months leading up to your home purchase, you should do everything possible to boost your credit score. Here are some tips to do just that: