Franklin isn’t getting more affordable. That’s not a scare tactic — it’s just the reality of living in one of the most desirable cities in Tennessee. But here’s the thing: buying a home here is more doable than most people think, especially when you stop waiting for the “perfect” time and start working with a plan.

If you’re already browsing this site, you’re closer than you realize. Let’s walk through what it actually takes to go from thinking about buying in Franklin to holding the keys.

Figure Out Where You Really Stand Financially

Before you look at a single listing in Westhaven or browse homes near downtown Franklin, get a clear picture of your finances. That doesn’t mean you need perfect credit or a massive savings account. It means knowing your numbers so we can find the right path forward.

Here’s what matters most to a lender:

• Your credit score — FHA loans can work with scores that many people assume are too low. VA loans offer even more flexibility for eligible veterans and service members.
• Your debt-to-income ratio — This is the percentage of your monthly income that goes toward debt payments. Recent guideline updates have made qualification easier for many buyers, so even if you were told no a year ago, the answer might be different today.
• Your available funds — Down payment assistance programs exist specifically for Tennessee buyers. You may not need to come up with as much cash as you think.

The point is, don’t rule yourself out before a loan officer has looked at your full picture. Many customers find out they qualify for more than they expected once we run actual numbers instead of guesses.

Pick the Right Loan Program for Your Situation

Franklin home prices mean you need a loan program that works hard for you. The good news is there are several, and the right one depends entirely on your circumstances.

FHA Loans are a strong option for first-time buyers. Lower down payment requirements and more flexible credit guidelines make them accessible. If you’ve been saving but don’t have 20% — or anything close to it — FHA is worth exploring.

VA Loans are available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses. The benefits are significant: no down payment requirement, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive interest rates. If you’re eligible and haven’t used your VA benefit, this is one of the most powerful tools available for buying in a market like Franklin.

Down Payment Assistance Programs in Tennessee can help cover your upfront costs. These programs change periodically, so working with a lender who stays current on what’s available makes a real difference.

A common question we hear is whether it’s better to wait and save more or buy now with less money down. In most cases, getting into a home sooner — even with a smaller down payment — means you start building equity instead of paying someone else’s mortgage through rent.

Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Shopping

In Franklin’s market, sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously. A pre-approval letter tells a seller you’ve already been vetted by a lender and you can actually close. Without one, your offer is just a hope.

Getting pre-approved with Accurate Mortgage is straightforward. We’ll review your income, assets, credit, and debts, then let you know exactly what you can afford. That number becomes your guide — no more wondering if a home is in your range.

Pre-approval also helps you avoid the heartbreak of falling in love with a home you can’t finance. It keeps the process efficient and focused.

Work With a Lender Who Knows How to Get Deals Done

Not every loan file is simple. Maybe your income is non-traditional. It could be you’ve had credit challenges. It might be another lender already said no.

That’s exactly where we do our best work. Accurate Mortgage specializes in finding solutions that other lenders miss. We know the programs, we know the guidelines, and we know how to structure a loan that makes sense for your situation — not just the easy ones.

Accurate Mortgage works with Franklin buyers every day and understands what it takes to get from application to closing in this market. If you want someone who will be straight with you about your options and then fight to make it happen, [reach out to Accurate Mortgage directly](https://accuratemtg.com/).

What to Do Right Now

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you call. That’s literally what we’re here for. If you’re renting in Franklin and wondering whether buying is realistic, or if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for things to change, the most productive thing you can do today is have a conversation with someone who can give you real answers based on your real numbers.

No obligation, no pressure — just clarity on what’s possible for you in Franklin right now.

The post Your Step-by-Step Plan to Buy a Home in Franklin appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

Know What You Owe Before You Call

Before reaching out to a loan officer, take thirty minutes and write down every debt you’re carrying outside your mortgage. Include the current balance, the monthly payment, and the interest rate for each one. Credit cards, auto loans, personal loans, student loans, medical bills in collections — all of it.

This isn’t just for your own clarity. When you sit down with a Mortgage Loan Advisor on our team, that list becomes the starting point for running real numbers. We can show you exactly what your new mortgage payment would look like with those debts rolled in, versus what you’re paying across all those accounts right now.

A common question we hear is whether every debt has to be included. The short answer is no. You choose which debts to pay off with the cash-out proceeds. If you have a car loan at a low rate with only a year left, it might make more sense to leave it alone. That’s a conversation worth having with your loan officer, and it’s one we have every day.

Check Your Equity Position

Cash-out refinancing requires equity in your home. If you’ve owned your home in the Franklin area or anywhere in Tennessee for several years, there’s a good chance your property has appreciated meaningfully. Even if you bought more recently, you may have more equity than you think — especially if you made a larger down payment or your neighborhood has seen strong demand.

You don’t need a formal appraisal before you call us. We can pull preliminary numbers and give you a realistic idea of where you stand. An official appraisal happens during the loan process, but knowing your approximate equity ahead of time helps you understand how much cash you could access and whether the math works for your situation.

Gather Your Documents Early

A debt consolidation refinance follows the same documentation process as any mortgage. Having these ready before you apply saves days of back-and-forth:

• Two recent pay stubs from each borrower
• Two years of W-2s (and tax returns if you’re self-employed)
• Two months of bank statements — all pages, even the blank ones
• Your most recent mortgage statement
• Statements for every debt you want to consolidate

If your income situation is non-traditional — maybe you’re a 1099 contractor, you receive VA disability income, or you have rental property — don’t assume that disqualifies you. Accurate Mortgage works with lending programs designed for exactly these situations. Bring what you have, and we’ll figure out the right path.

Understand What Changes and What Doesn’t

When you consolidate debt into your mortgage, your mortgage balance goes up. That’s the trade-off, and it’s important to go in with your eyes open. What you gain is a single fixed monthly payment replacing a handful of variable-rate revolving accounts and installment loans. For many homeowners, the total amount leaving their bank account each month drops significantly, and the predictability of one fixed payment makes budgeting far simpler.

Your home remains your collateral, just as it is now with your existing mortgage. The difference is that unsecured debt — like credit cards charging double-digit interest — gets replaced by mortgage debt at a much lower rate. That shift in interest cost is where the real savings come from.

One thing that doesn’t change: your obligation to make your mortgage payment on time. If part of the reason you’re consolidating is that juggling multiple due dates has led to late payments, simplifying down to one payment can genuinely help you stay on track going forward.

What Happens After You Apply

Once your application is submitted and documents are in, the process typically moves through underwriting and appraisal within a few weeks. Our team keeps you updated at every step — no guessing, no radio silence. If underwriting needs something additional, we’ll tell you immediately and explain exactly what’s needed and why.

At closing, the debts you’ve chosen to consolidate get paid off directly. You don’t receive a check and hope you use it responsibly. The title company sends payoffs to your creditors, and those accounts are closed or zeroed out.

Ready to See Your Numbers?

The best next step is a conversation with real numbers in front of you — not hypotheticals. Reach out to us at mhoover@accuratemtg.com to get a clear picture of what a debt consolidation refinance would look like for your specific situation. No obligation, no pressure — just the math laid out so you can make a confident decision.

The post How to Prepare for a Debt Consolidation Refinance appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

Top Nashville Mortgage FAQs

1. How much down payment do I need?

Nashville, like most areas, offers various mortgage options with varying down payment requirements. 

Conventional Loans: Typically require a minimum down payment of 5%, however at least 20% is needed to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is an additional monthly fee paid by borrowers with a down payment of less than 20%. However, there are first time homebuyer programs that only require a 3% down payment, though they will also have PMI.

• FHA Loans: Designed for first-time homebuyers or those with lower credit scores, FHA loans allow a minimum down payment of 3.5%. However, they come with mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), which are similar to PMI but may differ in structure and cost.

Government-backed Loans:

• VA Loans: Offered to eligible veterans and active military personnel, VA loans require no down payment. These loans offer several benefits, including competitive interest rates and lenient credit score requirements.USDA Loans: Designed for rural areas, USDA loans can offer 0% down payment options for qualified borrowers meeting income limits.

• Qualifying for specific loan types: Certain loan programs, like FHA or VA loans, may have specific down payment requirements or limitations.

Tips for Determining Your Down Payment:

• • Consult a mortgage professional: They can analyze your financial situation and recommend a down payment strategy that aligns with your goals and affordability.
  • Consider using online mortgage calculators: These tools can help you estimate your monthly payments and potential savings based on different down payment scenarios.
  • Don’t deplete your emergency savings: While a larger down payment can offer benefits, it’s equally crucial to maintain a healthy emergency fund for unforeseen expenses.

Remember, the “ideal” down payment ultimately depends on your individual circumstances, risk tolerance, and long-term financial goals. By understanding the options available and seeking professional guidance, you can make an informed decision about the right down payment amount for your Nashville home purchase.

2. What are the current mortgage rates in Nashville? Rates are constantly fluctuating, so it’s crucial to stay updated. We recommend calling your loan advisor and asking to be put on their rate watch email or consulting a local mortgage lender like Accurate Mortgage for the most accurate and personalized rates.

3. Do I need to get pre-qualified before house hunting? Absolutely! In fact, you could say that it’s the most important point of our Nashville home buying guide. Prequalification gives you a clear picture of your affordability range, making your search more efficient and placing you in a stronger position when making offers. Once you know what your budget is, you can start searching for the perfect nashville home at sites like realtracs.com. Click here to start your pre approval process.

4. What type of mortgage is right for me? This depends on your individual circumstances. Let’s explore options like fixed-rate mortgages, offering stability with a constant interest rate.

Types of Mortgages

• Fixed-Rate Mortgages: These are the most popular choice for many and offer the greatest stability. Here are some common terms:
  • 15-year Fixed: A shorter term, ideal if you can afford the higher monthly payments to pay off your mortgage sooner and benefit from lower overall interest costs.

• • 30-year Fixed: This is the classic mortgage term with more manageable monthly payments compared to a 15-year. However, you’ll pay more interest over the longer term.FHA Loans: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, they offer flexibility for buyers with lower credit scores and smaller down payments (minimum of 3.5%). Keep in mind that FHA loans typically come with mortgage insurance premiums.

• VA Loans: If you are an eligible veteran or active-duty military member, VA loans provide excellent benefits, including no down payment requirements and competitive interest rates.
• USDA Loans: Designed for those looking to purchase in designated rural areas, USDA loans can offer favorable terms and potentially no down payment requirements for income-qualifying borrowers.

How to Decide: Factors to Consider

• Long-term plans: If you intend to stay in your Nashville home for many years, a fixed-rate mortgage assures a predictable monthly payment and protection against interest rate hikes.
• Financial Situation: Assess your down payment capabilities, income stability, and credit score. These will impact your eligibility for specific loan types. Check your credit to buy a home in Nashville here.

Get Personalized Guidance

At Accurate Mortgage, we’re committed to navigating you through the wide range of mortgage options. Contact us at accuratemtg.com to explore the best fit for your Nashville homeownership dreams, whether it’s a fixed-rate mortgage or a government-backed loan.

5. What closing costs should I expect in Nashville? Nashville’s average home price in January 2024 was $570,00. Closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount and can vary depending on various factors. Ask your loan advisor for an estimated closing cost sheet upfront to avoid surprises.

Be a confident Buyer

Remember, a well-informed buyer is a confident buyer. At Accurate Mortgage, we’re dedicated to guiding you through the mortgage process smoothly and efficiently. This Nashville home buying guide is just the first step! Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s turn your Nashville homeownership dream into a reality!

#NashvilleHomes #NashvilleRealEstate #NashvilleMortgageLender #BuyingANashvilleHome #MortgageTips #FirstTimeHomebuyer #HomebuyingJourney #RealEstateInvesting #Homeownership

The post Nashville Home Buying Guide: Your Top Mortgage Questions Answered! appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

BBB Rating and Reviews

Accurate Mortgage Group holds an A+ rating from the BBB, demonstrating their commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction. Their BBB profile showcases a minimal number of complaints, each addressed promptly and professionally. This low complaint volume speaks volumes about Accurate Mortgage Group’s ability to resolve issues effectively.

Google Reviews

Accurate Mortgage Group maintains a 4.9 out of 5-star rating on Google, with over 200 customer reviews. This impressive rating reflects their consistent delivery of exceptional service and positive client experiences. Customers have praised the company’s knowledgeable loan officers, clear communication, and efficient loan processing.

Why Choose Accurate Mortgage Group?

Beyond their BBB rating and Google reviews, Accurate Mortgage Group offers several compelling reasons to consider them for your mortgage needs:

• Extensive Experience: With over 25 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Accurate Mortgage Group possesses the expertise to guide you through the homeownership process seamlessly.
• Diverse Loan Options: They offer a wide range of mortgage products to suit various borrower needs, including conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, and jumbo loans.
• Competitive Rates: Accurate Mortgage Group strives to provide competitive interest rates, ensuring that you get the best value for your mortgage.
• Streamlined Process: They prioritize efficiency and transparency, keeping you informed throughout the loan process and minimizing delays.
• Customer-Centric Approach: Their team of experienced loan officers is dedicated to providing personalized service and addressing your concerns promptly.

The Best Mortgage Company

Accurate Mortgage Group emerges as the top contender in the Nashville mortgage market, consistently garnering positive feedback from both the BBB and Google reviewers. Their strong rating, extensive experience, diverse loan options, competitive rates, streamlined process, and customer-centric approach make them a reliable choice for your mortgage needs. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, Accurate Mortgage Group is committed to helping you achieve your dream of homeownership. To find out why Accurate Mortgage Group can be the best mortgage company for you, visit them at accuratemtg.com or call (615) 833-0456.

The post Choosing the Best Mortgage Company: A Review of Accurate Mortgage appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

Credit Score Ease: Your Key to the Easiest Mortgage

In the realm of mortgages, your credit score is the secret sauce. Aim for options like FHA loans, tailor-made for flexibility. With a potential qualification threshold as low as 580 and a minimal down payment of 3.5%, FHA loans make the journey to homeownership smoother for those with diverse credit histories.

Down Payment Assistance Programs: Your Financial Ally

Struggling with the upfront costs? Dive into the world of down payment assistance programs. These financial allies provide crucial support, offering assistance or low-interest loans to ease the burden of the initial investment, making your homeownership dreams more achievable.

FHA Loans: Simplifying the Mortgage Game

Ever heard of FHA loans? Think of them as the laid-back option in the mortgage world. Backed by the government, FHA loans are forgiving when it comes to credit scores and down payments. Boasting a minimum credit score requirement of around 580 and a down payment as low as 3.5%, they’re a hassle-free choice for aspiring homeowners.

VA Loans: A Salute to Simplicity for Veterans

If you’re a military veteran, VA loans are your ticket to a straightforward homeownership journey. Offering competitive interest rates and waiving the need for a down payment, these loans salute your service by simplifying the process. With a VA loan, your dream home might be closer than you think.

USDA Loans: Where Rural Living Meets Easy Mortgages

Dreaming of a home nestled in rural tranquility? USDA loans are your ticket. Designed for homes in designated rural areas, these loans require zero down payment. Ideal for those seeking simplicity in the mortgage process while embracing the charm of rural living.

Accurate Mortgage Can Help

In your quest for the easiest mortgage, finding the perfect fit is key. Explore options like FHA loans, dance with down payment assistance programs, salute to VA loans if you’ve served, and consider the USDA route for a simplified journey to homeownership.

Ready to dive into the mortgage world? Connect with Accurate Mortgage, where our expert Mortgage Loan Advisors specialize in simplifying the process for you. With their guidance, you’ll confidently navigate the maze, unlocking the door to your dream home with the easiest mortgage tailored to your unique situation. Start your homeownership journey with Accurate Mortgage today by calling (615) 833-0456 or visiting us at accuratemtg.com

The post Unlocking Your Homeownership Journey: Navigating the Easiest Mortgage Options appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

Understanding Credit Scores

Before delving into the specifics of credit score requirements, it’s essential to understand the significance of credit scores in the mortgage application process. Credit scores, typically ranging from 300 to 850, provide lenders with an indication of your creditworthiness. The higher your credit score, the more likely you are to be approved for a mortgage with favorable terms.

Minimum Credit Score Requirements in Tennessee

While credit score requirements can vary among lenders, there are general guidelines that aspiring homebuyers in Tennessee should be aware of. In most cases, a minimum credit score of 620 is considered acceptable for conventional loans. However, some government-backed loan programs, such as FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans, may have more lenient requirements, accepting credit scores as low as 500 with a larger down payment.

It’s important to note that meeting the minimum credit score requirement doesn’t guarantee loan approval. Lenders also consider factors such as your debt-to-income ratio, employment history, and overall financial stability when assessing your mortgage application.

Steps to Improve Your Credit Score

If your credit score falls below the desired threshold, don’t be discouraged. There are steps you can take to improve your creditworthiness and increase your chances of securing a home loan with better terms:

1. Check Your Credit Report: Obtain a copy of your credit report to review your credit history for inaccuracies. Dispute any errors you find with the credit bureaus.
2. Pay Your Bills on Time: Timely payment of bills, including credit cards, loans, and other debts, has a positive impact on your credit score.
3. Reduce Outstanding Debt: Aim to lower your overall debt, particularly credit card balances. This can positively affect your debt-to-income ratio.
4. Avoid Opening New Credit Accounts: Opening new credit accounts can temporarily lower your credit score. Focus on managing your existing accounts responsibly.

Your dream home awaits

In Tennessee, as in many parts of the country, a solid credit score is a key factor in securing a home loan. By understanding the minimum credit score requirements and taking steps to improve your creditworthiness, you can improve your chances of successfully navigating the homebuying journey. Remember that consulting with an Accurate Mortgage  Loan Advisor and exploring various loan programs can provide you with tailored advice based on your unique financial situation.Your dream home awaits, and Accurate Mortgage is here to help you turn that dream into a reality.

Visit us online today or give us a call today at (615) 833-0456!

The post Your Home Buying Journey: Minimum Credit Score Requirements for Home Loans in Tennessee appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

If you’re looking to refinance your mortgage, Accurate Mortgage is here to help. In this guide, you’ll find out the benefits of refinancing and how Accurate Mortgage can help you get it done.

What Is Refinancing?

Refinancing refers to a financial strategy that allows you to replace your existing mortgage with a new one. When you decide to refinance your mortgage, you’ll be seeking to improve the loan’s terms, such as getting a better interest rate or payment schedule, otherwise known as the term.

Some reasons why borrowers may want to refinance can include:

• Lower your interest rate
• Consolidating high-interest consumer debt
• Improving monthly cash flow
• Shortening of a loan’s repayment period
• Get cash out for home
• Improvement projects
• Add or remove someone from the loan

The reasons listed above are often interlinked. For example, falling interest rates provide a great opportunity to lock in a better rate than you currently have. A lower interest rate can reduce your monthly payment.

As it turns out, one of the best reasons to refinance is to offer yourself more options. Refinancing is a versatile tool. Let’s look at how it works. 

How Does Refinancing Work?

If you are looking to refinance your home, it is important to understand the ins and outs of refinancing to make sure that this is the right option for you and your family.

Let’s start by understanding how refinancing works to obtain more favorable borrowing terms. First, consider your goals—lowering your fixed interest rate, reducing a payment, or switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed-rate mortgage.

Once you have set your goals, it is important to pinpoint the right moment to apply for refinancing. Macroeconomic factors can influence interest rates, which rise and drop cyclically, therefore most borrowers wait before seeking better borrowing terms. With interest rates now back on the rise from record lows, now is the time to take advantage—before it’s too late. Our experts at Accurate Mortgage can help you understand your options.

Accurate Mortgage Refinancing Options

When consulting one of our expert Mortgage Loan Advisors, you will discover many refinancing options that might be suitable for your needs, including:

• Rate and term refinancing: One of the most popular reasons for refinancing, adjusting your rate and term allows you to adapt to the current market environment. 
• Cash-in or Cash-out refinancing: Cash-in refinancing allows you to put a lump sum down down on your home so that your new mortgage is for much less. Cash-out refinancing allows you to take equity out of the home for much-needed liquidity. 
• Consolidation: People with debt on several credit cards often consolidate into a simpler loan with better terms. What many folks don’t know is that you can also consolidate loans of varying kinds, bundling debt from your car, home, credit cards, and/or consumer debt. 

Once again, you can see that the options are seemingly endless. Whether you’d like to exchange that adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) for a lower fixed rate or put more equity into your home with a cash-in refinancing, our experts here at Accurate Mortgage will help you find the best option. 

Benefits of Refinancing

As we have seen, the most important benefit of refinancing is that it can give you access to better borrowing rates and can offer you the possibility of lower interest rates. In addition, you may be able to reduce your loan term, resulting in cash savings on interest rates and improve your household cash flow. 

While refinancing comes with many benefits, it might also reset the original loan length and reduce your home equity. Because of this, refinancing is not the best alternative for all borrowers, and you should always consult an expert lender at the Accurate Mortgage Group before getting started.

Refinancing for your future with Accurate Mortgage

Life offers opportunities and tragedies alike, both of which could benefit from mortgage refinancing. Whatever your reasons, whatever your goals, Accurate Mortgage is here to help you make the most of your most important investment. Visit us online to get your mortgage rate quote or give us a call today at (615)833-0456!

The post Mortgage Refinancing 101: What, How, and Why It Works appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

When refinancing your home loan, you pay off the existing mortgage and replace it with a new one. Generally, there are two types of refinances:

Rate and term refinance: With this type of refinance, the new loan has a different rate and/or term than your current loan. This is the type of loan to do if you just want to lower your rate and payment or shorten the term, say from 30 years to 15 years.

Cash-out refinance: With a cash-out refinance, you refinance for more than you owe and keep the difference in cash. This refinance option enables you to put the equity in your home to work for you. While it is possible that you may be able to lower your rate with a cash-out refinance, that is not always the case. Instead, the main goal here is the check you’ll receive after the loan closes.

Here are the top 4 reasons you might consider refinancing your home:

Lower Your Interest Rate

A rate and term refinance can help you enjoy long-term savings, not only with a lower monthly payment, but also by reducing the amount of interest you’ll pay over the life of the loan. This can be a great idea if you are planning to stay in your home for at least a few years. If you think that you may want to sell your home in the near future, it may not be worth the cost to refinance since you may not be in the home long enough to enjoy the savings.

Pay Off High Interest Consumer Debt

If you’ve accumulated a large amount of high-interest debt, like credit cards, a cash-out refinance can consolidate those bills into a mortgage payment with a much lower rate, potentially saving you thousands of dollars and dramatically reducing your monthly outgoing cash flow.. However, it’s wise to examine your spending habits and make changes so that you don’t end up with a lot of high-interest consumer debt all over again.

Paying for Home Improvements

A cash-out refinance is a cost effective way to afford home improvements when you don’t have the cash on hand. This enables you to borrow a lot of money at once, which means expensive renovations are within reach without taking too much from your monthly budget.

Get Rid of PMI

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is a type of insurance that protects the lender in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan. Typically, you’ll have PMI if you bring less than a 20% down payment or if you have an FHA loan, which requires mortgage insurance no matter the size of your down payment. A rate and term refinance is a great way to take advantage of your home’s increase in value due to the hot housing market by refinancing into a new loan without mortgage insurance. This alone may save you hundreds a month on your payment.

Here to Help

Refinancing may or may not make financial sense for you and your family. That’s why Accurate Mortgage will look at your specific situation and advise you the same way we would a member of our own family.

To learn more about your refinancing options, contact Accurate Mortgage today.

Refinancing the easy way with Accurate Mortgage

There are many reasons why a mortgage refinance may be right for you and Accurate Mortgage is here to help you make the process as easy and as painless as possible. Visit us online to get your mortgage rate quote or give us a call today at (615) 833-0456!

The post Top Four Reasons to Refinance Your Home appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

But how do the Joneses keep doing it year after year? And what will it take to throw your name into the tall red hat for the most festive homeowner? 

At Accurate Mortgage, we know how much pride you take in your home and in the holidays. That’s why we’re dedicated to giving you an edge with these top trends in holiday decor.

Go Big

For the last decade or so, going big during the holiday season meant having the largest, loudest, most hard-to-ignore inflatable on your lawn. But playing by the old rules limits your margin for victory. This year, there’s a new king in outsized holiday decor: massive ornaments.

As bright and inviting as their tree-bound counterparts, these gigantic lawn ornaments make the kind of wonderland statement that turns heads and inspires awe among the ranks of the homeowners association. One giant ornament is enough to set your lawn apart from the pretenders, but two or three arranged together can put your house on the map for the traditional cruise around the subdivision.

Diversify Your Light

Trying to win the holiday season with more string lights turns the contest into a game of numbers. Your neighbor puts up 600, so you put up 800. Meanwhile, a guy down the street puts up 1,200 string lights and you’re suddenly out of the running. It’s time to diversify your lighting methods by introducing a little chaos into the certainty of your rivals.

Why limit your light sources when you could incorporate projectors instead? Full of preprogrammed light shows, animation, numerous festive patterns, and smart app capabilities, holiday projectors liberate festive lights from eaves and gutters for a more alluring holiday spectacle! 

Light up the front of your house like the arctic sky itself with only a carefully concealed tripod this holiday season.

LED Sculptures

While bright sculptures may feel like a step behind inflatables, recent advancements in LED technology and a new range of options make this trend worth returning to. A few years ago, you’d be lucky to find anything more than a wicker deer lifting and lowering its head. These days, LED sculptures come in all shapes and sizes.

From twinkling, LED willow trees to playful penguins, Santa’s sleigh to candy-striped signs, there are hundreds of ways to make your LED sculptures feel personal, powerful, and provocative. Find LED sculptures to fit your region, hobbies, sports fandom, and more this holiday season! The more personal your decorations are, the more they’ll get noticed!

Keeping the Holidays Bright

After spending more time than usual in our homes these last two years, it’s time to turn those homes into beacons of hope. After all, during the holiday season, “winning” means simply “giving back”. Together, we can be a part of the magic that holds communities together and inspires wonder in all.

Up your holiday decorating game this season and watch your neighborhood transform into a winter wonderland!

Upping your holiday decorating game with Accurate Mortgage

At Accurate Mortgage, we know firsthand the pride homeowners have. Homeownership is absolutely something to be proud of and decorating for the holidays makes the magic of homeownership accessible to everyone. To get into a home of your own by the next holiday season, contact Accurate Mortgage for lending and refinancing options! Visit us online to get your mortgage rate quote or give us a call today at (615)833-0456!

The post Decorating to Dazzle the Neighborhood: What Homeowners Have Done for the Holidays appeared first on Accurate Mortgage Group.

Regular listeners of Heino’s Home Show know that listener questions range from small decisions about renovations to huge concerns about refinancing, forbearance, and monthly mortgage commitments. This week’s listener questions are certainly no different! 

Second Home with VRBO Income

Janet from Spring HIll asks:

“I plan to buy a 2nd home that currently has VRBO income, which I plan to continue. Can I buy that as a 2nd home or can I purchase it as an investment property?”

Yes, you should be able to buy that as a second home instead of an investment property as long as a couple of guidelines are met. First, you cannot use the VRBO income in order to qualify for the loan. Secondly, the rental must not be under the exclusive control of another entity, like a management company, for example.

Forbearance

Allen in Mt. Juliet asks:

“My loan was in forbearance, and then I got a loan modification at the end. Can I refinance?”

This one is a bit tricky, so let’s step back and discuss forbearance for a minute. During the COVID pandemic, homeowners who were having difficulty making their mortgage payments were given the option of pausing their payments, otherwise known as forbearance.

What happens when you come out of forbearance depends on a few things. For example, if you continued to make your payments even during the forbearance period, you are clear to refinance immediately.

Alternatively, if you didn’t make payments during the forbearance period, then you won’t be able to refinance until three on-time payments have been made post forbearance.

Most lenders offered a few options to catch up on the payments that were missed during the forbearance period. You could pay it back in a lump sum, or you could increase your monthly payment by an agreed upon amount until the missed payments were caught up.

However, many lenders offered a third option: the missed payments could be added to the balance of the loan, thus modifying the original loan terms. In most cases, the other terms of the loan stay the same with the exception that the loan balance is now higher.

If this last option is what you did, then yes you may be able to refinance as soon as you have made three on-time payments at the end of the forbearance period.

So, since there are multiple answers to your question, it would be a good idea for you to contact a mortgage professional at Accurate Mortgage to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Truck Driving Income

Adam in Nashville asks:

“I’m a truck driver and I get paid by the hour. I’ve been offered a new position, but I will be paid by the mile. Can I still buy a house?”

Yes, you can still buy a home, but you might have to wait a while. When you’re paid by the hour, that’s considered predictable income. But when you’re paid by the mile, that’s considered variable income. 

Mortgage guidelines want to see a track record, a history of how much you end up actually earning when you’re paid by the mile. They’re going to require you to be paid by a mile for a year before you can use that income in order to qualify. It might be wiser to buy the house first and then switch jobs for the by-mile rate. 

Answering Your Questions

Have you got a simple or complex question about home ownership that you’d like answered? Call into Heino’s Home Show and your question may be featured in the upcoming podcast! Email your questions to heino@heinoshomeshow.com and your question could be featured on Heino’s Home Show, heard Sundays 5pm to 6pm on 99.7 WTN. You can also catch up on past episodes on the Heino’s Home Show podcast page (link) or wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

Accurate Mortgage is here to help you with purchasing a 1st or 2nd home, in addition to refinancing and more. For questions, applications, or anything else, visit our website or give us a call today.

Listening, Answering, Helping—Accurate Mortgage

Mortgage lending, refinancing, forbearance, and renovations/additions can be hard to understand in the context of home ownership. If you have questions, or are looking to borrow or refinance, we can help. Visit us online to get your mortgage rate quote or give us a call today at (615)833-0456!

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