Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest hurdles to buying a home. For many buyers (especially first-time buyers), coming up with 20% upfront just isn’t realistic. The good news? You don’t always need to put that much down to buy a home. The catch? You may ... More
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market, you’ve probably noticed one thing: buying a home feels harder than it used to. Rising prices, limited inventory, and growing competition have pushed homeownership out of reach for many would-be buyers. That’s where community land trusts come ... More
Winter may not be the first season that comes to mind when you think about buying or selling a home, but for many homeowners and buyers, it can be one of the smartest times to make a move. At Summit Mortgage, we work with clients year-round and see firsthand ... More
When most people hear the term “rural home loan”, they picture remote farmland or a life far from modern conveniences. In reality, USDA / Rural Development loans are one of the most powerful (and often misunderstood) home financing options available today. At Summit Mortgage, we believe great home financing decisions ... More
In a housing market defined by higher interest rates, lower inventory, and fierce competition, a once-overlooked mortgage feature is suddenly in the spotlight: assumable loans. If you‘ve heard the term trending in real estate circles or seen headlines about buyers chasing “unicorn” mortgage rates, you’re not imagining ... More
As home prices continue to rise and affordability becomes one of the biggest hurdles for buyers, a new idea has re-entered the national conversation: the 50-year mortgage. Supports argue that longer terms could ease monthly payments and help more Americans achieve homeownership. Critics warn it could make housing even more ... More
As the leaves change color and Fall begins to set in, the air isn’t the only thing that begins to cool. The real estate market also experiences this seasonal shift. While spring and summer are traditionally considered the “busy season” for home buying and selling, there are actually plenty ... More
When lawmakers can’t agree on a budget in time, a government shutdown can occur, forcing several parts of the government to “close their doors” until funding is restored. When a shutdown begins, Federal departments must furlough (temporarily lay off) nonessential employees and suspend many public services until a funding ... More
After years of rate hikes that stretched affordability thin, mortgage rates are finally showing signs of easing. For homeowners and buyers alike, this shift opens the door to opportunities that felt locked just a short time ago. But what exactly do lowering rates mean for your bottom line? Read on ... More
