Mortgage Minute
Welcome to our Resources page—your go-to destination for the latest product news, mortgage insights, and industry updates. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, refinancing your loan, or exploring market trends, we’ve got you covered with expert advice and up-to-date information. Stay informed and make confident financial decisions with our trusted mortgage resources.
🏢 New Rules for Condo Financing
Buying or selling a condo? New lending guidelines mean more project reviews, more documentation, and longer timelines. Here's what you need to know—and why some condos may still qualify even if they don't meet conventional lending standards.
Inspection vs. Appraisal:
Many homebuyers think inspections and appraisals are the same—but they serve very different purposes. Learn what each one does, how they protect you, and why both are critical before closing on your new home.
Cromford Report
The Cromford Report is a Detailed Analysis of the Phoenix Metro Housing Market. While Many of Our Partners & Clients are in different areas, Phoenix often starts housing trends and thus we think the information is valuable regardless of your market. **Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get exclusive insight and information.
🚧 ROAD to Housing Act:
The ROAD to Housing Act is officially law—but don't expect overnight changes. Here's what it means for buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders.
🏡 Lower Your Payment for Year One
A limited-time lender-paid 1-0 buydown could lower your monthly mortgage payment by about $250 per month during your first year of homeownership. Learn how it works, see a real-world payment example, discover how two families used the program, and find out why eligible loans must be locked by August 31, 2026.
The Heroes Behind Every Successful Home Closing - Title and Escrow
Ever wondered what the title company actually does? Learn the difference between title and escrow, why Arizona often combines both services, and how these behind-the-scenes professionals help protect your home purchase from contract to closing.
Buy Before You Sell
Buying and selling a home at the same time can feel overwhelming. Learn how a Buy Before You Sell program works, who it may benefit, and whether it's the right strategy for your next move.
⚖️Recast or Refinance? Don't Guess.
Thinking about lowering your mortgage payment? A recast and a refinance can both help—but they work very differently. Here's what homeowners need to know before choosing a strategy.
When Does the Appraisal Follow the Property?
A canceled contract doesn't always mean a fresh start—FHA and VA appraisals can stay with the property and impact the next buyer.
Per Diem Interest: Why Your Closing Date Matters
The day you close on your mortgage can affect how much cash you need at closing. Here's how per diem interest works and why timing matters.
🏡 Tiny Homes vs. Manufactured Homes: Financing Explained
Tiny homes, manufactured homes, modular builds, and RVs may all look similar online — but financing and zoning rules can be wildly different.
🏡 Property Inspection Waivers:
Buying a home or refinancing? You may not need a traditional appraisal. Here’s how property inspection waivers, desktop appraisals, and other valuation options work in today’s mortgage world.
🏡Not All Credit Help Leads to Faster Homeownership
Thinking about buying a home but worried about debt or credit scores? Not all “credit help” programs work the same way. Here’s how debt consolidation and credit optimization can lead to very different mortgage outcomes for first-time buyers.
Buying a Home in an LLC or Trust?
The new FinCEN reporting rules are officially in effect, bringing more transparency to certain cash real estate purchases involving LLCs and trusts. Here’s what changed—and who actually needs to care.
VantageScore Is Coming… Should You Care
VantageScore could shake up how credit is evaluated for mortgages—but what it means for you (and your buyers) depends on how it’s actually adopted.
How Co-Signed Debt Impacts Your Mortgage
Co-signed or guaranteed a loan? It could be quietly impacting your mortgage approval—click to see how to protect your buying power.
Why Prepayment Penalties Are Suddenly Back in the Conversation
Prepayment penalties are making a comeback in certain loan types—here’s what they mean, why they exist, and how they can impact both your strategy and your loan officer.
What Your Insurance Quote Is Trying to Tell You
Homeowners insurance isn’t just “one more thing” on your monthly payment—it can quietly become one of the biggest surprises in your homeownership budget.
🏗️ Build, Don’t Bid
Investors don’t always have to fight for resale inventory—sometimes the smarter move is to build it instead. Click here to learn how One-Time Close Construction financing can open up a whole new strategy.
1099 Income?
1099 borrowers, freelancers, and self-employed buyers finally have a flexible path to homeownership—without the W-2 headache.