Wealth Management Blog and Mortgage Tips

Better Lending Blog

Getting a mortgage, especially for first-time homebuyers, can be an intimidating experience. We certainly don’t want that. In addition to having an experienced staff that will expertly guide you throughout the process, our blog is another reference for you to check out so you can prepare. Check out our blogs here.

What qualifies you for a USDA Loan?

A USDA loan is perfect for anybody that doesn’t particularly enjoy the hustle and bustle of a big city, learn how easy it is to qualify!

Top 10 Neighborhoods in Chicago (2021)

When looking for the best neighborhoods in Chicago there's a lot of options to consider, join us in looking at the top 10 in Chicagoland.

What Families Look For in a Home

A new family will need to cover the bases of what to look for in a new home, checkout our list of what aspects of homebuying to lookout for.

Do I really need to have earnest money?

Earnest money is rather simple in concept and can give you the advantage over other bidders on the home you want. Find out why!

How to Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance

Borrowers are allowed to have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) removed from a home loan in two ways, automatically or by request.

The pros and cons of putting a larger down payment on a home

There are benefits and a few disadvantages of a large down payment on a house. Check out the pro and cons of each.

How to win a bidding war on a home

Learn how to go about winning a home bidding war as the housing market demand for homes rises and supply is starting to dwindle.

Is credit counseling and debt consolidation/relief synonymous?

They both ultimately work to help improve clients’ financial situations so they must be the same. Well…not quite.

Why work with a credit counselor before buying a home?

Looking to buy a home but aren’t confident in your finances? Working with a credit counselor might be an option to ensure you get the best mortgage rate possible.

What Are Points and What Do They Have to Do With My Mortgage?

The concept of mortgage points that we’ll discuss here refers to credits a borrower can pay in exchange for a lower interest rate.

What is included in mortgage closing costs and how much can I expect to pay?

Mortgage closing costs can comprise any number of expenses above a home’s purchase price. See what's included.

What are USDA loans and who is eligible?

USDA mortgages are especially attractive because no down payment is required and there is no minimum credit score to be eligible.