Loan Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: A Side-by-Side Guide for Austin Buyers
The Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure look nearly identical but mean very different things. Here's a side-by-side breakdown for Austin…
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Mortgage Tips
104 articles
What Happens Between Underwriting and Closing in Texas
After your loan gets conditional approval, there's a quiet 10-to-21-day stretch before closing where appraisal, title work, and final conditions…
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Your Rate Quote Is Not Your Locked Rate: What Changes and Why
Key Takeaways A rate quote at pre-approval reflects current market pricing and your stated profile, not a binding commitment. Your…
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ARM Loans in 2026: When an Adjustable Rate Makes Sense in Austin
Key Takeaways An ARM starts with a fixed rate for 5, 7, or 10 years, then adjusts annually based on…
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Title, Escrow, and Closing in Texas: What Each One Does
Title, escrow, and closing each play a different role in a Texas transaction. Here is a plain-language breakdown of who…
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The Closing Disclosure: What Can Change Before Closing in Texas
The closing disclosure you receive in Texas can still change before you sign. Several items shift between issuance and closing…
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Travis County Flood Zones: Check Before You Make an Offer in 2026
With spring storm season underway and 16,400 active listings in the Austin metro, knowing a property's FEMA flood zone before…
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Earnest Money in Austin: How Much Is Normal and What Happens If the Deal Falls Through
Your earnest money deposit signals serious intent to a seller. In Austin's market, knowing the right amount and the rules…
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Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification in Austin: The Real Difference
Austin sellers and listing agents treat pre-qualification and pre-approval very differently. Here is what each one actually means and why…
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FHA Loan Limits in Austin: What Changed for 2026 Buyers
Travis County's 2026 FHA loan limit is $563,500, opening FHA financing to a larger share of Austin's market. Here is…
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The First 5 Documents Your Loan Officer Needs in Austin
Most Austin buyers delay their mortgage because they don't know which documents to gather first. Here are the five your…
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Travis County 2026 Appraisal Notices: What Homeowners Should Do
Travis County mailed 2026 appraisal notices to more than 427,000 owners. Single-family values fell an average 1.8%. Here's what changed,…
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PMI Explained: What It Really Costs and When It Goes Away in Texas
PMI protects the lender when you put down less than 20 percent. Here is what it actually costs on a…
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How HOA Fees Affect Your Mortgage Qualification in Texas
When buyers start calculating what they can afford, most think about the down payment, the loan amount, and the monthly…
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New Credit Score Models Are Changing Who Can Qualify for a Mortgage in Texas
If you have been told in the past that your credit score was not quite there for a mortgage, this…
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What Happens Between Contract and Closing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Texas Buyers
You found the home, made the offer, and the seller said yes. Congratulations. Now comes the part that trips up…
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Why the 740 Credit Score Threshold Changes Your Mortgage in Texas
If you have been working on your credit score and you are sitting at 738 or 739, there is one…
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Texas Homebuilders Are Pivoting to Affordable Homes: What It Means for Buyers in 2026
If you have been watching the Texas new construction market and wondering whether the inventory of entry-level homes is finally…
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How Escrow Accounts Work: What Every Texas Homebuyer Should Know
If you have ever looked at your monthly mortgage payment and wondered why it is higher than just principal and…
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