BLOG

Home Design & DIY

Check out our tips, articles, and insights dedicated to empowering everyone to get a great deal on their mortgage.

DESIGN

HOME DESIGN & DIY

7 Smart Pet-Friendly Master Bedroom Ideas and How to Afford Them

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 7, 2025

How do I renovate my bathroom with a bohemian smart home upgrade in 2026?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jul 22, 2025

Pre-Approval vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Should I go from FHA loan to FHA Refinance or from FHA to Conventional: What’s Better in 2026?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

How to Calculate Your DTI for Refinancing

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Can You Refinance with a 43% DTI? Conventional Limits

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Can You Refinance with a 45% DTI? Requirements

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

How to Lower Your DTI Before Refinancing (6 Strategies)

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

What DTI Do You Need to Refinance?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Can You Refinance with a 40% DTI or Lower?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Maximum DTI Limits by Loan Type (FHA, VA, Conventional)

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Can You Refinance with a 50% DTI Ratio?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Rate Lock Agreement vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Pre-Approval vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Rate Lock Agreement vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Rate Lock Agreement vs. Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

First-Time Homebuyer Programs You Might Qualify For

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Closing Cost Estimate vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Closing Disclosure vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Closing Cost Estimate vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Fee Sheet vs. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Fee Sheet vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Fee Sheet vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Loan Summary vs. Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Cost Worksheet vs. Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Cost Worksheet vs. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Fee Sheet vs. Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Loan Summary vs. Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Property Taxes, HOAs, and Zoning: The Fine Print You Can’t Ignore

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Cost Worksheet vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Top Smart Home Upgrades That Actually Add Value

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Loan Summary vs. Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Loan Summary vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Loan Summary vs. Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Home Maintenance 101: The First-Year Homeowner’s Survival Guide

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

How to Build a Home Emergency Fund

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Loan Summary vs. Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Cost Worksheet vs. Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Cost Worksheet vs. Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Phone Quote vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Understanding Home Equity — and How to Use It Wisely

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

When Should You Refinance Your Mortgage? (Best Timing Guide 2026)

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Closing Disclosure Explained: Read Your CD Line by Line

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

When and How to Refinance Your Mortgage

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Should You Pay Off Your Mortgage Early or Invest the Extra Cash?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Hidden Costs of Homeownership You Should Plan For

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

10 Common Myths About Buying a Home — Busted!

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Should You Use a Mortgage Broker or Go Directly to a Bank?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 20, 2025

Negotiating Closing Costs: A Guide to Saving Thousands

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 20, 2025

How to Compare Mortgage Rates and Lenders Like a Pro

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 20, 2025

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent & Save Thousands

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 20, 2025

How to Make a Competitive Offer in a Hot Housing Market

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 20, 2025

Fee Sheet vs. Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Fee Sheet vs. Pre-Approval: What's the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Phone Quote vs Fee Sheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Phone Quote vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Phone Quote vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Phone Quote vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Phone Quote vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Phone Quote vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

The Complete Roadmap to Buying Your First Home

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Renting vs. Buying: How to Know When You’re Ready to Own

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Home Loan Types Explained: Conventional, FHA, VA, & USDA

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Understanding Contingencies: What They Mean and When to Use Them

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Understanding Escrow Accounts for Taxes and Insurance

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Escrow Process Explained: Step-by-Step Guide for Buyers

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

How Much Home Can You Afford? Regional Metro Area Breakdown

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 17, 2025

Fee Sheet vs. Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Pre-Qualification vs Email Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 5, 2025

Closing Costs Explained: What Homebuyers Need to Know (and Avoid) in 2026

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Sep 9, 2025

7 Smart Pet-Friendly Master Bedroom Ideas and How to Afford Them

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 7, 2025

Email Quote vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 13, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 20, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $90K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 15, 2025

Cracking the credit code: How your score shapes your mortgage journey

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 20, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Change of Circumstance: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 8, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 7, 2025

How much house can I afford on a $50K salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 11, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $160K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 19, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 18, 2025

Fincast vs. Rocket Mortgage: What’s the Difference?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 23, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Phone Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 5, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Pre-Qualification: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 9, 2025

Email Quote vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 11, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 4, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $120K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 15, 2025

How much house can I afford on a $100K salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 12, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $250K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 20, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $110K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 15, 2025

How do I renovate my bathroom with a bohemian smart home upgrade in 2026?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jul 22, 2025

How much house can I afford on a $60K salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 12, 2025

Decoding mortgage interest rates: How to secure the best deal and save thousands

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 20, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Phone Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 10, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $140k Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 15, 2025

Email Quote vs Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 13, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $210K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 19, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $230K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 20, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $240K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 20, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Email Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 10, 2025

How much house can I afford on a $200K salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 19, 2025

Email Quote vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 11, 2025

What is Mortgage Shopping? Complete 2026 Guide

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Sep 9, 2025

Email Quote vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 11, 2025

How much house can I afford on a $150K salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Apr 8, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 20, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Cost Worksheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 6, 2025

Email Quote vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 10, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 17, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Closing Disclosure: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 10, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Fee Sheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 5, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Pre-Approval: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 17, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $130K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 15, 2025

Mortgages: What you need to know to shop for a mortgage

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 20, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 29, 2025

Email Quote vs Phone Quote: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 10, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $190K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 19, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $170K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 19, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $180K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 19, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Rate Lock Agreement: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 8, 2025

How to save thousands on your mortgage

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 20, 2025

How much house can I afford on a $75K salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Feb 5, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Fee Sheet: What Every First-Time Homebuyer Must Know in 2026

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Oct 17, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $70K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 14, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $220K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 19, 2025

What is a Loan Estimate? How to read it and save money

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Sep 17, 2025

Loan Estimate vs Closing Cost Estimate: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 4, 2025

Email Quote vs Fee Sheet: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 10, 2025

How Much House Can I Afford on a $80K Salary?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 15, 2025

Email Quote vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 10, 2025

Pre-Qualification vs Loan Summary: What’s the Real Difference for Homebuyers?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Nov 6, 2025

DESIGN

Traditional pet-friendly master bedroom featuring tufted headboard, hardwood floors, Persian area rug, golden retriever on stylish pet bed, and cat resting comfortably in elegant neutral-toned traditional bedroom design

7 genius ways to create a traditional, pet-friendly master bedroom that actually works (and how smart homeowners finance these upgrades)

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Aug 7, 2025

Budget home renovation: bohemian bathroom design with freestanding tub, natural wood vanity, and open shelving for smart home upgrade financing.

How do I renovate my bathroom with a bohemian smart home upgrade in 2025?

Written by

Benjamin Schieken

Jul 22, 2025