Is bigger always better? For decades, that was the general sentiment when it came to buying a home. More square footage, more bedrooms, and more storage space were common goals for many buyers. Today, however, a growing percentage of homebuyers are intentionally choosing smaller homes and in ... More
A common question many homebuyers ask is, “What if I buy a home and then mortgage rates go down?” It’s a fair concern. Nobody wants to feel like they missed out on a better deal. The good news is that lower rates after closing don’t mean you’... More
Relocating, regardless of the reason, is typically an exciting time. But, if you’re also trying to buy a home at the same time, things can become complicated quickly. You’re juggling timelines, logistics, finances, and big decisions, often from a distance. The good news is that ... More
Plymouth, Minn. — Sarah Zahler and Matt O'Brien at Summit Mortgage Corporation were named Top Producers by Minnesota Housing for their homeownership program loan production volume during 2025. More
If you’re self-employed, you already know the tradeoff: more freedom, but less predictability. This is especially true on paper, and when it comes to securing financing for a home purchase, lenders tend to focus heavily on consistency and documentation. That doesn’t mean buying a home is out ... More
When you think of buying a home, the first thing that comes to mind might be debt. After all, a mortgage is the largest financial obligation that most people will ever take on. The often overlooked part, however, is that buying a home doesn’t just add debt to your ... More
Many first-time homebuyers are already used to making a significant monthly rent payment. So, it’s not usually the monthly mortgage payment that stands as a barrier to homeownership. More often, it’s the significant amount of upfront cash needed to cover a down payment and the closing costs on ... More
As the snow continues to melt and the sunshine lasts through your evening commute, another natural cycle begins to shift - the Spring housing market. Balancing affordability pressures, rising inventory, and renewed buyer interest, the Spring 2026 housing market is primed for launch after several years of elevated mortgage rates ... More
If you’re a current homeowner or in the process of buying a home, you’ve probably heard the word “escrow”. It’s one of those mortgage terms that gets used often but isn’t always clearly explained. So, let’s break it down. More
