Learn everything you need to know about buying a home.
Please read through the articles below to help you learn more about the home buying process.
How Do the Holidays Impact the Real Estate Market?
As the holiday season approaches, you might wonder how it impacts the real estate market. For both buyers and sellers,…
New Story Lending Expands $911 Heroes Program to Include Utility Linemen After Hurricane Helene’s Devastation
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which left parts of the upstate of South Carolina and western North Carolina in…
What is an FHA Loan and How Can It Benefit You?
For many first-time homebuyers or those with less-than-perfect credit, navigating the world of mortgage options can feel overwhelming. One popular…
Top 5 Most Common Mortgage Types
When it comes to financing a home, choosing the right mortgage is crucial. With so many options available, it can…
What to Expect at a Real Estate Closing
After weeks (or even months) of house hunting, negotiations, and paperwork, the real estate closing is the final step in…
How Rising Home Prices Impact Your Buying Power
Home prices have been on the rise, and this trend can significantly impact your ability to buy a home. Buyers…
5 Hidden Costs of Buying a Home
When buying a home, it’s easy to focus solely on the purchase price, but there are several hidden costs that…
Choosing the Right Real Estate Agent
Choosing the right real estate agent can make a significant difference in your home buying or selling experience. A skilled…
Getting Clear on The Home Inspection Process
A home inspection is a vital step in the home buying process, providing an in-depth look at the property’s condition.…
Why Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage is Important
In the competitive real estate market, getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a crucial step that can significantly enhance your…
Home Buying in 2024: 4 Items to Be Aware of
As we step into 2024, the real estate market continues to evolve, bringing new trends and challenges for homebuyers. Whether…
Honoring Community Heroes: New Story Lending’s $911 Home Credit Program
Honoring Heroes: New Story Lending's $911 Home Credit Program In homeownership, New Story Lending stands out as a beacon of…
Future of Outdoor Living: 2024 Trends to Watch
As we look ahead to 2024, outdoor living continues to evolve, combining elegance with functionality. Homeowners are now seeing their…
The Upsides of Downsizing: Is Less Really More?
In an era where simplicity and minimalism are gaining momentum, downsizing has emerged as a compelling lifestyle choice for many.…
Top 5 Outdoor Living Trends to Watch For in 2024
As we embrace 2024, the concept of outdoor living has evolved from traditional gardens and patios to sophisticated extensions of…
Prepare Financially for Homeownership In 5 Steps
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting milestone, yet it requires meticulous financial preparation. Understanding the pathway to…
4 Ways Remote Work Has Impacted Home Design
The global shift towards remote work has fundamentally reshaped home design, with an increasing demand for dedicated home offices. This…
Trends in Smart Home Tech: Embracing Smart Technology
The concept of smart homes has moved from futuristic fantasy to present-day reality, revolutionizing the way we interact with our…
2024 Home Design Trends: The Future of Living Spaces
As we move further into the decade, the evolution of home design continues to captivate and inspire. The year 2024…
Understanding Mortgage Rates: Predictions and Trends for 2024
As we continue into 2024, prospective homebuyers and homeowners looking to purchase or refinance are keenly observing the mortgage rate…
Navigating Home Buying in the Winter Market: Advantages & Strategies
Being in the mortgage industry we see and study the ebbs and flows of the housing market throughout the year.…
First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Incentives: What’s New in 2024?
Navigating the journey to homeownership can be a complex process, especially for first-time buyers. Fortunately, 2024 brings a suite of…
Unlocking Homeownership: Strategies to Afford a Down Payment
For many prospective homebuyers, saving for a down payment can be a significant hurdle on the path to homeownership. However,…
5 Crucial Questions to Ask a Mortgage Professional Before Buying a Home
When it comes to purchasing a home, securing the right mortgage is a pivotal step in the process. To ensure…
Finding Your Home Sweet Spot: How to Determine What You Can Afford
Before you embark on your journey to homeownership, it’s crucial to determine how much home you can afford comfortably without…
Embracing Tomorrow: 6 Home Trend Ideas for 2024
As we step into the future of home design and functionality, 2024 promises a fascinating blend of innovation, sustainability, and…
5 Mistakes To Avoid As A First-Time Home Buyer
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with its share of challenges and pitfalls,…
Demystifying the Mortgage Approval Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Homebuyers
Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting yet often daunting experience, especially for first-time buyers. The heart of…
What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Mortgage?
Generally, a credit score of 620 or higher will get the best terms for a mortgage. A higher credit score…
How Long Does It Take to Buy a Home?
The exact time that it takes to get from the home search process to turning the key and walking into…
First Steps to Buy a Home
If you’ve been dreaming of owning your own home, you may be ready to start looking for something with a…
Getting Pre-Qualified for a Housing Offer
If you’re getting ready to start your housing search, there are a few documents that can be helpful to have…
How Much Do You Need as a Down Payment on a House?
In the market to purchase a home? You may be wondering how much you need to save for a down…
Are There Any Extras Included when I Buy Real Estate?
You’ve hashed out the details of buying a home. From price per square foot to insurance premiums, you know exactly…
3 Ways to Save Money By Making Your New Home Energy Efficient
Energy is one of the biggest ongoing expenses for homeowners. Fortunately, there are ways to decrease your energy bills by…
Why You Need a Real Estate Agent to Find Your Dream Home, And How to Find One
Everyone wants to buy their dream home. You can picture it in your mind, you just need to find it…
Home Trends in 2023
Now that we are approaching the halfway point of 2023, there are a few trends that have come up in…
Understanding the National Association of Realtors
If you have considered buying or selling a home, you may have talked to a real estate professional about how…
What to Know about an Earnest Money Deposit
As you get ready to buy a home, there are a lot of terms to know. One of the first…
How to Determine if You Are in a Buyer’s Market or Seller’s Market
Being a savvy real estate buyer or seller requires that you know and understand the market conditions. This includes the…
Questions for Your Real Estate Agent
Getting ready to buy or sell a home? You are probably working with a real estate agent or considering reaching…
How Walkable is Your Neighborhood?
Homeowners with an eye to sell their home may be hearing words like walkability. But was does it mean and…
4 Great Moving Tips for a New Homeowner
Getting ready to move? This is a fun and exciting time, especially if you are moving into your first home.…
Building Your Credit
If you are getting ready to buy a house in the next few years, taking time to build your credit…
How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?
The home buying process is exciting but can be lengthy, especially if you have a purchase fall through and have…
Navigating Homeownership: Know Your Needs
You may think that the first step to buying a home is to make an offer. While that is an…
How Does Escrow Work?
When you set up your mortgage payment, you will likely see different items included. Typically, a monthly mortgage payment is…
Transform Your Home This Spring: Simple Yet Effective Refresh Ideas
As spring blossoms and breathes new life into our surroundings, it’s the perfect opportunity to rejuvenate our homes. Whether you’re…
Should I AirBnB My Home?
Holiday travel can be easy with Airbnb, VRBO, or another rental platform. Not only do you get more space than…
How to save for a down payment
It might seem like it will be costly to purchase a home, and you might think that you will have…
How to Boost Your Credit Score to Prepare for Buying a House
If you are getting ready for home ownership, you have probably taken a good long look at your personal finances.…
Can I Afford a Mortgage?
If you’re getting ready to start house shopping, you’ve probably taken a good look at your budget and wondered how…
How Does a Mortgage Work Anyway?
If you plan to purchase a home, you have probably started to research the best mortgage options to make the…
Living Your Best Outdoor Life in the Winter
Cold weather may send many of us running inside to enjoy a steaming mug of hot cocoa, but outdoor living…
What are your goals?