Category: Financial Literacy
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Self Reporting payments to credit bureau ?
Self-reporting your bills to the credit bureaus can be a helpful strategy, but it works best when you understand what it can and can’t do. For years, credit scores were built mainly around loans and credit cards. Rent, utilities, and phone bills didn’t typically count toward your score, even though they’re some of the most…
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5 Ways to Boost Your Mortgage Approval
Getting approved for a mortgage doesn’t have to be stressful. Here are five practical strategies that can strengthen your application: Ready to get started? Whether you’re a first-time buyer, upgrading, downsizing, or investing, I can help you navigate the right loan program for your situation.All loans subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender.Molly Maguire, NMLS #34702Mortgage…
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Discovery Call
Ready to Buy Your First Home in Iowa? Here’s Why Getting Pre-Approved Matters If you’re a first-time homebuyer in Iowa, you’ve probably heard you need to get “pre-approved” before house hunting. But what does that actually mean—and why does it matter? What Pre-Approval Really Is A pre-approval tells you exactly how much home you can…
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First Time Homebuyers in Iowa
What First-Time Homebuyers in Iowa Need to Know Right NowBuying your first home feels like a big leap—but with the right preparation, it’s more achievable than you think.Start with Pre-ApprovalBefore you fall in love with a house, get pre-approved. It shows sellers you’re serious and gives you a clear budget. The process is straightforward: we’ll…
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Pre-Qualified vs Pre-Approved
Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved—What Real Estate Agents Want You to KnowWhen you’re ready to make an offer, sellers want to know you’re serious. That’s where pre-approval comes in.Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on what you tell a lender about your income and debts. It’s helpful for early planning, but it doesn’t carry much weight with…
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January is a great time to buy a home!
Why January is Actually a Great Time to Buy a HomeMost people think spring is the only time to buy a home, but January buyers often get better deals and less competition.Here’s what makes winter home buying smart:Sellers who list in January are usually motivated—they need to move for a job, life change, or financial…
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Book Recommendation
What “The Psychology of Money” Taught Me About Helping Iowa Buyers Make Smart Decisions I just finished Morgan Housel’s “The Psychology of Money,” and honestly, it should be required reading for anyone making big financial decisions—especially buying a home. After 25 years originating loans, I’ve seen these principles play out thousands of times. Here’s what…
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Mortgage Blog Content
Conventional Loans—The Workhorse of Iowa Home Financing If you’ve got decent credit and stable income, conventional loans are probably your best bet. Here’s why they’re my go-to recommendation for many Iowa buyers. What Makes Them Work Conventional loans through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer flexibility most government loans can’t match. You can put down…
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Are You Waiting For The Perfect Time To Buy A Home?
🏠💡 First-time homeowner: Waiting for the perfect time to buy a home? 🤔💰 Consider this—every day you wait is a day you could be building equity. Investing sooner means your money starts working for you sooner, too. Let’s discuss how homeownership can be a smart financial move for your future! #HomeownershipBenefits #BuildEquity #SmartInvesting #MollyMaguire #MortgageSpecialist
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