28
Apr
By Mike Pfefferman
Mortgage Tips

Why Getting Pre-Approved Early Can Save You More Than Just Time

One of the biggest advantages of getting pre-approved early is that it removes guesswork. Many buyers start searching for homes based on rough estimates or online calculators, which often do not reflect their true financial situation.

A pre-approval takes into account your income, credit, debt, and current rates to give you a realistic number. This helps you focus only on homes that fit your budget and prevents you from wasting time on properties that are not financially viable.

It Makes Your Offer Stronger
When you submit an offer on a home, sellers want to know that you are serious and capable of closing the deal. A pre-approval shows that a lender has already reviewed your finances and is confident in your ability to move forward. This adds credibility to your offer and can make a meaningful difference in competitive situations. Sellers are often choosing between multiple offers, and the one that feels more secure can stand out even if the price is similar.

You Can Identify and Fix Issues Early
Pre-approval can uncover potential problems before they become urgent. This might include credit score issues, documentation gaps, or debt levels that need adjustment. Addressing these items early gives you time to improve your position without the pressure of a contract deadline. Waiting until you are already under contract can lead to delays or even risk losing the home altogether if issues cannot be resolved quickly.

It Helps You Plan Your Budget More Accurately
A pre-approval provides a clearer picture of your full monthly payment, including taxes and insurance. This allows you to make decisions based on your actual financial comfort, not just a theoretical number. Understanding your true payment helps you balance homeownership with your other financial goals, such as savings, travel, or future investments.

It Reduces Stress During the Buying Process
The home buying process can move quickly once you find the right property. Having your financing already in place removes a major source of uncertainty. Instead of scrambling to get approved, you can focus on making decisions with confidence. This creates a smoother experience from start to finish and helps you feel more in control throughout the process.

27
Apr
By Mike Pfefferman
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – April 27th, 2026

A relatively light week given recent events, with the only notable releases being Consumer Sentiment and Retail Sales. Consumer Sentiment has broken its recent downtrend, ticking up slightly. However, in the face of rising gas prices and increasing costs of living, this may shift in the next release. Retail Sales have also shown a positive uptick, indicating that the economy remains resilient despite ongoing global events.

Consumer Sentiment
US consumer sentiment showed some improvement amid a two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran, but it’s still at record lows, according to new data from the University of Michigan. The Index of Consumer Sentiment showed consumer sentiment ended April with a final reading of 49.8, above the 48.5 reading economists expected but marking the lowest level on record — below readings taken during the financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and when inflation spiked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Retail Sales
U.S. retail sales increased more than expected in March as the war with Iran boosted gasoline prices and led to a record surge in receipts at service stations, while tax refunds underpinned spending elsewhere.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Year FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.07%, with the current rate at 5.58%
  • 30-Year FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.07%, with the current rate at 6.23%

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Year FHA rates saw an increase of 0.03% for this week. Current rates at 5.91%
  • 30-Year VA rates saw an increase of 0.04% for this week. Current rates at 5.93%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 214,000 compared to the expected claims of 210,000. The prior week landed at 208,000.

What’s Ahead
Employment data, Trade Deficit, and Consumer Credit should be strong releases for this upcoming week.

24
Apr
By Mike Pfefferman
Mortgage Tips

VA Construction Loans: What You Need to Know Before You Build

Building your dream home from the ground up? If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or eligible military spouse, a VA construction loan could make that process a lot more accessible.

But here’s the thing—VA construction loans aren’t quite as straightforward as traditional mortgages. Knowing how they work upfront can save you time, money, and a few headaches along the way.

Let’s break it down.

What Is a VA Construction Loan?

A VA construction loan helps cover the cost of:

  • Purchasing land
  • Building the home
  • Transitioning into a long-term mortgage

In many cases, this is structured as a construction-to-permanent loan, meaning you go through one loan that converts into your mortgage once the home is complete.

(Some lenders still use a two-loan process—one for construction, one for the mortgage—so this is something to clarify early.)

Key Benefits (Why People Look Into It)

VA loans are popular for a reason, and those benefits can carry over into construction loans too.

  • No down payment (in most cases)
    One of the biggest advantages—especially when building, where upfront costs can stack up quickly.
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
    This can lower your monthly payment compared to many conventional loans.
  • Flexible credit guidelines
    While you still need to qualify, VA loans tend to be more forgiving than some alternatives.
  • Competitive interest rates
    Often lower than conventional loan options.

The Catch (Because There Always Is One)

VA construction loans can be harder to find than standard VA home loans.

Some common hurdles:

  • Not all lenders offer them
  • Builders must meet VA requirements and be approved
  • The process can be more paperwork-heavy

Translation: it’s doable—but you’ll want a lender who actually knows what they’re doing here.

What You’ll Need to Apply

The process is similar to a traditional mortgage, with a few extra steps.

Expect to provide:

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
  • Proof of income and employment
  • Credit history and financial documentation
  • Construction plans and builder details

Lenders will evaluate both you and the project itself.

One-Time Close vs. Two-Time Close

You’ll likely hear these terms—here’s the simple version:

  • One-time close:
    One loan, one closing. Converts automatically to your mortgage.
    → Simpler, fewer fees
  • Two-time close:
    Separate loans for construction and mortgage
    → More flexibility, but more paperwork and closing costs

Your lender can help you decide which route makes the most sense.

Is a VA Construction Loan Right for You?

It can be a powerful option—but it’s not always the easiest path.

It tends to work best if:

  • You want to build (not buy existing)
  • You qualify for VA benefits
  • You’re working with a builder familiar with VA requirements
  • You’re okay with a slightly more involved process

If that’s you, this can open the door to building a home without the typical upfront financial burden.

Final Thoughts

VA construction loans can be an incredible benefit, but they’re not as plug-and-play as traditional loans.

The biggest difference-maker? Working with the right lender and builder from the start.

If you’re considering building, it’s worth having a conversation with a knowledgeable mortgage professional who can walk you through your options and help you decide if this path fits your goals.