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FHA and conventional loans are the two most common mortgage options, but they work very differently. This guide breaks down credit requirements, down payments, mortgage insurance, and property standards so you can understand which loan fits your situation. Choosing the right option can save you money and make your path to homeownership much smoother.

Choosing FHA over conventional is rarely about the down payment. Both can allow as little as 3% down. The real difference is how flexible the loan is when your credit, debt ratios, or savings are tight. FHA shifts some risk to federal insurance, allowing approvals that would feel fragile on conventional loans. In this episode, we explain how to choose the structure that truly fits your file.

Not all mortgage approvals are created equal. Many buyers confuse pre-qualification with pre-approval, but the difference can cost you time, money, and even the home you want. This guide explains how each works, why sellers care, and how getting fully pre-approved can protect your budget and strengthen your offer in today’s market.

Buying a home in Iowa can feel out of reach because of upfront costs, but Iowa Finance Authority programs are designed to help. This guide explains IFA down payment assistance options, including grants and 5% assistance loans, who qualifies, and how buyers can reduce or even eliminate cash needed at closing. For many Iowans, these programs can make homeownership possible sooner than expected.

Seller concessions are often discussed in theory, but how often do they actually appear in real deals? This breakdown reviews 60 primary residence purchases that closed in Central Iowa in 2025, showing how frequently seller concessions were used, typical concession amounts, and why they helped buyers manage cash at closing.

If you’ve heard the word escrow but never fully understood it, you’re not alone. Escrow plays a major role in your monthly mortgage payment and is often the reason payments change over time. In this guide, we explain what escrow is, how it works, why taxes and insurance matter, and what Iowa homeowners should watch for to avoid surprise payment increases.

If you’re buying or selling a home in Iowa, you’ve probably heard the term “real estate abstract” — often followed by delays or confusion. In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we break down what a property abstract is, how abstract fees work, and why abstracting matters for both residential and commercial real estate. Understanding the abstract process can help you avoid surprises and keep your closing on track.

The Truth About Foreclosures: Why They’re Not the “Hidden Deals” Most Buyers Think If you’ve ever scrolled through Zillow, Auction.com , or Hubzu and spotted a foreclosure listed way below market value, it’s easy to get excited. Most buyers—and especially first-time investors—see a low price tag and assume they’ve uncovered a secret bargain. But the reality behind foreclosure listings is much more structured, far less mysterious, and almost never the shortcut people imagine.

Seller concessions are one of the simplest ways to cut your upfront home-buying costs. Instead of chasing a small price drop, a concession lets the seller cover expenses you’d normally pay at closing—often saving you far more and improving your loan approval. This quick guide breaks down what concessions are, why they matter now, and how they can make your offer stronger and more affordable.

Qualifying for a mortgage without showing any income sounds impossible, but DSCR loans make it real. Instead of reviewing W-2s or tax returns, lenders look only at the property’s cash flow. If the rent covers the mortgage, you can often qualify—no income verification required. This guide explains how DSCR loans work, who they’re for, and why they’re one of the smartest tools for building a real estate portfolio.

Refinance in Iowa—made simple. If you bought in 2022–2024 and carry a high-6% rate, this guide shows when a refi actually makes sense, how to check breakeven, and what to do next for Waukee, West Des Moines, and beyond

Underwriting doesn’t have to feel like a black box. In this Mortgage Made Simple episode, we break down what really happens when your file hits underwriting—how underwriters review income, assets, and credit, the role of AUS, and the most common reasons for delays. Get clear, practical tips to help your loan move faster and smoother.

If you’re wondering what to do with home sale proceeds in Iowa , the answer isn’t always as simple as rolling everything into your next down payment. That common approach can be risky...and expensive. A smarter move is to start with an Estimated Proceeds (EOP) sheet  and create a plan. By dividing your proceeds between down payment, debt payoff, and reserves, you can upgrade not only your next home but also your overall financial stability. TL;DR Don’t assume full home sale p

If you’ve been looking at homes in Iowa, you’ve probably heard about the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) and their down payment assistance programs. They’re one of the most popular and well-recognized options in the state — and for good reason. But before you start counting on that extra boost, the real question is: Can you actually qualify? First, What the Iowa Finance Authority Actually Does IFA isn’t a lender. They don’t process your mortgage or collect your payment each mon

Zero down sounds great, until you realize it can cost you thousands later. Here’s what Iowa buyers need to know before applying for down payment assistance in Iowa. First-time homebuyer in Central Iowa or one of our rural towns? Chances are you’ve heard of DPA, but do you know the whole story?. Maybe your lender brought it up. Maybe a friend used it. Or maybe your agent says it’s an option to help you get into a home without saving for years. But here’s what often gets left o