Fannie Mae Removes the Minimum Credit Score Requirement
What This Really Means for Homebuyers Quiet changes often carry the most impact. This may be one of them. In late 2025, Fannie Mae removed the minimum credit score requirement tied to conventional loans. For decades, the 620 credit scores acted as a hard stop. Buyers below it rarely explored Conventional Financing because they assumed […]
Qualify for a Mortgage With Multiple Income Sources
How to Qualify for a Mortgage With Multiple Income Sources in Raleigh, NC Buying a home often requires income stability that lenders trust. Many buyers today work more than one job, have side hustles, or receive freelance or 1099 income. You might ask: “If I work two jobs or earn income from a side hustle, […]
What a Raleigh Mortgage Broker Does That an Online Rate Quote Never Will
What does a Raleigh Mortgage Broker Do? Certified Home Loans in Raleigh offers a level of strategy and guidance that online rate tools cannot provide. Homebuyers across Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner, Wake Forest, Durham, and nearby towns get more than a rate number. They get a plan that strengthens approval, protects the budget, […]
What’s a Good Credit Score for First-Time Homebuyers?
What’s a Good Credit Score for First-Time Homebuyers in North Carolina? Your Credit Score is crucial in determining your eligibility for various loans. Buying your first home in North Carolina? Your credit score will influence nearly everything about your mortgage—eligibility, interest rate, mortgage insurance costs, and even what you’ll pay for homeowners’ insurance. The good […]
PMI vs. MIP: What Raleigh Homebuyers Need to Know
PMI vs. MIP: What Raleigh Homebuyers Need to Know Decoding mortgage insurance can feel overwhelming to Raleigh-area homebuyers. Two acronyms—PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) and MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium)—sound similar but apply to different loan types. At Certified Home Loans, we help homeowners across Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Wake Forest, and surrounding areas make informed decisions. Let’s […]
Mortgage Application Denied – Why & How to Avoid It!
Why Your Mortgage Application Loan Could Get Denied — And How to Avoid It in Raleigh & Greensboro, NC Picture this: You’ve found the perfect home in Raleigh or Greensboro, NC. You can already see yourself relaxing on the couch, grilling in the backyard, and maybe even picking paint colors. Your offer is accepted, your […]
How to Understand Your Credit Score
How to Understand Your Credit Score: Raleigh, NC Edition Your credit score is more than just a number—it’s a snapshot of your financial health and a key factor that lenders use to assess your risk. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage in Raleigh or exploring homeownership in the Triangle, your credit plays a major role […]
Seller-Paid Buydowns Can Save You Thousands on Your Mortgage in Raleigh
The $10K Trick Most Homebuyers Don’t Know (But Should) You’ve found the home you love — listed at $400,000. You’re ready to make an offer and start wondering:“Should I go in at $390,000 and try to save $10K upfront?” Seems smart, right? But what if there’s a better way to use that $10K — one […]
FHA Loans in Raleigh: Benefits, Requirements, and How to Qualify as a First-Time Homebuyer
Understanding FHA Loans: A Guide for Raleigh Homebuyers For many prospective homeowners in Raleigh, NC, the path to purchasing a home can seem daunting, especially when considering credit scores and down payments. Fortunately, Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans offer a more accessible route to homeownership and The Raleigh Mortgage Team at Certified Home Loans is […]
How to Get a Mortgage: 6 Simple Steps from Pre-Approval to Closing
Mortgage Process Explained How to Get a Mortgage in 6 Steps Getting a mortgage can feel overwhelming. You’ll need to make big decisions about mortgage types, lenders, and properties. But at its core, the mortgage process comes down to six clear steps: pre-approval, house shopping, mortgage application, loan processing, underwriting, and closing. Understanding each step […]
