Self-Employed Mortgage Options: What to Know Before You File Your Taxes
Self-Employed Mortgage Options Start With Your Tax Returns If you’re self-employed, tax season isn’t just about checking a box and moving on. Your self-employed mortgage options are directly tied to how your income shows up on paper — and that can affect your ability to buy or refinance more than most people realize. Before you […]
Houzd Loan Officers Ranked Top in Utah by FastExpert
Houzd Loan Officers Ranked Top in Utah by FastExpert, recognizing members of our own team — Ashley Tuft, Anthony VanDyke, Carter Campbell, and Crew Carlson — for their commitment to clients and mortgage expertise. This recognition reflects the heart of how we work at Houzd: real conversations, thoughtful strategy, and a team that cares about […]
Non-Conventional Mortgage Loans for Buyers Who Don’t Fit the Box
Non-Conventional Mortgage Loans for Buyers Who Don’t Fit the Box Non-conventional mortgage loans exist for one simple reason: real people don’t always fit into neat lending boxes. If you’ve spent any time in real estate, you’ve probably seen this play out. A buyer looks strong overall, but something about their income or financial profile doesn’t […]
How to Decide Between Lower Monthly Payments or Long-Term Savings When Refinancing
The real question isn’t “which is better?”—it’s “which fits your life right now?” If you’re refinancing, you’ll eventually face the same fork in the road almost everyone does: do you prioritize lower monthly payments or long-term savings when refinancing? At first glance, it feels like a purely financial decision. In reality, it’s a lifestyle decision […]
How Much Can You Save in Interest With a 20-Year Mortgage?
If you’re refinancing and starting to wonder how much you can save interest with a 20-year mortgage, you’re asking the right question. Most homeowners focus on the monthly payment, which makes sense—it’s the number you feel every month. However, the real cost of a mortgage shows up quietly over time. That’s where a 20-year mortgage […]
Is a 20-Year Mortgage Better Than a 30-Year When Refinancing?
Short answer: sometimes. Honest answer: it depends on what you value more—comfort or control. When homeowners refinance, the default move is almost always the same: reset to a new 30-year loan and enjoy the lower payment. And that can absolutely be the right call. But every so often, someone asks a better question: Is a […]
Should I Refinance My Mortgage If Rates Drop Below 6%?
Short answer: maybe. Better answer: it depends. If you’ve been watching rates and thinking, “Should I refinance my mortgage below 6%?”—you’re not alone. That number has become a psychological line in the sand for a lot of homeowners. And honestly, I get it. Sub-6% feels like relief after the past couple of years. But refinancing […]
20-Year Mortgage Refinance: The Quiet Strategy That Can Help You Save
I can save you $317 per month… or $244,487 over the life of your loan. Every January, people get reflective. We think about simplifying life, being smarter with money, and making decisions our future selves won’t roll their eyes at later. Gym memberships, decluttering closets, fewer impulse purchases. All solid goals. And every January, I […]
Credit Repair Tips for 2026: How to Actually Improve Your Score
Credit Repair Tips for 2026 Simple moves now that make future-you very grateful If improving your credit score is on your 2026 goal list, you’re not alone. Every year, more people realize that credit doesn’t just affect loans—it affects options, flexibility, and how expensive life ends up being. These credit repair tips for 2026 aren’t […]
Midterm Year, Housing Pressure, and a $200B Move You Shouldn’t Ignore
Mortgage rates and the midterm election just collided in a meaningful way. This week, the administration announced a move tied to roughly $200 billion being put to work buying mortgage bonds—the very assets that influence mortgage rates. In a year where housing affordability sits front and center, the timing alone makes this worth paying attention […]