Andrea Roylance Intercap Lending

Spring is a great time to take a fresh look at your finances, especially your mortgage.

I recommend a semi annual review to look at:

Your current payment
Your interest rate
Property taxes and insurance
Your overall financial profile

From there, we can see if a refinance or HELOC makes sense based on your goals.

At the very least, you walk away knowing you are in the best possible position with what you have today.

A quick review now can create opportunities you did not even realize were there.

A lot of buyers assume they need perfect credit to even start the process. That is simply not true.

There are loan options designed for buyers with a wide range of credit profiles.

What matters more is:

Your overall financial picture
Your income and stability
Your plan moving forward

I spend a lot of time helping buyers understand where they stand and what options are available now versus what could improve with a little time.

You do not need perfect credit. You just need a strategy.

According to Experian, the average FICO score for approved mortgages spans a wide range, not just top tier borrowers.

Source: Experian Mortgage Credit Trends Report 2025.

When it comes to paying off debt, there is no one size fits all approach. I usually walk clients through two common strategies:

Debt Snowball
Focus on paying off the smallest balances first to build momentum and quick wins.

Debt Consolidation
Combine multiple debts into one payment, often with a lower interest rate.

The right option depends on your goals. Some people need motivation and structure. Others need to reduce interest and simplify payments.

Understanding both can help you choose a strategy that actually works long term.

Source: Federal Reserve Household Debt Report 2025.

One question I get all the time is how long it takes to close on a home. The answer depends on the situation, but most purchases fall into three timelines:

30 days
Best for buyers who are fully pre approved and ready to move quickly.

45 days
A great middle ground that gives both buyers and sellers some flexibility.

60 days
Helpful when the seller needs more time or the home requires repairs or coordination.

The right timeline depends on the strength of the buyer and the needs of the seller.

Understanding this upfront can help you write a stronger offer and set better expectations.

Source: Ellie Mae Origination Insight Report 2025.

One of the biggest myths I still hear is that you need 20% down to buy a home.

The reality is there are multiple options depending on your situation:

0% down options for qualified buyers
Low down payment programs around 3% to 5%
10% down and higher for more flexibility

The right option depends on your goals, not just a rule you heard online.

According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment for first time buyers was just 8% in 2025.

If you are waiting to save 20%, it may be worth exploring what is actually available now.

Source: NAR 2025 Home Buyers and Sellers Report.