Our Mortgage Blog

Why Your Credit Karma Score Might Lie to You—And What Lenders Really Use

by Editorial Team | Aug 8, 2025 | FHA Loan, Frequently Asked Questions, Mortgage

At the Potempa Team, we get this question all the time: “Why is my credit score different than what Credit Karma says?” The short answer? Not all credit scores are created equal—and lenders use a different scoring model than what you see on most free credit check...

How to Buy a Home When Your Side Hustle Pays the Bills: Navigating the Mortgage Process with Non-Traditional Income

by Editorial Team | Jul 28, 2025 | Mortgage

Maybe you run drive for Uber on weekends, freelance in graphic design, or manage multiple income streams that don’t fit the “traditional” mold. Welcome to the new normal. At the Potempa Team, we know that just because all of your income isn’t coming from a W-2 doesn’t...

Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Mortgage Rates to Drop to Buy

by Editorial Team | Jul 1, 2025 | Mortgage

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for mortgage rates to drop before buying a home, you’re not alone. We talk to prospective buyers all the time who are hoping for that perfect moment, when rates dip and suddenly everything feels more affordable. We get...

Low Down Payment Loan Options to Help You Buy a Home in 2025

by Editorial Team | Mar 5, 2025 | Frequently Asked Questions

Are you dreaming of making your goal of homeownership a reality but worried about the down payment? You’re not alone! Many buyers assume they need 20% down to purchase a home, but the reality is that several loan programs allow you to buy with little—or even no—money...

Mortgage Options for Self-Employed Borrowers

by Editorial Team | Feb 13, 2025 | Mortgage

Being your own boss offers plenty of perks—flexibility, independence, and the ability to build something that’s truly yours. However, when it comes to getting a mortgage, self-employed individuals often hit a few more roadblocks than traditional W-2 employees. The...

Your 2025 Mortgage Roadmap

by Editorial Team | Feb 3, 2025 | California Mortgages

Whether you're thinking about buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring investment opportunities, understanding housing market trends and financing options can help you craft your 2025 real estate strategy. At the Potempa Team, we’re here to guide you through...

How Mortgage Interest Rates Affect Your Buying Power

by Editorial Team | Jan 24, 2025 | Mortgage

If you’re thinking of buying a home in 2025, you’ve probably been watching the trends in mortgage rates and wondering if this is truly the year for you to buy or if you should wait for rates to drop. Even small shifts in mortgage interest rates can significantly...

Pathways to Homeownership in 2025

by Editorial Team | Dec 30, 2024 | Mortgage

The new year is shaping up to offer more pathways to homeownership in 2025! Whether you’re a first-time buyer eager to plant roots or someone looking to upgrade to a home that better fits your lifestyle, with evolving loan programs, creative financing solutions, and...

The Fed Cut Rates—Why Haven’t Mortgage Rates Dropped?

by Editorial Team | Dec 23, 2024 | Mortgage

If you’re like many prospective home buyers who have been watching mortgage interest rates and waiting for them to drop, you might be surprised the Fed’s rate cuts didn’t affect home loans much this fall. It’s a common misconception that when the Federal Reserve...

Planning to Buy a Home in 2025? Here’s What to Do This November

by Editorial Team | Nov 20, 2024 | Mortgage

Looking ahead and planning to buy a home in 2025? Here’s the good news: you don’t have to do everything at once. Taking a few simple steps now can set you up for success when it’s time to start house hunting in the new year! Whether you’re looking to hit the ground...

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