Tips, trends and insights for homebuyers like you.
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Second Home Mortgage Requirements: The 5 Things Lenders Check
By: Tomo Mortgage Staff Reviewed by: Jeffrey Kriebel, Senior Loan Advisor | NMLS #30073 November 6, 2026 To qualify for a second home mortgage, lenders check five things: how you’ll use the property, your down payment, your debt-to-income ratio, your credit, and the savings you’ll have left after closing. Eligible conventional loans may allow a… Read more
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2025 mortgage interest rate forecast
See how Tomo Mortgage’s head of Capital Markets breaks down the latest mortgage rate forecasts, predictions, and outlooks for 2025. Read more
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HOAs: the good the bad the ugly
If you’re eyeing a neighborhood with well-manicured lawns and pristine amenities, chances are it’s run by an HOA — homeowners association. Basically, it’s a group of… Read more
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What exactly is a remote closer in mortgage?
A remote closer (sometimes known as a mobile notary) handles the final steps of closing a mortgage deal, but they do it all virtually. They make… Read more
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Will the housing market crash? Here’s what you need to know
Let’s be real—there’s a lot of fear-mongering in the media about a housing crash. You’ve probably seen headlines like “Is the Housing Market About to Crash?”… Read more
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The savings guide: how much to save for your first home
Saving for your first home can feel like a daunting task. With rising prices and the many costs associated with homeownership, it’s easy to get overwhelmed… Read more
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What is a second mortgage?
A second mortgage is basically another loan against your home after you’ve already taken out your first mortgage. It lets you tap into the equity you’ve… Read more
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Moving day: mastering the chaos
How do I handle the actual move like a pro? Confirm your movers’ ETA, and make sure everything’s boxed up, labeled, and ready to roll. Keep… Read more
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What should I tackle before moving into my new home?
Here’s your pre-move game plan Pre-move Pre-closing Post-move If you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership, get pre approved with Tomo Mortgage today. Read more
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What is a home appraisal and how much does it really cost?
So you’re about to buy a house and you’ve heard about this thing called an appraisal. What’s it all about, and how much is this going… Read more
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Do I need to worry about a home inspection?
A home inspection is like getting a checkup for the house you’re about to buy. A licensed inspector goes through all the critical stuff—foundation, roof, plumbing,… Read more
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Is an FHA loan a good idea?
For some people, an FHA loan can be a golden ticket to home ownership. It’s backed by the Federal Housing Administration (ie, the FHA) and it’s… Read more
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How do interest rates work? Understanding how mortgage companies make money
You’re paying to borrow. When you take out a mortgage, you’re borrowing a large sum from the bank or lender. The interest rate is essentially their… Read more
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Does finding the lowest APR guarantee the best loan?
Lenders are going to show you multiple numbers when they give you a quote—the interest rate, the APR, the points (or costs for points), and fees.… Read more