The Mortgage Minute
Plain-English mortgage guidance from our team. Pre-approval, refinancing, credit, closing costs, self-employed lending, and everything in between — written the way we'd explain it across the table.
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification: What's the Difference?
If you're thinking about buying a home, chances are you've heard the terms "pre-qualification" and "pre-approval." While they sound similar, they mean very different things when it comes to getting a ...
Creative Ways to Cover Your Down Payment
Think you need to save for years? Think again. One of the biggest myths in homebuying is that you need to save up 20% for a down payment. The truth? Many buyers purchase homes with far less — and ther...
The Cohen Advantage
At Cohen Mortgage, we believe getting a mortgage should feel less like a transaction and more like a tailored strategy session. Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading to your dream home, or ...
5 Signs It Might Be Time to Move
How to know when it’s time for a new home and what to do next. Sometimes, the signs are clear. Your family is bursting at the seams or your home feels too quiet. Other times, it’s subtle. The neighbor...
When Refinancing Doesn’t Make Sense
Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move—but it’s not always the right decision. At Cohen Mortgage, we believe in honest guidance, so today we’re sharing a few scenarios where not refin...
Is Now the Right Time to Refinance?
The Mortgage Minute Is Now the Right Time to Refinance? With interest rates constantly in the headlines, many homeowners are asking the same question: Should I refinance my mortgage right now? The ans...
Buying a Home in a Competitive Market: Tips for Success
The Mortgage Minute Blog Post Why Buying a Home Is More Competitive Than Ever In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand have made home buying a competitive process. Understanding ho...
Mortgage Loan Underwriting 101
What Happens After You Apply? Understanding Mortgage Underwriting and Your Closing Timeline Once you've submitted your mortgage application and gathered all your documents, what happens next? For many...
Challenges for Self-Employed Borrowers Obtaining Mortgage Financing
Challenges for Self-Employed Borrowers Self-employed borrowers often face more hurdles in the mortgage process compared to W-2 employees. Since their income can be irregular, and tax deductions often ...
Understanding Appraisals: What Homebuyers Need to Know
When you're buying a home, the appraisal is a critical step in the process. But what exactly is an appraisal, and why is it important? What is an appraisal? An appraisal is an unbiased evaluation of t...
Understanding Bonus and Commission Income in Mortgage Loans
Navigating the mortgage loan process can be challenging, especially when your income includes components like bonuses and commissions. Whether you earn extra income for meeting sales targets or throug...
Using Gift Funds for Your Down Payment – Rules & Requirements
How to Use Gift Funds for Your Down Payment Buying a home is a big financial commitment, and coming up with a down payment can be one of the biggest challenges. The good news is that gift funds from f...
How to Avoid or Remove Mortgage Insurance
Mortgage insurance can add extra costs to your monthly mortgage payment, but the good news is that it’s possible to avoid or remove it in the right circumstances. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer...
Understanding Closing Costs Breakdown & Budgeting
Welcome to Week 6 of The Mortgage Minute! This week, we’re diving into Closing Costs, an essential part of every real estate transaction. Whether you're a homebuyer, seller, or a mortgage professional...
Understanding Interest Rates & How They Are Calculated
When shopping for a mortgage, many people assume that their credit score is the primary factor in determining their interest rate. While credit scores are important, the reality is far more complex. M...
The Loan Application Process: Step-by-Step Guidance
Written by: Eddie Cohen January 28, 2025 Welcome to Week 4 of The Mortgage Minute! This week, we’re focusing on the loan application process. Understanding this step-by-step journey is crucial for ens...
What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio and Why Does It Matter?
Debt-to-Income Ratios What Is a Debt-to-Income Ratio and Why Does It Matter? Written by Eddie Cohen – January 22, 2025 Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is one of the most important factors lenders cons...
Understanding Credit Scores
Your credit score plays a vital role in determining your ability to qualify for a mortgage and the interest rate you'll pay. In this post, we'll explain what a credit score is, how it affects your mor...
Mortgage Basics: Types of Loans
The Mortgage Minute Mortgage Basics: Types of Loans Understanding Mortgage Basics: Which Loan Type is Right for You? Written by Eddie Cohen - January 5, 2025 Thanks for visiting our blog! This is our ...