--- title: The Porch Blog by Ruoff Mortgage | Jessica Brita-Segyde description: Exploring homeownership - from mortgage finance to home DIY, from gardening to budgeting tips and more! --- [![ThePorch\_Color](https://blog.ruoff.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ThePorch_Color.png?width=2001&height=753&name=ThePorch_Color.png "ThePorch_Color")](http://www.ruoff.com) # The Porch The Keys to Homeownership ![Background with awesome gradient](https://f.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/8534459/photos/Homepage-1-1.png) Latest Articles [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Renovation-Purchase-Loan-Explained.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/renovation-purchase-loan-explained) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Renovation Purchase: Loan Explained](https://blog.ruoff.com/renovation-purchase-loan-explained) Today’s real estate market is like none other. Inventory is tight, homes are getting multiple offers, properties often sell above list... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/renovation-purchase-loan-explained) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/neighborhood.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-be-ready-when-its-time-to-buy-a-house) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [How To Be Ready When It’s Time To Buy a House](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-be-ready-when-its-time-to-buy-a-house) Preparing to buy a house for the first time may seem overwhelming. If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, it helps to plan before... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-be-ready-when-its-time-to-buy-a-house) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Mistakes-People-Make-When-Refinancing-Their-Home.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/mistakes-people-make-when-refinancing-their-home) [Refinancing](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/refinancing) ## [5+ Mistakes People Make When Refinancing Their Home](https://blog.ruoff.com/mistakes-people-make-when-refinancing-their-home) Refinancing your mortgage can be a great financial move. A homeowner might choose to refinance for multiple reasons. [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/mistakes-people-make-when-refinancing-their-home) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Can-Underwriters-Make-Exceptions.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-underwriters-make-exceptions) [Mortgage 101](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/mortgage-101) ## [Can Underwriters Make Exceptions?](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-underwriters-make-exceptions) Homeownership is a beautiful thing, but the path to getting there is not always a smooth one. Finding, negotiating, and financing the... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-underwriters-make-exceptions) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/How-to-Budget-for-a-House-While-Youre-Still-Renting.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-budget-for-a-house-while-youre-still-renting) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [How to Budget for a House While You're Still Renting](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-budget-for-a-house-while-youre-still-renting) The housing market is challenging these days, especially for first-time homebuyers. Real estate prices are high, but so is rent. How can... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-to-budget-for-a-house-while-youre-still-renting) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/How-Long-Should-You-Keep-an-Investment-Property.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-long-should-you-keep-an-investment-property) [Home Selling](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/home-selling) ## [How Long Should You Keep an Investment Property?](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-long-should-you-keep-an-investment-property) Financial planning is a complicated task. If you are considering whether to purchase, hold, and/or sell an investment property, it is... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-long-should-you-keep-an-investment-property) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/How-Quickly-Can-a-Mortgage-Be-Approved.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-quickly-can-a-mortgage-be-approved) [Mortgage 101](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/mortgage-101) ## [How Quickly Can a Mortgage Be Approved?](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-quickly-can-a-mortgage-be-approved) Today’s real estate market moves fast. Time is of the essence if you want a chance at getting your offer accepted. [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/how-quickly-can-a-mortgage-be-approved) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Do-Loan-Officers-and-Underwriters-Work-Together.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/do-loan-officers-and-underwriters-work-together) [Mortgage 101](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/mortgage-101) ## [Do Loan Officers and Underwriters Work Together?](https://blog.ruoff.com/do-loan-officers-and-underwriters-work-together) Yes, loan officers and underwriters do work together, but with intentional boundaries in place. Both of these roles are essential to the... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/do-loan-officers-and-underwriters-work-together) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/pros-and-cons-of-paying-off-mortgage-early.jpg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/pros-and-cons-of-paying-off-your-mortgage-early) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Pros and Cons of Paying Off Your Mortgage Early](https://blog.ruoff.com/pros-and-cons-of-paying-off-your-mortgage-early) Should you pay off your mortgage early? The answer is different for everyone and depends on your unique financial circumstances. This blog... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/pros-and-cons-of-paying-off-your-mortgage-early) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Benefits%20of%20choosing%20a%20mortgage%20lender.png)](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-choosing-a-mortgage-lender) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [What are the Benefits of Choosing a Mortgage Lender?](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-are-the-benefits-of-choosing-a-mortgage-lender) Before you start shopping for a mortgage lender, it helps to know the basics of the industry. All lenders are not created the same. While... 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