The Porch

The Keys to Homeownership

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Latest Articles

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Homebuying

How Much Home Can You Actually Afford? Here's How to Find Out

If you're thinking about buying a home, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: How much can I really afford? It's a simple...

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A couple sits at a table with a professional advisor, reviewing documents together. The man in the plaid shirt and glasses leans in while the woman in a white blouse smiles thoughtfully. The advisor, dressed in a suit, gestures with a pen toward the paperwork. A tablet and a set of keys are on the table.
Mortgage 101

What Is Title Insurance and Why It Matters for Your Home Purchase

When you’re knee-deep into the homebuying process – juggling inspections, appraisals, and paperwork – title insurance might feel like just...

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Person packing office supplies into a cardboard box, including books, a mug, calculator, pen holder, and small potted plant, suggesting moving or leaving a workplace.
Homebuying

Changing Jobs During the Mortgage Process: What You Need to Know

Landing a new job offer is exciting — better pay, new opportunities, maybe even a shorter commute. But if you're also in the middle of...

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A warm, sunlit desk scene with eyeglasses, a calculator, a pen resting on paperwork attached to a clipboard, a coffee mug, and a small potted plant near a window.
Mortgage 101

What Is Mortgage Principal—and Why It Matters More Than You Think

Buying a home is exciting—but let’s be real, it also comes with a learning curve. One of the most important concepts to understand early in...

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Two men stand outdoors, viewed from behind, looking at a modern white house with a dark gray roof surrounded by greenery.
Homebuying

Why House Hunting Is Easier with a Pre-Approval

If you're getting ready to buy a home, you've probably heard this advice: Get pre-approved first. And while it’s easy to brush off as just...

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Three people sitting at a wooden table, smiling and laughing during a meeting. Two of them have papers and pens in front of them, while the third person wears glasses and a blue blazer. A set of keys rests on the table.
Homebuying

What Does “Clear to Close” Really Mean in the Mortgage Process?

If you’ve ever gone through the home loan process – or are in the middle of it – you’ve probably heard the phrase “Clear to Close.” It’s...

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A couple stands arm in arm, looking at a modern two-story house with a dark roof and light-colored exterior, surrounded by grass and a dirt path, during sunset.
Home Selling

How to Buy a New Home Before Selling Your Current One

Buying a new home before selling your current one can feel like walking a tightrope. You’re balancing timelines, finances, and major...

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