The Porch

One of the biggest questions I hear from home buyers, especially first-timers, is: "How much do I need for a down payment?"

If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the first numbers you’ll hear about is your credit score. And for good reason – it’s a key...

When it comes to buying a home, one of the biggest hurdles for many borrowers is the upfront cost—specifically, the down payment and...

When you're exploring mortgage options, one of the first terms you'll hear is conventional loan. But what exactly does that mean—and is it...

If you’ve ever taken out a mortgage—or even just looked into one—you’ve probably heard the word “amortization.” It sounds technical, but at...

If you’re buying a home or refinancing, you’ve probably heard the word “escrow” tossed around. It can sound like mortgage jargon, but...

When it comes to buying a home, trust is everything. At Ruoff Mortgage, we know our clients aren’t just signing paperwork—they’re sharing...

If you're in the process of buying a home or refinancing, you've probably heard the term lock-in rate tossed around. It sounds simple, but...

If you've started looking into mortgages, you've probably come across the term "Loan-to-Value Ratio" or LTV. It might sound like just...

Private Mortgage Insurance—PMI for short—is one of those mortgage terms that often raises eyebrows. What is it? Why do some buyers have to...