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The Keys to Homeownership

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Latest Articles

Mortgage 101

What down payment assistance programs are there at Ruoff Mortgage?

For many homebuyers, especially first-time buyers, the biggest obstacle isn’t qualifying for a loan—it’s coming up with the upfront cash....

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Mortgage 101

How do mortgage rates impact my monthly payment?

When you're preparing to buy a home, one of the most important factors to understand is your mortgage rate. While home price and down...

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Mortgage 101

How Do I Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage?

If you're thinking about buying a home, you've probably heard the term "pre-approval" thrown around a lot. And for good reason – it’s a key...

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Mortgage 101

What Types of Mortgages Are There? A Deep Dive for Homebuyers

If you’re getting serious about buying a home – or even just starting to explore the possibility – you’ve probably realized there’s more...

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Mortgage 101

How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment? A Real-World Guide for Homebuyers

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

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Mortgage 101

What Credit Score Do I Need to Buy a House?

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...

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Mortgage 101

What Are Gift Funds? A Deep Dive for Homebuyers

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

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Mortgage 101

What Is a Conventional Loan? A Deep Dive for Homebuyers

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...

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Mortgage 101

What Is Amortization? A Deep Dive into How Loans Are Paid Off

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...

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Mortgage 101

What Is Escrow? A Homebuyer’s Guide to How It Works

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

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