--- title: The Porch Blog by Ruoff Mortgage | Homebuying description: Homebuying | 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 [![person holds packet of paper with a pen in their hand](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_235889550.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/understanding-contingency-clauses-in-real-estate-contracts) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Understanding Contingency Clauses in Real Estate Contracts](https://blog.ruoff.com/understanding-contingency-clauses-in-real-estate-contracts) When diving into the home buying process, a few terms often pop up that can sound a bit intimidating. One of those is the contingency... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/understanding-contingency-clauses-in-real-estate-contracts) [![Black and white farmhouse](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_290171073.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/before-you-fall-for-a-fixer-upper-keep-this-in-mind) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Before You Fall for a Fixer-Upper, Keep This in Mind](https://blog.ruoff.com/before-you-fall-for-a-fixer-upper-keep-this-in-mind) It’s hard not to love Chip and Joanna Gaines of HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” It’s even harder to stop daydreams of falling for your own... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/before-you-fall-for-a-fixer-upper-keep-this-in-mind) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1833722144.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-future-homebuyers-checklist) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [A Future Homebuyer's Checklist](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-future-homebuyers-checklist) Buying a home comes with an assortment of its own necessary evils. The thorns of extra costs, renovation plans, and hidden fees can stick... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/a-future-homebuyers-checklist) [![A woman on her computer taking notes. ](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1541424507.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-does-a-mortgage-calculator-help-with) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [What Does a Mortgage Calculator Help With?](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-does-a-mortgage-calculator-help-with) Understanding the Benefits of a Mortgage Calculator [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/what-does-a-mortgage-calculator-help-with) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_101971848.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/why-a-lake-house-could-be-for-you) [Lifestyle](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/lifestyle), [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Why a Lake House Could be For You:](https://blog.ruoff.com/why-a-lake-house-could-be-for-you) Lakes, and lake culture for that matter, are an integral part of the midwest experience. Boating, fishing, swimming, barbecues, fireworks,... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/why-a-lake-house-could-be-for-you) [![Family taking a walk.](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-05-14%20110202.png)](https://blog.ruoff.com/i-want-to-buy-a-home.-where-should-i-start) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [I Want to Buy a Home. Where Should I Start?](https://blog.ruoff.com/i-want-to-buy-a-home.-where-should-i-start) If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re probably asking the same question many first-time (and even repeat) buyers ask: where do I... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/i-want-to-buy-a-home.-where-should-i-start) [![](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_506812064.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-you-buy-a-home-with-student-loan-debt) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Can You Buy a Home with Student Loan Debt?](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-you-buy-a-home-with-student-loan-debt) If you’re carrying student loan debt, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not out of the running for homeownership. [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/can-you-buy-a-home-with-student-loan-debt) [![Woman giving a gift to a friend at home](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_377694536.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/understanding-gift-funds-in-the-home-buying-process) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Understanding Gift Funds in the Home Buying Process](https://blog.ruoff.com/understanding-gift-funds-in-the-home-buying-process) Buying a home is a significant milestone, and for many, it involves gathering enough funds for a down payment and closing costs. One common... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/understanding-gift-funds-in-the-home-buying-process) [![A flower bed with pink and purple tulips in the rays of sunlight against the backdrop of a beautiful white house with a sloping roof.](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_250998480.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/spring-cleaning-your-finances-6-ways-to-get-mortgage-ready) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Spring Cleaning Your Finances: 6 Ways to Get Mortgage-Ready](https://blog.ruoff.com/spring-cleaning-your-finances-6-ways-to-get-mortgage-ready) It’s almost the official start of spring! While many of us are looking forward to the snow melting and warmer days ahead, spring is also... [Read more](https://blog.ruoff.com/spring-cleaning-your-finances-6-ways-to-get-mortgage-ready) [![Image of happy family mother and little daughter hugging while having breakfast at home in morning.](https://blog.ruoff.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_289054443.jpeg)](https://blog.ruoff.com/real-stories-real-homes-what-clients-say-about-the-mortgage-journey) [Homebuying](https://blog.ruoff.com/tag/homebuying) ## [Real Stories, Real Homes: What Clients Say About the Mortgage Journey](https://blog.ruoff.com/real-stories-real-homes-what-clients-say-about-the-mortgage-journey) Winter often slows things down. The days are shorter, routines shift, and many of us spend more time reflecting on where we are and where... 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