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The Keys to Homeownership

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Latest Articles

Mortgage 101

How much mortgage can I afford?

One of the first and most important questions in the homebuying journey is: how much mortgage can I afford? While lenders can provide...

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Mortgage 101

What are the requirements for VA loans?

For many veterans and active military service members, buying a home can seem like a daunting task. The VA loan, guaranteed by the U.S....

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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

Spring Forward: Is March the Right Time to Buy or Refinance?

Spring is a great time to buy or refinance. If you’ve been considering making a move, March can be the perfect time to take action.

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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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