Samantha Helms-Verity Mortgage NMLS #1474975

05/27/2025

We were challenged this week to share our “why” — why we do what we do. And it really got me thinking.

What’s My Why?
It’s simple—people.

I’ve always been a people person. I love connecting, talking, listening, and helping others however I can. Being a mortgage lender isn’t just a job to me—it’s a chance to make a real impact in someone’s life. I get to walk alongside families as they take one of the biggest steps of their lives—buying a home—and that’s not something I take lightly.

Yes, I do this to provide for my own family, but what truly fills my cup is serving others. Every loan I close isn’t just a transaction. It’s a relationship. I get to learn people’s stories, hear their dreams, and do everything I can to help them reach those goals. And if you know me, you know I put my whole heart into everything I do. I give 110% because I genuinely care.

To me, it’s about kindness. It’s about making sure each person feels seen, heard, and supported. And that’s why I do what I do.

05/14/2025

05/02/2025

New News! 🗞️

If you have federal student loans, this is important.

Collections on defaulted loans resume May 5, 2025. If you haven’t reestablished deferment, entered repayment, or enrolled in an income-based plan, you may be at risk of being reported as delinquent. Why this matters

• Late/missed payments can hurt your credit
• Delinquent federal debt can disqualify you from a mortgage
• Collections can lead to wage garnishment or tax refund offsets
• New payments could reduce how much home you qualify for
We want to help you stay on track—before this affects your homeownership goals.

Time is short. Drop your questions in the comments or message us directly ASAP.

04/05/2025

4.83 star review received on Experience.com for Samantha Helms by Karina V - The communication was clear and helpful at all times. All questions were answered in a fast and kindly manner. They help me with the process of buying my first home to be fast and easy. The way everything was explain to me from the start to the end was exceptional and she helped me get the best deal possible.

Click to see all 100 reviews of Samantha Helms, Amarillo

04/04/2025

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Samantha Helms by Luis R - Samantha went above and beyond to answer any questions we had during the entire process. She was always speedy in her responses, thorough with her information, and all around a friendly and bubbly person which made working with her a very pleasant experience!

Click to see all 99 reviews of Samantha Helms, Amarillo

04/04/2025

✅ Day 4: Why Credit Age Matters & How to Keep It Strong

Let’s talk credit age—because just like a fine wine or a good cheese, credit gets better with age!

Here’s the scoop:
Your credit age is the average length of time your accounts have been open, and it makes up 15% of your credit score. Lenders like to see that you’ve managed credit responsibly over time—not just opened a bunch of accounts last week.

Why it matters:
• Older credit = more history for lenders to evaluate
• Shows long-term reliability
• Boosts your credit score over time

How to keep your credit age strong:
✅ Keep your oldest accounts open (even if you don’t use them often!)
✅ Be cautious about opening too many new accounts
✅ Use your credit cards occasionally to keep them active

And a little laugh for the day:
“Age is just a number… unless we’re talking about credit history—then older is definitely better!”

Let me know if you have questions about your credit age or how to improve it! Drop them below or shoot me a message.

04/03/2025

🔍 Day 3: The Truth About Credit Inquiries – Hard vs. Soft Inquiries

If you’ve ever checked your credit report and seen multiple inquiries, you might have wondered—do these hurt my score? Let’s break it down!

🔹 Hard Inquiries (Can Affect Your Score)

These happen when a lender checks your credit for new credit applications, such as:
✅ Applying for a mortgage, auto loan, or credit card
✅ Requesting a credit limit increase
✅ Some rental applications & utility accounts

💡 Impact: Hard inquiries can lower your score (typically 5-10 points), but the effect fades after a few months and drops off completely after 2 years.

🔹 Soft Inquiries (No Impact on Your Score)

These happen when your credit is checked for non-lending purposes, such as:
✅ Checking your own credit score
✅ Pre-approved credit card or loan offers
✅ Background checks for employment or insurance

💡 Good to Know: Shopping for a mortgage or auto loan? Multiple hard inquiries within a short period (usually 14-45 days) count as one inquiry, so you can rate shop without major damage!

Bottom Line:
✔ Hard inquiries = possible small dip in your score (but not a deal-breaker)
✔ Soft inquiries = no impact at all
✔ Be mindful of applying for too much credit at once!

Have questions about how inquiries affect you? Drop them in the comments! ⬇️

04/02/2025

📢 30 Days of Credit – Day 2: What Makes Up Your Credit Score? 📊

Ever wonder how your credit score is actually calculated? Understanding the five key factors can help you improve and maintain a strong score!

The 5 Factors of Your Credit Score:

1️⃣ Payment History (35%) – The #1 most important factor! Pay your bills on time to keep your score strong. Late payments can hurt your score for years.

2️⃣ Credit Utilization (30%) – This is the percentage of credit you’re using compared to your limit. Keep it below 30%, but under 10% is best!

3️⃣ Length of Credit History (15%) – The longer your accounts have been open, the better. Tip: Don’t close old credit cards unless necessary!

4️⃣ Credit Mix (10%) – Having a mix of different credit types (credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc.) shows lenders you can manage different debts.

5️⃣ New Credit/Inquiries (10%) – Each time you apply for new credit, a hard inquiry appears on your report. Too many inquiries in a short period can lower your score.

How to Improve Your Credit Score:

✅ Pay on time – Set up auto-pay or reminders!
✅ Lower your balances – Keep credit card usage low.
✅ Limit new credit applications – Only apply when necessary.
✅ Check your credit report – Look for errors at AnnualCreditReport.com and dispute inaccuracies.

⚠ Because Late Payments Are So Detrimental, Here’s a Breakdown of What Actually Happens:

Late payments can drop your credit score anywhere from 30 to 100+ points, depending on several factors:

📌 How severe is the late payment? – A 30-day late payment will hurt your score, but a 60- or 90-day late is even worse.

📌 Your overall credit history – If you have a long, strong credit history, one late payment might not hit as hard. But if you’re newer to credit, the impact can be much greater.

📌 How recent is the late payment? – More recent late payments affect your score more than older ones.

💡 Note: A single late payment can stay on your credit report for up to 7 years, but its impact lessens over time if you maintain good habits moving forward!

It’s so important to understand how important on-time payments really are!

Your credit score isn’t just a number—it’s your financial reputation! Drop any questions in the comments, and let’s keep learning together!

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04/01/2025

It’s April 1st—a new month, a fresh start, and 30 days of possibilities! Let’s make it a great one. ✨

📢 30 Days of Credit: Let’s Talk Credit! 💳

Over the next 30 days, I want to have real conversations about credit—how to build it, improve it, and fix it. As a mortgage lender, I see people in all kinds of credit situations. Some need improvement, while others are in their late 20s and have never used credit before, unsure of where to start. And I get it—credit can be intimidating!

So, let’s break it down together. Each day, I’ll share insights, tips, and answers to common questions. If you have specific credit questions, drop them in the comments or send me a message, and I’ll be happy to help!

📢 30 Days of Credit – Day 1: No Credit? No Problem! Let’s Get It Established! 💳

If you have no credit at all, it can feel like a roadblock when trying to get a car, your first apartment, or even a mortgage. But the good news? You can start building credit today!

Why Is Establishing Credit Important?

Having a solid credit history helps you:
✔ Qualify for a mortgage – Owning a home is much easier with a good credit score.
✔ Get a car loan – Lenders want to see responsible borrowing history.
✔ Rent an apartment – Many landlords check credit before approving leases.
✔ Avoid needing a co-signer – Strong credit means you can qualify on your own.

How to Get Started:

✅ Open a Secured Credit Card – A great first step! You put down a refundable deposit, and it works just like a regular credit card.

✅ Take Out an Installment Loan – These are small loans designed to establish credit, typically through a local bank or credit union.

✅ Become an Authorized User – Parents or trusted family members can add you to their credit card, helping you benefit from their payment history.

✅ Apply for a Small Retail or Gas Card – These cards often have easier approval and can help you build credit with small, manageable purchases.

⭐️ A parent tip: When your child turns 18, consider getting a small installment loan in their name. This adds credit mix to their history, which is a factor in their credit score. Making on-time payments on an installment loan and a credit card shows lenders they can trust you with different types of credit!

The Golden Rule:

💡 Use credit responsibly! Make on-time payments and keep credit balances low to build a strong credit foundation.

Tomorrow, we’ll talk more about what makes up your credit score and how to improve it! Drop any questions in the comments or send me a message—I’m happy to help!

03/28/2025

New information!

That’s right, non-permanent residents have until 5/25 to close on their FHA loans.

Can non-permanent residents still buy a home? YES! FHA isn’t the only way to finance a home! Non-permanent residents still have options:

🔑 Conventional Loans – Available with a valid visa, SSN/ITIN, and U.S. credit history.

🔑 Non-QM Loans – Flexible guidelines, foreign asset verification, and higher down
payments.

🔑 ITIN Loans – For those without SSNs but with an ITIN, available through select lenders.

Reach out today for more information!

03/27/2025

Thinking about buying a home or upgrading to a bigger space? With the warmer weather here, now is a great time to make a move!

There are a lot of lenders out there, but what sets my company and myself apart is the experience you’ll have. Buying a home is a big decision, and I’m here to make it as smooth and stress-free as possible. From start to finish, you’ll have:

✅ Clear communication—no guessing what’s next
✅ A step-by-step guide through the process
✅ A lender who truly cares about your goals

If you’re curious about what you qualify for, what your payment might look like, or just want to explore your options, give me a call! I’d love to help you turn your homeownership dreams into reality.

📞 [806-440-6573]