Justus Anderson - Mortgage Planner

10/16/2026

09/19/2026

When you’re buying a home, the appraisal is an important part of the process, providing an independent opinion of the property’s value. Appraisers consider factors such as recent sales of comparable homes, location, size and features, overall condition, and improvements. These details help determine how the home compares with similar properties in the local market. Understanding what goes into an appraisal can help you set realistic expectations, make informed decisions, and feel better prepared for closing.

09/18/2026

Your down payment isn’t the only upfront expense to consider when buying a home. Depending on the loan program and transaction, a seller may be able to contribute toward certain closing costs. If you’re negotiating an offer, understanding how seller contributions could affect your overall cash-to-close can help you evaluate the full financial picture, not just the purchase price.

Have questions about your situation? Send me a message – I’m happy to help!

09/16/2026

Existing home sales dipped 2% from July to August, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million homes. Sales were also 1.2% lower than a year ago. Still, year-to-date sales are up 1.6%.

09/11/2026

As your home value grows and you pay down your mortgage, you may build equity that can provide greater financial flexibility. Depending on your goals, options may include a cash-out refinance or other forms of home equity financing that may be used for purposes such as debt consolidation. Each comes with different rates, costs, and repayment terms. The right approach depends on how much equity you’ve built, your current mortgage, and what you want to accomplish. I can help you compare options that fit your financial goals and determine what may make sense for you. Have questions? Send me a message — I’m happy to help!

09/09/2026

Getting the keys is just the beginning. Your first month as a homeowner is the perfect time to establish good habits: confirm your first mortgage payment date, set up utilities, tackle immediate maintenance, and locate essentials like your water shutoff, electrical panel and HVAC filters. A little preparation now can help protect your investment, avoid unnecessary surprises, and make homeownership feel a whole lot easier.