Home1st Mortgage - Thad Starch, NMLS #1781615

09/08/2026

You made an offer on a house—and now they’re asking for **earnest money.** What exactly is that? 🏡💰

Earnest money is a deposit that shows the seller you’re serious about purchasing the home. But it’s **not an extra fee** on top of your purchase price.

In this video, I explain what earnest money is, where the money goes, and how it typically fits into the homebuying process.

The more you understand **before** you make an offer, the fewer surprises you’ll have along the way.

09/07/2026

First time homebuyers lately...

09/04/2026

What gives brokers the advantage?

Brokers have tons of options. I've got access to over 250 wholesale partners that offer niche programs, fast turn times and competitive interest rates.

That, and I'm not going to send you a misleading flyer in the mail :D

09/03/2026

I love reading reviews. If you've worked with me in the past and had a great experience, let me know using the link below!

Post a review to our profile on Google

09/01/2026

If I wanted to buy a home 6 months from now, I wouldn’t wait until I was ready to start touring houses. 🏡

I’d use those six months to get financially prepared: understand my credit, build a realistic budget, figure out how much cash I’ll need, and talk with a mortgage professional early.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start the conversation. In fact, starting early gives you more time to identify potential obstacles—and more options for dealing with them.

The best time to prepare for buying a home is before you’re ready to buy one.

estate

08/25/2026

Mortgage insurance gets a bad rap—but it can actually be a pretty useful tool. 🏡

Instead of waiting years to save 20% down, mortgage insurance may allow you to buy a home sooner with a smaller down payment.

The important question isn’t just **“How do I avoid mortgage insurance?”**

It’s **“What option makes the most financial sense for me?”**

Every buyer’s situation is different. Understanding your options can help you make a more confident decision.

08/06/2026

Top three things to wake up to:

3 - Fresh ground coffee brewing
2- Being able to drink that coffee in peace
1- Freshly posted reviews!

What are your top 3?

07/03/2026

Can we play Spot the Mortgage Lender?

You may not know this, but I volunteer with Rochester Youth Football Association (RYFA) to help the youth in my area learn to play my personal favorite game in a safe and fun environment.

07/02/2026

06/23/2026

Waiting for interest rates to drop can seem like the smart move when you are thinking about a home purchase. Thad explains that everyone wants the lowest rate possible, but rates can change quickly and the window can close fast.

He remembers during COVID when rates were around 2.5%, and some buyers still waited for even lower. When rates jumped back up, that delay cost people the chance to lock in what was already a great rate, simply because they kept holding out.