Matt Bennett NewRez

05/29/2026

Renovations have a way of spreading into rooms you weren't planning to touch. A little prep work before the crew arrives can save you from a lot of cleanups (and potentially a few costly surprises) after.

These 20 tips cover everything from sealing off living areas to protecting flooring, so your home comes out the other side in better shape than it went in.

Learn the best ways to protect your home during a remodel with these simple yet effective tips. Whet...

05/28/2026

One of the things that sets VA loans apart? Built-in protections like the Tidewater Initiative.

If an appraisal comes in low, there’s an opportunity to provide additional insight before the value is finalized.

Learn more about how it works 👇

The VA Tidewater Initiative provides an opportunity to challenge a low appraisal before it becomes f...

05/27/2026

As Military May comes to a close 🇺🇸 we’re proud to highlight one of the many benefits available to those who serve—Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

This tax-free monthly benefit can be used toward housing costs, including purchasing a home.

Let’s talk about how it fits into your homeownership journey.

BAH is designed to help offset the cost of housing for servicemembers, and could help when qualifyin...

05/26/2026

Traditional budgets require a lot of upkeep, such as categorizing every purchase, checking balances and adjusting as you go.

The anti-budget takes a different approach: set aside savings and fixed expenses first, then spend what's left without obsessing over every line item. It's structured where it counts, flexible everywhere else. And for people who find detailed tracking unsustainable, it can be an easier way to stay on top of finances and still work toward long-term goals like homeownership.

Traditional budgeting (and tracking every dime) doesn't suit everyone. If you want a less labor-inte...

05/25/2026

Remembering and honoring the brave individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom this Memorial Day and every day.

http://www.newrez.com/mbennett

05/22/2026

Supporting Military families takes more than offering a VA loan. It requires proven expertise, dedicated infrastructure and a real connection to the community. That's how we help partners serve their clients confidently at every stage of homeownership.

http://www.newrez.com/mbennett

05/21/2026

You've got the keys to your new house. Now what?

Before you dive into big renovation dreams, there are a handful of smaller, foundational repairs that could be worth tackling first. Fixing a drafty door seal, patching minor drywall damage, and checking smoke detector batteries aren't glamorous, but they're the kind of tasks that help protect your investment from day one.

Owning a home is a milestone that brings plenty of joy. Many people focus on painting rooms or buying furniture during the first week. It is better to look...

05/21/2026

Your yard doesn't have to wait for a full overhaul to realize its potential. Whether you've got a few weekends or just a couple of afternoons, projects like adding a pollinator garden, putting up a green privacy screen, or installing a raised herb bed can turn a lackluster space into one that shines.

These easy additions will add so much to your home's resale value.

05/20/2026

Recent updates from Fannie Mae® and Freddie Mac® are helping more condos become eligible for financing. Eased insurance requirements and expanded project review waivers mean some condos that previously didn't qualify for financing may now be back on the table. If you were told "no" before, it might be time to take another look.

http://myapp.newrez.com/?loanofficerid=37281

05/19/2026

Does your property or your neighbor’s come with an easement appurtenant? It’s more common than you might think.

An easement appurtenant is a property right that benefits one parcel of land while burdening another. It “runs with the land,” meaning it automatically transfers with ownership of the property. To learn more, visit our blog 📰

Easements are often a routine part of title review and underwriting.