Snake River Branch Fairway Home Loans NMLS 10121

10/27/2026

Lender-paid mortgage insurance (LPMI) is making a comeback, and if you've been in the mortgage industry long, it may look familiar.

— Jeremy Lambson

Navigate the 2026 Pocatello housing market with expert advice on rates, loan types, and Idaho first-time buyer programs from Fairway Home Mortgage Branch…

10/22/2026

🏡 Manufactured Home Financing Isn't Always One-Size-Fits-All

When people think about manufactured home financing, they often assume the process is straightforward. In reality, certain scenarios can be more complex, including chattel properties, relocated homes, and pre-1976 manufactured homes.

That doesn't necessarily mean financing isn't available. It simply means understanding the property, the lending requirements, and the options available is even more important.

In this edition of On Real Estate, we take a closer look at some of the manufactured home situations that can cause lenders to pause and what homebuyers should know before moving forward.

📖 Read the article below to learn more.

I'd be interested to hear from real estate professionals and homeowners:

What are the biggest misconceptions you've encountered about manufactured homes and their financing options?

Idaho's median home price hit $512,500, but new manufactured homes average $142,200.

10/20/2026

🏡 Why doesn't my credit score match what my mortgage lender sees?

It's one of the most common questions I hear from prospective homebuyers.

Many people check their credit through free apps or credit monitoring services and are surprised when a mortgage lender pulls a different score. The reason is that different scoring models are often used for different purposes.

Understanding how mortgage credit scores work can help buyers set realistic expectations, identify opportunities for improvement, and better prepare for the home financing process.

In this article, we break down why these differences exist and what homebuyers should know before applying for a mortgage.

📖 Read the article below to learn more.

Question for homebuyers and real estate professionals: Were you surprised to learn there isn't just one credit score?

Credit Karma often shows a VantageScore while mortgage lenders use classic FICO 2, 4 and 5. Here's why the numbers diverge and how the middle-score rule works.

10/19/2026

🎉 Employee Spotlight: Brandon Ely! 🎉

We had a lot to celebrate with Brandon this week: his work anniversary AND his birthday! 🥳🎂
We spent the day celebrating Brandon and everything he brings to our office. Brandon truly cares about people. When he’s not working, he loves spending time with his family, and that same caring nature carries over into the way he works with his clients.
His goal is simple: help people get into a new home and leave them in a better position than when they first came through the door. 🏡❤️
If you're looking for a Loan Officer who will listen, care, and work hard to help you reach your homeownership goals, Brandon is your guy!
Happy Birthday and Happy Work Anniversary, Brandon! We’re lucky to have you on our team! 🎉

10/15/2026

🏡 Barndominium or Traditional Home?

It's a question I'm hearing more often from homebuyers across Southeast Idaho.

Barndominiums can offer more square footage for the money and greater flexibility in design, while traditional homes often provide more established financing options and predictable resale value.

The reality is that there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice depends on your goals, budget, timeline, and how you plan to use the property long-term.

If you're considering either option, it's important to understand not only the cost of the home itself, but also the financing considerations that may come with it.

I recently shared an article breaking down some of the key differences between barndominiums and traditional homes. I'd love to hear your thoughts:

If you were buying today, would you choose a barndominium or a traditional home, and why?

📞 If you'd like to discuss financing options for either path, feel free to reach out.

Weighing a barndominium against a traditional stick-built home in Southeast Idaho?

10/14/2026

" Here's the truth: that number is almost never the score your mortgage lender will use.

Why does your lender see a different score than your app? Learn how FICO 2, 4, and 5 models impact your mortgage and how to prepare before you apply.

10/09/2026

🏡 A little home maintenance now can help prevent costly repairs later.

Taking a few minutes each month to check key areas of your home can go a long way toward protecting your investment.

✅ Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
✅ Clean out the garbage disposal
✅ Check and replace HVAC filters as needed
✅ Walk around your home and look for signs of damage or foundation concerns

Homeownership comes with responsibilities, but staying on top of simple maintenance tasks can help keep your home running smoothly year-round.

Thinking about buying a home? We're here to help you understand the homeownership journey from pre-approval to move-in day and beyond.

📞 Have questions about your home financing options? Give us a call today!

10/07/2026

🏡 Thinking about buying a home?

Before falling in love with a house, it's important to take a step back and ask a few key questions:

✅ How much home can I comfortably afford?
✅ How much should I put down?
✅ Can I manage the monthly payment?
✅ How long do I plan to stay in the home?
✅ What additional ownership costs should I prepare for?

Taking the time to answer these questions can help you make a more confident homebuying decision and avoid surprises down the road.

If you're considering purchasing a home and aren't sure where to start, we're here to help walk you through your options and answer your questions.

📞 Give us a call today to learn more about your home financing options!

10/07/2026

🏡 Barndominiums have been growing in popularity, but are they actually cheaper than traditional homes?

The answer might surprise you.

Watch this quick reel to learn why more buyers are exploring barndominiums as a path to homeownership. From flexible floor plans to potential cost savings, they can be a unique option worth considering.

Interested in learning more or seeing if a barndominium could work for your goals? Give us a call. We'd be happy to answer your questions and discuss your financing options.

📞 Contact us today!

08/27/2026

Just published 👇

Disputing credit errors can help your mortgage chances—but doing it wrong can stall your application. Learn when to dispute and when to leave it alone.

Disputing credit errors can help your mortgage chances—but doing it wrong can stall your application. Learn when to dispute and when to leave it alone.