Cheryl Skinner - Mortgage Banker

04/20/2026

The first step to buying a home?
Call me.

Let’s go over your credit, clean up your credit report, and look at your numbers the right way.

I’ll show you:
✔️ What you qualify for right now
✔️ What you could qualify for once your finances are optimized

No guessing. No confusion. Just a clear plan.

Message me or call me—I’ll walk you through it.

04/20/2026

🏡 Step One to Owning Your Home: Get Your Finances in Order

If you’re thinking about buying a home—especially after a major life transition like divorce—there’s one step that matters more than anything else: Get your financial foundation in order first. Not the fun answer. But the real one. Before you start scrolling homes online or talking about interest rates, you need clarity on your numbers. Because confidence in homeownership doesn’t come from guessing—it comes from knowing exactly where you stand....

If you’re thinking about buying a home—especially after a major life transition like divorce—there’s one step that matters more than anything else: Get your financial foundation in order first. Not…

03/11/2026

🔥 Thinking About Spring Projects But Don’t Want To Refinance Your Low Rate?

If you’ve been putting off home updates, consolidating debt, or just want access to your home’s equity without touching your current mortgage — a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could be the perfect solution.

✅ Keep your existing low interest rate
✅ Access cash based on your home’s equity
✅ Use funds for renovations, debt payoff, emergencies, or investments
✅ Flexible draw period — use only what you need
✅ No appraisal required in many cases
✅ Funding possible in as little as 5 days

Spring is one of the most popular times to tackle projects like kitchens, bathrooms, landscaping, roofing, or even preparing your home for sale. A HELOC gives you the flexibility to move forward without the stress of a full refinance.

I also have a personal referral link that can help streamline the process and get you access to funds quickly. If you’ve been wondering whether this is the right move for you — now is the time to explore your options.

👉 Comment HELOC or message me and I’ll send you the link.
👉 Feel free to share this post with anyone who could benefit from fast access to their home equity this spring.

03/11/2026

Divorce Didn’t Define You — It Revealed You

Divorce Didn’t Define You — It Revealed You There is a moment after divorce that no one prepares you for. It’s quiet. It’s unfamiliar. It feels like standing in the middle of your own life and realizing the version of you that existed before… no longer fits. This blog is not just about loans. It’s not just about buying a house....

Divorce Didn’t Define You — It Revealed You There is a moment after divorce that no one prepares you for. It’s quiet. It’s unfamiliar. It feels like standing in the middle of your own life and real…

03/10/2026

Using Child Support or Alimony as Income to Qualify for a Mortgage

For many women rebuilding their financial lives after divorce, one of the biggest questions is: “Can I qualify for a home loan using child support or alimony as income?” The answer is yes — in many cases you absolutely can. At OwnHerHome, we believe women deserve clear information about their financial options, especially during major life transitions. Child support and spousal support can often be used to help you qualify for a mortgage — as long as certain guidelines are met....

For many women rebuilding their financial lives after divorce, one of the biggest questions is: “Can I qualify for a home loan using child support or alimony as income?” The answer is yes — in many…

03/06/2026

Naples, Fort Myers, and Southwest Florida — I’m in town this week.

I’m spending the next five days in Naples, Florida, and many people are surprised to learn that I’m licensed in over 20 states — including Florida.

As a Mortgage Loan Officer with CrossCountry Mortgage, I work with a wide range of clients and referral partners across the country. While I’m here in Naples and Fort Myers, I’d love to connect with:

• Realtors working with buyers relocating to Southwest Florida
• Divorce attorneys and financial professionals helping clients transition into homeownership after major life changes
• First-time homebuyers ready to take the next step
• Luxury buyers exploring higher-end properties
• Vacation home and second-home buyers looking to invest in the Florida lifestyle

My goal is simple: make financing strategic, clear, and efficient so your clients (or you) can move forward with confidence.

Whether it’s:
✔ First-time homebuyer financing
✔ Divorce equity buyouts
✔ Luxury and jumbo lending
✔ Second homes and vacation properties
✔ Investment property financing

I’m here to help guide the process from pre-approval to closing.

If you’re in Naples, Fort Myers, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, reach out. I’d love to connect while I’m here.

Cheryl Skinner
Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #939547
CrossCountry Mortgage

📞 216-877-1193

Let’s get you or your clients into the right home — strategically and confidently.

03/05/2026

Buy Now. Refinance Later.

Why Waiting for “Perfect” Rates Could Cost You the Home You Want One of the biggest myths in real estate right now is this: “I’ll wait until rates drop before I buy.” It sounds logical. Lower rates mean lower payments, right? But here’s the truth most people don’t realize: If you wait for perfect rates, you may never buy at all....

Why Waiting for “Perfect” Rates Could Cost You the Home You Want One of the biggest myths in real estate right now is this: “I’ll wait until rates drop before I buy.” It sounds logical. Lower rates…

03/03/2026

Divorce, Credit Repair & Debt-to-Income: Rebuilding and Buying Smart

Divorce is emotional. It’s financial. It’s disorienting. And if you’re planning to buy a home after it? It’s strategic. This is where clarity replaces chaos. Let’s break this down the right way. 1. Step One: Know What the Divorce Decree Actually Did (and Didn’t Do) A divorce decree can say your ex is responsible for the car, the credit cards, or the house....

Divorce is emotional. It’s financial. It’s disorienting. And if you’re planning to buy a home after it? It’s strategic. This is where clarity replaces chaos. Let’s break this down the right way. 1.…

02/27/2026

🏡Divorce & The Equity Buyout: Just Because You Can… Doesn’t Mean You Should.

One of the biggest decisions in a divorce is this: Do I keep the house and buy out my ex’s equity? On paper, it can look simple. There’s equity. You qualify. You refinance. Done. But real life is not that simple. Before signing a buyout agreement, here’s what needs to be evaluated beyond emotion: 1️⃣ What Is the True Buyout Number?...

One of the biggest decisions in a divorce is this: Do I keep the house and buy out my ex’s equity? On paper, it can look simple. There’s equity. You qualify. You refinance. Done. But real life is n…

02/26/2026

Divorce attorneys in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio — this is for you.

One of the biggest pressure points in any divorce case is the house.

• Can your client refinance and remove the other spouse?
• Can they qualify on one income?
• Should they keep the home or sell?
• How does support income impact qualifying?
• What happens before the decree is finalized?

These questions impact settlement strategy.

As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional, I provide mortgage analysis during the divorce process — not after the damage is done.

I work alongside family law attorneys to:

✔ Analyze refinance feasibility
✔ Review income structure (W-2, self-employed, support)
✔ Evaluate debt-to-income ratios
✔ Structure buyout scenarios
✔ Educate clients before agreements are signed

When the mortgage piece is addressed early, negotiations move cleaner and settlements are stronger.

If you’re a divorce or family law attorney in Cleveland or Northeast Ohio and want a strategic lending partner your clients can trust, let’s connect.

OwnHerHome.com
Education-first mortgage strategy.

—
Cheryl Skinner
Certified Divorce Lending Professional
CrossCountry Mortgage

02/25/2026