PJ Popham Mortgage Loan Originator NMLS #2558018

03/30/2026

Dad: Doc, I've broken my arm in several places.

Doctor: Well, stop going to those places.

03/25/2026

🏠 WEDNESDAY MORTGAGE MINUTE
Quick mortgage insight for this week:
👉 Best time to talk to a lender

Here’s what most buyers don’t realize:
The ideal time to talk to a lender isn’t when you’re ready to buy… it’s 6–12 months before.

Why this matters:
Getting a game plan early gives you time to improve credit, manage debt, build savings, and position yourself for the best possible rate and payment. Waiting too long can limit your options or delay your purchase.

If buying a home is on your radar this year, the smartest move is getting a strategy in place early.

Message me anytime with questions or if you want to run numbers.
– PJ Popham | Rate.com NMLS #2611

Call now to connect with business.

03/24/2026

🚗💨 Montana Market Tip from Your Local Pit Crew

In a market like Great Falls, the buyers who win aren’t always the highest offer… they’re the most prepared.

That’s where strategy matters.

💡 Montana Tip:
Before you even start house hunting, get fully underwritten—not just pre-qualified.

Why?
Because in our local market, sellers want certainty. A fully underwritten buyer = faster closings, fewer surprises, and stronger offers.

That’s where our partnership comes in 👇

🏁 The Mortgage Pit Stop Crew
• 🏡 Amber & Jamie – Expert Realtors, finding you the right home and negotiating the win
• 💰 PJ Popham with Rate – Getting you fully prepped, approved, and ready to move FAST

No guesswork. No wasted time. Just a smooth, strategic path to the closing table.

If you’re thinking about buying this spring, let’s get you race-ready.

📩 Message “PIT STOP” and we’ll help you get started.

03/23/2026

Got a pet frog this weekend...it likes to wear sandals...they are open toad. 😂

03/18/2026

🏠 WEDNESDAY MORTGAGE MINUTE
Quick mortgage insight for this week:
👉 What determines your monthly payment?

Here’s what most buyers don’t realize:
Your payment isn’t just about the home price. It’s a mix of interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and the loan amount (price minus down payment). Even a small change in one of these can shift your monthly payment more than you’d expect.

Why this matters:
This directly impacts what you qualify for and what feels comfortable month-to-month. You might be approved for a certain price… but the real question is how the full payment fits your budget.

If buying a home is on your radar this year, the smartest move is getting a strategy in place early.

Message me anytime with questions or if you want to run numbers.
– PJ Popham | Rate

03/06/2026

Happy Fix-It Financial Friday! 🔧💰

I’m PJ with Rate, and today’s Mortgage Pitstop Tip is this:

🚫 Don’t close old credit cards.

It might feel like you’re “cleaning things up,” but older credit cards actually help your credit score. One of the biggest factors in your score is length of credit history, and those seasoned accounts show lenders you have a long track record of managing credit.

Closing them can:
• Shorten your average credit history
• Increase your credit utilization
• Potentially drop your score

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re not using the card, keep it open and use it for something small occasionally, like a tank of gas or a streaming subscription, then pay it off.

A longer credit history = a stronger credit profile when it’s time to apply for a mortgage.

Got questions about credit and homebuying? I’m always happy to help.

03/02/2026

What did one snowman say to the other...you smell carrots?

02/27/2026

Happy Fix-It Financial Friday 🔧🏡

I’m PJ with Rate, and here’s today’s Mortgage Pitstop Tip:

🚦 Keep your credit card balances under 30% of the limit
🏁 Even better: under 10% before you apply for pre-approval

If you’re planning to buy in the next year, this matters more than most people realize. Credit utilization is one of the first things lenders look at when reviewing your file.

The good news? Most buyers are closer than they think. Sometimes it’s not about a massive overhaul, just a few smart adjustments in the right places.

If you want a personalized approval strategy built around your situation, message me “PITSTOP” and we’ll map out your game plan.

02/25/2026

💰 How much cash do you actually need to buy a home?

The simple answer: possibly as little as $0 down.

There are several loan programs available today that move away from the traditional 20% down payment. In fact, many of the loans I help clients with require as little as $1,000 out of pocket.

If you’ve been waiting because you thought you needed a huge savings account, it might be time to take another look.

Comment or DM “Pitstop” and I’ll send you the details. 🏁🏡