Shawn Townes, NMLS #874521

10/08/2026

Your current mortgage doesn’t have to be a Veterans Affairs (VA) loan for you to explore VA refinancing.

Eligible Veterans, service members, and surviving spouses may be able to replace a conventional mortgage with a VA cash-out refinance.

Learn how the process works, why some homeowners make the switch, and what to consider before refinancing:

Learn how a Veterans Affairs (VA) cash-out refinance may be used to replace a conventional mortgage and which factors borrowers should compare.

10/07/2026

Some dreams begin with a quiet room, a deep breath, and the courage to hit "record."

Whether you're creating, building, or pursuing a lifelong passion, the equity you've built in your home may help support the next chapter of your story.

10/05/2026

A dream wedding can sometimes come with a high price tag.

If you own a home, tapping your equity may be one way to help cover the cost, but is that the right choice for you?

See what to consider before using a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) for wedding expenses, plus other ways to pay:

Can you use a home equity loan for a wedding? Learn how home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) work and alternatives to compare.

10/01/2026

If you're buying but might move again within 3 to 7 years, your timeline can play a big role in the mortgage that best suits your situation.

Learn how fixed-rate mortgages, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), discount points, and break-even timing could factor into your decision:

Know you may move again in a few years? Learn how your timeline can help you compare mortgage options, rates, points, and potential costs.

09/28/2026

You bought the home. Now come the movers, utility setup, furniture and all those smaller expenses that can add up quickly.

Learn how savings, credit cards, and a personal loan for moving expenses may fit into your move, and what to consider before taking on new debt.

Learn how a personal loan for moving expenses may help cover move-in costs, plus what to consider before borrowing after buying a home.

09/25/2026

Thinking about buying your first rental property?

There are some important pieces to know before you get into the process. Read this article to learn what kind of questions you should be asking in this phase of your property investing journey.

Questions to ask before buying a rental property, from monthly costs and vacancy to maintenance, management, financing and the local market.

09/21/2026

Buying a triplex or fourplex with a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan involves an additional property-level calculation.

Learn how the FHA self-sufficiency test works, why projected rental income matters, and what to consider before making an offer:

Learn how the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) self-sufficiency test affects 3–4 unit homes, rental income and mortgage qualification.

09/18/2026

Summer has a way of leaving every room just a little more cluttered than you remember.

If your family is getting ready for back-to-school season, a few small changes can make mornings feel calmer and your home more organized.

Here are practical tips to reset your space without spending an entire weekend cleaning.

Reset your home after summer with simple organization tips for busy families. Create routines, reduce clutter and get ready for back-to-school season.

09/14/2026

When cooler weather brings more of your family’s routine indoors, certain home features can make a noticeable difference.

Learn what tends to help make homes more accommodating in the colder months:

See which home features for families can support storage, shared routines, quieter spaces and everyday comfort when life moves indoors.

09/11/2026

Today we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage and unity that followed.