Chris Ferguson, Senior Loan Officer NMLS #1433920

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day!

Today is a chance to slow down, enjoy a little extra time with family and friends, and celebrate the hard work that keeps our communities moving forward.

Whether your day includes a backyard cookout, a lake day, a local festival, or absolutely nothing on the schedule, we hope you enjoy every minute of it.

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day!

09/04/2026

09/02/2026

✅ You’re Pre-Approved...Now What?

Getting pre-approved is a big first step, but what happens next?

🏡 Start shopping for homes within your approved price range
📝 Make an offer when you find the right one
📄 Once accepted, your loan moves into processing and underwriting
🔍 The appraisal and other required reviews are completed
✅ Final approval comes before closing day
🔑 Then it’s time to sign and get the keys!

One important tip: while you’re under contract, avoid opening new credit, making large purchases, or changing jobs without talking to your lender first.

Questions about what comes after pre-approval? I’m here to help you through every step.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/31/2026

⏳ How Long Does It Take to Close on a Home?

For many buyers, closing takes around 30–45 days after an offer is accepted, but the exact timeline can vary.

During that time, a lot is happening behind the scenes:
🏡 Home inspection
📄 Appraisal
💰 Loan processing and underwriting
✅ Final loan approval
✍️ Closing documents

The best way to keep things moving? Get pre-approved early, respond quickly to document requests, and avoid making big financial changes before closing.

Have questions about what your timeline could look like? Let's Talk.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/26/2026

Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate: What’s the Difference? 🏡

A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate for the life of the loan, which means your principal and interest payment stays consistent.

An adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) typically starts with a lower introductory rate, but that rate can change later based on the terms of the loan.

So which one makes more sense?

It really depends on how long you plan to stay in the home, your budget, and how comfortable you are with the possibility of your rate changing in the future.

There isn’t one right answer for every buyer.

📲 If you’re comparing loan options, let’s look at the numbers together and find the one that fits your plans best.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/24/2026

🏡 Why can choosing a local lender make a difference?

When you’re buying a home, having someone who understands the local market can be a real advantage. From navigating area-specific details to keeping communication moving between everyone involved, local knowledge can help make the financing process feel more personal and a lot less complicated.

I’m here to help you understand your options, answer questions along the way, and guide you from pre-approval through closing.

Thinking about buying or wondering where to start? Let’s talk.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/19/2026

🔑 The First 5 Steps to Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but it gets a whole lot easier when you know what comes first.

Here’s where I recommend starting:

1️⃣ Take a look at your finances
Review your income, monthly expenses, savings, and credit so you have a good picture of where you stand.

2️⃣ Talk with a mortgage professional
Before you start touring homes, let’s go over your financing options and determine what may fit your situation.

3️⃣ Get pre-approved
A pre-approval helps you understand your potential buying power and gives you a stronger starting point when you’re ready to make an offer.

4️⃣ Connect with a real estate agent
A knowledgeable agent can help you narrow down your search, schedule showings, and guide you through the offer process.

5️⃣ Start shopping with a plan
Now comes the fun part! With your budget and financing in place, you can focus on homes that make sense for you.

🏡 Your first home doesn’t have to start with endless scrolling. It can start with a simple conversation.

Have questions about getting started? Reach out and I’ll help you understand your options and your next step.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/17/2026

🏡 You’ve probably heard of a 2-1 buydown... but how does it actually work?

A 2-1 temporary buydown can make the first couple of years of homeownership a little easier on the monthly budget.

Here’s the basic idea:

🔹 Year 1: Payments are calculated at a rate 2% below the note rate
🔹 Year 2: Payments are calculated at a rate 1% below the note rate
🔹 Year 3 and beyond: Payments return to the full note rate

In the right situation, a seller contribution may be used to fund the buydown, giving buyers temporary payment relief without permanently changing the terms of the loan.

And if rates improve down the road? Refinancing may be worth exploring at that time.

A 2-1 buydown isn’t right for every buyer or every loan, but it can be a useful option to understand when negotiating a home purchase.

Have questions about whether it could work for you? Send me a message and let’s run the numbers. 🏠

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com