Michele Schambough: First Horizon Mortgage NMLS #419373

09/08/2026

Looking for ways to manage or eliminate debt before retirement? The most effective strategy is to start planning while you're earning a steady income.
Key areas to focus on:
- Pay off high-interest debt.
- Consider refinancing or consolidating loans.
- Make adjustments to your lifestyle expenses.
- Build a budget that aligns with your anticipated retirement income.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, you don't have to figure it out alone. Send me a message, and I can help you assess and manage your debt before retirement.

09/03/2026

Nearly one in five Gen Xers are opting to keep working rather than fully retire and are exploring new approaches to retirement.

As the traditional idea of retirement shifts, what retirement strategies do you think will become most popular and how do you think these changing trends might impact the future of work?

Planning to never retire is a dangerous retirement plan. Even if you don’t want to retire, you may not be able to continue working through no choice of your own.

09/01/2026

The difference between anxious buyers and confident buyers? Strategy.

Rate volatility is a factor, but it shouldn't stop you from securing the home you love.

Use these 3 frameworks to shift your mindset:

1. 1% Rule: Understand how rate changes impact your budget.

2. Rate locks: Help protect your purchasing power during the shopping phase.

3. "Date the Rate" philosophy: Helps guide your timing decisions with clear criteria.

Working with a First Horizon loan officer can help you navigate uncertainty with strategy. Contact me today to talk.

08/27/2026

Home renovations are surging as the pace of home sales slows, with more people choosing to invest in their current spaces rather than move. This trend highlights changing priorities in today’s housing market.

How do you think these shifts will impact future financial planning and opportunities for homeowners?

Thinking about remodeling? Here's how to pick the right project and nab the best price.

08/25/2026

Shopping for a home in an uncertain market? A rate lock is a guarantee that your interest rate won't increase during a set period, helping protect your budget from rate volatility while you look for a home.

When considering a rate lock, be sure to ask your lender about:

1. Lock periods and which timeline fits your situation.

2. Costs or fees associated with locking or extending.

3. Float-down options if rates decrease.

4. The rate lock process, from application to closing.

Contact me to discuss the rate lock options available in your area. We can work together to help you choose the right strategy for your timeline.

08/18/2026

Forget the outdated guideline of buying a home that costs roughly 3x your annual income.

Modern home affordability isn't about a multiplier. It's about finding a monthly payment that fits comfortably within your overall budget, while ensuring you have flexibility for other expenses and the enjoyable things in life.

Ready to find a mortgage plan tailored to your life? Let's connect, and I can walk you through your options.

08/11/2026

Refinancing is typically worth considering based on two main criteria:
1. Whether current interest rates are lower than your existing rate.
2. How long you plan to stay in your home.

Unsure if you should refinance? Send me a message and we can work together to review your options.

08/04/2026

Understanding your homebuying power involves more than a simple calculation. It requires an assessment of what your income could realistically support when you factor in debt, savings, where you want to live, and interest rates.

To explore what mortgage affordability could look like at various income levels, check out our guide: https://bit.ly/4fPzaql

08/02/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Michele Schambough by Carlos E V - Michele was very helpful and went above and beyond to ensure the process of buying my first home was as easy as possible. Since the very first time we spoke, she said she'd do everything possible to get me into the house I wanted and she delivered.

Click to see all 128 reviews of Michele Schambough, Mortgage Loan Officer

07/28/2026

Buy a house now or wait? A useful framework is to "date the rate, marry the house." This strategy involves buying the right home at today's rates, with the plan to refinance later if rates drop.

Check out some examples of how to implement this strategy properly: https://bit.ly/4wtZSfl

Reminder: Don't risk your financial future on uncertain rate changes. If you can barely afford the house, you're not dating the rate.

Connect with me today to explore your purchasing power.