The Marino Team at Guild Mortgage

09/09/2026

A borrower recently told me they thought buying a home was still years away.

They were concerned about their credit and didn't think they had enough money saved.

After reviewing their situation together, we found their credit was stronger than they thought. We also explored down payment assistance options, and seller credits helped reduce their closing costs.

In the end, they only needed to bring about 1% of the purchase price to closing.

That's a big difference from believing homeownership was years away.

Every buyer's situation is different, but if you've been putting off buying because you're unsure about your credit or savings, it may be worth having a conversation.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle isn't qualification. It's simply not knowing what's possible.

09/08/2026

🏡 Mortgage Tip of the Day

Get Pre-Approved Before You Start House Hunting

Falling in love with a home before knowing your budget can lead to disappointment. A pre-approval helps you:

✅ Understand your buying power
✅ Strengthen your offer when competing with other buyers
✅ Identify any credit or income issues early
✅ Shop with confidence and focus on homes within your budget

The best time to talk to a mortgage professional isn't after you've found a home. It's before you start looking.

📞 Thinking about buying in the next 6-12 months? Let's create a plan today so you're ready when the right home comes along.

09/04/2026

Two closings this week and two happy families in new homes!

I'm grateful for the opportunity to help my clients achieve their homeownership goals and for the trust they place in me throughout the mortgage process.

A big thank you to my clients, real estate partners, and everyone involved in making these transactions a success.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

09/03/2026

What's one thing you wish you knew before buying your first home?

I talk with homebuyers every day, and the answers are always interesting.

Some wish they understood credit scores better.

Some wish they started saving earlier.

Others are surprised by how much they can actually qualify for.

Looking back, what's the one piece of advice you'd give a first-time homebuyer today?

Drop your answer in the comments. Your experience might help someone who's just starting their homeownership journey.

As for me: I'd tell first-time buyers not to wait until they think they're "ready" to talk with a lender. I've helped many people who assumed they needed perfect credit, 20% down, or a much higher income than they actually did. The buyers who have the smoothest experience are usually the ones who start planning early. Even if you're a year away, having a roadmap can make all the difference.

09/03/2026

🏡 Mortgage Tip of the Day

Did you know that your credit card balance can affect your mortgage approval and monthly payment, even if you make your payments on time?

A common mistake homebuyers make is carrying high balances on their credit cards before applying for a mortgage. Keeping your credit utilization low, ideally below 30% of your available credit limit, can help maintain a stronger credit score and improve your financing options.

✅ Pay all bills on time
✅ Avoid opening new credit accounts before closing
✅ Keep credit card balances as low as possible
✅ Don't make large purchases while you're house hunting

Small credit improvements can make a big difference when it comes to qualifying for a loan and securing competitive financing terms.

Thinking about buying a home? Let's review your options and build a game plan for success.

09/01/2026

🏡 Thinking about buying a home but worried about today's rates?

You may not have to wait.

With Guild Mortgage's Payment Advantage Plus program, qualified homebuyers can enjoy a lower monthly payment for the first two years through a temporary rate buydown:

✅ 2% lower rate in Year 1.
✅ 1% lower rate in Year 2
✅ Predictable payment increase after Year 2
✅ Available for first-time and repeat homebuyers

Homeownership may be more affordable than you think.

Reach out today to learn if this program is right for you!

08/31/2026

Before you buy a house, do THIS first.

Don’t start by scrolling Zillow.

Don’t start by going to open houses.

And definitely don’t start by figuring out how much the bank says you can borrow.

Start with one question:
“What monthly payment am I actually comfortable with?”

There’s a big difference between qualifying for a $500,000 house and feeling good about making that payment every month.
Taxes, insurance, interest rate, HOA, down payment and other costs can change the number quite a bit.

Know your payment first. Then shop for the house.

If you’re thinking about buying in the next year, I’m happy to help you figure out what the numbers actually look like.

08/26/2026

Thinking about buying your first home?

There’s a lot to learn, but a little preparation can make the process much easier. Start by understanding your local market, getting a handle on your finances, and knowing what you're looking for in a home.

Most importantly, work with professionals who can help guide you through each step and answer questions along the way.

If you're wondering where to start, I'm always happy to help.

08/25/2026

Buying a home doesn't have to be overwhelming when you know what to expect. From pre-approval to closing day, understanding each step helps make the journey smoother and less stressful.

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or looking to make your next move, I'm here to guide you every step of the way and keep you informed throughout the process.

Let's talk about your homeownership goals today!

08/14/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Tony Marino by Felicia G - Tony Marino was supportive, available, understanding, educated me on the loan process, informatI've and absolutely a delight to work wit.

Click to see all 54 reviews of Guild Mortgage - Tony Marino, Branch Manager | NMLS # 244399