Novus Home Mortgage - Dan Leeder, NMLS # 470144

06/10/2026

06/10/2026

Think your Credit Karma score is the same score your mortgage lender uses?

Not exactly.

Many consumers are surprised to learn that Credit Karma uses the VantageScore model, while mortgage lenders typically rely on FICO scores pulled from all three credit bureaus.

In some cases, the score used for a mortgage can be significantly different than what you’re seeing online.

Before you assume you’re ready to buy—or think you don’t qualify—take 60 seconds and watch this video.

Questions about your score or buying a home? Send me a message.

05/26/2026

Still waiting for rates to drop? 👀
You might not be the only one.

When rates eventually improve, more buyers could jump back into the market, which can mean more competition and higher home prices.

The best move is having a strategy, not trying to perfectly time the market.

Buying now may allow you to:
✅ Start building equity sooner
✅ Avoid future bidding wars
✅ Refinance later if rates improve

You can refinance a rate… but you can’t rewind home prices or lost time.

Let’s talk through your options and build a game plan that fits your goals.

05/14/2026

Preparing early usually gives buyers the best results. Feel free to message me with questions 😊

05/14/2026

Want a quick mortgage-friendly credit tip? 🏡

Before applying for a home loan, try asking your credit card company for a limit increase.
No new account. Often no hard pull. But it may help lower your utilization ratio, which can help your score.

Small credit moves today can create bigger buying power tomorrow.

If you want help preparing to buy, refinance, or just improve your mortgage options, reach out anytime.

05/09/2026

Higher Rates Hit Mortgage Apps, But Only Modestly

Mortgage applications declined last week, reversing some of the prior period’s gains as rates climbed to their highest level in a month. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 4.4% decreas...

05/05/2026

Feel stuck because of your low mortgage rate?

You might not have to sell.

Keep your home, rent it out, and use that income to help qualify for your next one.

I’m helping a lot of clients do this right now.

Message me and I’ll see if it works for you.

04/27/2026

Most investors are getting turned down for the wrong reason…

It’s not the deal.
It’s how they’re trying to qualify.

DSCR loans flip the script—
👉 The property qualifies, not you.

If the rent covers the payment, you’re in the game. No tax returns, no W-2 headaches.

Whether you’re looking at short-term rentals or a long-term lease, this is how a lot of investors are scaling right now.

If you’ve been hitting walls with traditional financing, this might be the way around it.

Message me or drop a comment and I’ll run the numbers with you.

04/16/2026

04/11/2026

Higher rates = slower refis.
Buyers? Still in the game.
If you’re thinking about making a move, let’s put a plan together.

Mortgage applications dipped again last week, though the pace of decline slowed considerably. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reported a 0.8% decrease on a seasonally adjusted basis for the w...