Home Loans with Liz

05/18/2026

Think a Down Payment Is the Only Cost of Buying a Home? Think Again. 🛑💸

One of the biggest surprises for first-time homebuyers is realizing that saving for a down payment is only part of the equation. Enter: Closing Costs. My mission is "Empowerment through Education." I want you to step into the housing market with total confidence which means knowing exactly where every dollar goes before you ever sign a contract.

Here is the quick, skimmable breakdown of what actually makes up your closing costs:

The "Big 4" of Closing Costs:
1. Lender Fees 📝

This covers the work to get your loan off the ground. It includes things like the loan origination fee, credit report fees, and underwriting reviews.

2. Third-Party Services 🔍

Money paid to professionals outside of the mortgage company. The biggest ones here are the home appraisal (to verify the property’s value) and the home inspection.

3. Title & Escrow Fees ⚖️

Drawing from my background in Title and Escrow, I always remind buyers about these! This pays the escrow company to handle the legal paperwork, conduct a title search, and ensure the home can legally be transferred to your name.

4. Prepaid Items & Escrow Accounts 🏛️

This is money collected upfront to set up your "safety net" account for future expenses. It typically covers your first year of homeowner’s insurance and your initial property taxes.

The Elizabeth Fisher "No Surprises" Guarantee:
The absolute last thing you want is a sudden financial curveball days before you get your keys.

That is why during our very first strategy session at the Forge Building, I provide a transparent, itemized estimate of your total out-of-pocket costs. We look at the big picture together, ensuring you know exactly what to save for from day one.

Stop guessing what it takes to buy a home. Let’s map it out together.

📍 Ask me questions during our 1:1 consultation: https://homeloanswithliz.com/complimentary-consultations/

Source

05/15/2026

My office is giving away a stay at JR Cooper House during The Forge Open House! See you 11-3pm on 5/16 for your chance to win!

✨ GIVEAWAY ALERT! Win a Staycation at the Cooper House! ✨

Looking for weekend plans? Come visit us Saturday, May 16th at The Forge Open House from 11 AM – 3 PM! Tour this incredible space and get yourself entered to win a FREE night’s stay at the beautiful JR Cooper House in Independence! 🏡✨

No purchase necessary to win, but you must complete these quick steps to enter:
1️⃣ Stop by our office between 11 AM and 3 PM.
2️⃣ Make sure you're following our pages on Facebook and Instagram:
→ Capital Mortgage Source Salem
→ Tasha Brandon - Lending
→ Home Loans with Liz
→ Kevin Kryger Lending
→ JR Cooper House

It’s that easy! Come say hi, check out the property, and get your name in the drawing. We can't wait to see you there! 👋🥂

SourceSalem

(Booking restrictions may apply. See you soon!)

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to the CEO (and Chief Fun Officer) of the Household! 👑🎾

To the moms who can find a lost sock in 2 seconds, negotiate a toddler’s bedtime like a pro, and still find time to dream about that kitchen remodel—you are the real MVPs. 🏆

But today, we’re especially celebrating the moms who make home the fun place to be. Whether you’re the queen of living room forts, the master of kitchen dance parties, or the one who always says “yes” to one more trip to the park, you make the journey of homeownership so much brighter. ✨

Hope your day is filled with breakfast in bed, zero laundry, a whole lot of laughter, and maybe a little "me time" too. You’ve earned it! 🥂🍦

05/08/2026

OPEN HOUSE GIVEAWAY 🎫

Julie Boeder - Coldwell Banker Mountain West Real Estate, Inc. and I have teamed up to bring you this exciting opportunity to win an overnight stay at the historic JR Cooper House.

Entering is easy:
1️⃣ Stop by 3427 Vanessa Cir NW, Salem during the Open House
2️⃣ Wait to see if you win on June 2, 2026 ... THAT'S IT!

📑BONUS: If you finance this home with me at Capital Mortgage Source Salem , I will put $600 towards your appraisal!

🗓️ Saturday, May 9, 2026
🕚 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Want to show up prepared? Let's start your roadmap to homeownership with a 1:1 Consultation or Pre-approval: https://homeloanswithliz.com/complimentary-consultations/

05/05/2026

Self-Employed? Your Tax Returns Aren’t the Only Way to Say "Yes" to a Home. 💼🏠

As a business owner, your goal is often to minimize your tax liability. Your CPA does a fantastic job of finding every legal deduction, but when you go to a traditional bank for a mortgage, those same deductions can make it look like you don't earn enough to qualify.

It’s a frustrating cycle, but it doesn’t have to stop you from buying a home.

At Capital Mortgage Source Salem, I specialize in "Entrepreneurial Lending." I know how to look beyond the final number on your tax returns to see the true strength of your business.

💡 LIZ’S SELF-EMPLOYED TIP: THE P&L ADVANTAGE
We can often utilize a Profit & Loss (P&L) Statement to verify your current income. While tax returns show what happened last year, a P&L shows how your business is performing right now.

Furthermore, we offer Bank Statement Programs. If your tax returns don't tell the whole story, we can look at 12 to 24 months of your business bank deposits to establish your qualifying income. We may "add back" things like depreciation and one-time expenses that big banks automatically deduct.

The Broker Advantage:
Don't let a "no" from a retail bank discourage you. I shop over 30 wholesale lenders to find the one that understands your specific business structure, whether you are a sole proprietor, an S-Corp, or an LLC.

Ready to see what you truly qualify for? Let’s sit down and review your business's big picture.

📍 Schedule an appointment to meet me at The Forge Building | 285 Liberty St NE, Suite 202, Salem, OR

👇 Click below to get started!
https://homeloanswithliz.com/self-employed-homebuyer/

05/04/2026

Why Your First Rental Property Isn’t a Purchase. It’s a Math Problem. 📈

Most people fall in love with a property's look. But when it comes to residential investing, Math must beat Emotion every single time.

As a Mortgage Broker with Capital Mortgage Source Salem , I help my clients move past the "curb appeal" and look at the raw data. We analyze the cash flow, property taxes, and insurance requirements to ensure that your investment is a true win for your long-term wealth (not a drain on your monthly budget).

💡 LIZ’S INVESTOR TIP: THE "RESERVE" RULE
One of the biggest mistakes new investors make is failing to account for Vacancy and Maintenance Reserves. Before you buy, calculate 5–10% of your gross monthly rent and "subtract" it immediately. If the property doesn't still show a profit (cash flow) after that deduction, you don't have a rental; you have a liability. You need a buffer for that inevitable HVAC repair or the month between tenants so that your personal bank account never has to cover the mortgage.

The Broker Advantage:
Because I have a background in Commercial Lending, I look at your residential portfolio through a professional lens. We can even explore DSCR Loans, which allow you to qualify based on the property’s projected rent rather than your personal income!

Ready to see if the numbers work on that property you’ve been eyeing? Let’s run a 360-degree analysis together.

📍 Get started with your Investment Strategy Session: https://homeloanswithliz.com/rental-investors/

05/01/2026

The VA Appraisal Isn't Scary.

Sellers often fear "VA repairs." Most of these are simple safety items, such as peeling paint or missing handrails. I educate sellers on how easy these are to fix, so your offer stays at the top of the pile.

Get on your path to homeownership by scheduling your 1:1 VA Loan Consultation!

04/28/2026

What is a HELOC? A Home Equity Line of Credit is like a credit card for your house. You keep your low-rate first mortgage and only pay interest on what you use for renovations or emergencies. It’s a flexible way to use your home’s value without losing your current rate.