Mike Puente NMLS #378624

08/17/2026

High-interest debt piling up? Your home equity may be able to help.

If you’re carrying credit card balances or personal loans, there are ways to potentially use the equity you’ve built in your home to simplify your debt.

Two common options are

🏠 HELOC: Access your equity while keeping your current mortgage in place.

💰 Cash-Out Refinance: Replace your current mortgage with a new loan and receive cash from your available equity to help pay off debt.

But which one makes more sense? That depends on your current mortgage rate, how much debt you want to consolidate, and whether you prefer flexibility or one predictable payment.

We break down the pros, cons, and questions to ask in our newest blog.

https://tlpmortgage.com/the-lending-life/debt-consolidation-heloc-vs-cash-out-refinance-which-makes-sense-for-you

07/27/2026

Building Your Dream Home? Here's How a Two-Time Close Construction Loan Works

If you're picturing a home that doesn't exist yet, one built exactly to your family's needs, on the lot you've had your eye on, you're probably also picturing a stack of confusing financing questions. Do you need one loan or two? What happens to your rate while the home is being built? Can you even

07/04/2026

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸🎆

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and memorable day celebrating with family, friends, good food, and beautiful fireworks.

Enjoy the celebrations and have a wonderful Independence Day!

06/29/2026

Building your dream home? 🏡

Our Two-Time Close Construction Program makes the process simpler from start to finish. Secure construction financing, enjoy interest-only payments during the build, and lock into your permanent mortgage as your home nears completion.

Ready to build with confidence? Let's talk about your options today. 210.573.3224

06/18/2026

Helping first-time buyers achieve their dreams is always rewarding, but walking away with a new friend makes it even better! It was an absolute pleasure collaborating with this wonderful buyer and his agent, Tracy Kottman with True Valor Realty, to make it happen. Cheers to successful partnerships! 🏡❤

05/06/2026

Credit score requirements vary by loan program, but many buyers are surprised to learn they may qualify sooner than they think.

General guidelines include:

FHA Loans: Often starting around 580+
Conventional Loans: Typically 620+
VA Loans: Flexible depending on the overall loan profile

At TLP Mortgage, we look at the full financial picture, not just a score. If you are not quite ready yet, we can help create a plan to improve your buying power and prepare for future approval.

https://tlpmortgage.com/mike-puente

04/24/2026

Timing your move doesn’t have to feel like a gamble. 🏡
If you’ve found your next home but haven’t sold your current one yet… you’re not stuck.

With our MoveNow program, you may be able to buy first, move in, and sell on your timeline, without the pressure of rushing or missing out.

✨ No home-sale contingency stress
✨ Stronger offers
✨ More control over your move

This is a game-changer for buyers (and their Realtors 👏).

If timing has been holding you back, let’s talk through your options and see if MoveNow is the right fit for you.

Mike Puente
Senior Loan Officer | NMLS # 378624
210.573.3224

Conventional loan option. Qualifications and conditions apply.

03/20/2026

Not income.
Not credit.

Decisions.

Opening a new card.
Buying a car.
Moving money around.

Things that feel small…
but matter BIG in this process.

Buying a home isn’t just about qualifying.
it’s about protecting your deal.

That’s where most people get tripped up.

Do you want a “Dos & Don'ts" list? I’ll send it.

03/18/2026

Huge congratulations to our newest homeowner on closing on their new home! 🏡🎉

It’s always an honor to help guide families through the journey to homeownership. This one was truly a team effort—big shoutout to Clay Hake with Keller Williams and the TSAHC and the TLP Mortgage/Pilgrim team for going above and beyond to get this to the finish line.