Monique LaValette NMLS# 223277

10/06/2026

One of the most important mortgage tips has nothing to do with rates, payments, or paperwork: Slow down before you send money.

Wire fraud scams can look surprisingly convincing, especially when you're already receiving a steady stream of emails during the homebuying process.

We put together a 5-Minute Fraud Check to help you spot scammers during the mortgage process. Save it now. Hopefully, you’ll never need it. But if you do, you’ll be glad you have it.

Scammers often impersonate lenders, title companies, attorneys, or real estate agents in an attempt to redirect closing funds or collect personal information.

10/01/2026

Sometimes the path to your first home includes a little help from the people who have been cheering you on from the beginning.

If a family member wants to help with your down payment, gift funds may be an option. I can help you understand what’s allowed, what documentation you’ll need, and how it could fit into your financing.

09/29/2026

Thinking about building instead of buying?

A construction loan is a little different from the mortgage you’d use to purchase an existing home. We need to consider the plans, the builder, the budget, the projected value, and how the financing will work while the home is being built.

There are a few more moving pieces, but understanding the process upfront can make the whole experience feel a lot more approachable.

Building a home? Learn how construction loans work, what to expect during the process, and how construction financing differs from a traditional mortgages.

09/24/2026

"My student loan balance is high. Can I still buy a home?"

There's more to qualifying than just the full balance. Your monthly payment, income, credit, and other debts all factor into the mortgage picture, and different loan programs have different guidelines for student loans.

If buying a home is on your radar, let's look at the numbers and talk through your options.

09/22/2026

Ever look at your mortgage payment and think, “Wait... where is all of that money going?”

Your monthly payment can include much more than principal and interest. Depending on your loan, there may also be property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, and escrow payments in the mix.

And if your payment suddenly changes, your interest rate may not be the reason.

A few minutes of decoding your mortgage statement could make the whole thing feel a lot less mysterious.

Your monthly payment may include principal, interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance, depending on how your payments are structured.

09/17/2026

You got pre-approved. The condo did, too, right?

Here’s the part of condo shopping that can catch you by surprise: getting pre-approved doesn’t automatically mean every condo you choose will qualify for your mortgage.

We may need to review the condo project, including the HOA, insurance, reserves, repairs, and potential assessments.

Let’s talk before you make an offer. A little homework upfront can help you avoid some big surprises later.

09/15/2026

Love your mortgage rate? You might not have to give it up to give your home an upgrade.

If you’ve been putting off a bigger renovation because refinancing your low-rate first mortgage doesn’t make sense, a second-lien renovation financing option can let you keep your existing mortgage in place while accessing funds for eligible improvements.

And depending on the project, financing may consider your home’s projected value after the renovations are complete.

New kitchen? Addition? ADU? There might be more ways to make the numbers work than you think.

You want to make improvements, but you don't want to refinance. With a second-lien renovation option, you can potentially access additional financing.

09/11/2026

For those celebrating, we hope you and your loved ones have a happy Rosh Hashanah.

Wishing you a year filled with joy, peace, and many moments to celebrate. Shana Tova.

09/10/2026

You got pre-approved. Time to celebrate? Absolutely. Is it the final finish line? Not quite.

Your pre-approval is an important first step, while final approval comes after your lender takes a deeper look at your finances, documentation, credit, and the property.

Keep things steady, keep me in the loop, and let’s keep your mortgage moving toward the closing table.

09/08/2026

These days, there’s a little more to condo financing than finding a place you love and getting the keys.

Your lender may need to look at the condo project itself, including the HOA’s finances, insurance, reserves, repairs, and more.
And with condo review changes taking effect in 2026, plus the transition to UAD 3.6 appraisal reporting, there are some things worth knowing before you make an offer.

If a condo is on your wishlist, let’s talk about your plans. I’m happy to help you figure out what comes next!

When you buy a condo, your lender may look at more than just you and the unit you want to buy. They may also need to review the condominium project itself.