Why More Family Law Attorneys and Homeowners Choose Richard Woodward, During a Divorce Mortgage Transaction
Divorce is one of the most stressful transitions a family can face — emotionally, legally, and financially. When a home, mortgage, or equity buyout is involved, the decisions you make today can impact your financial stability for years. As a Certified Divorce Lending Specialist and a mortgage lender with 25+ years of experience, I help…
Read MoreHow I Got a Buyer Fully Underwriter Approved in Under 24 Hours — A Major Advantage in the Dallas–Fort Worth Market
When buying a home in the competitive Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) housing market, speed is the ultimate differentiator. Option periods are short, prime appraisal slots are scarce, and sellers demand absolute certainty. A slow lender can doom a deal before it starts. This week, we achieved a real-world lending milestone that proves exactly how critical a…
Read MoreUnderstanding the “Over 65” Property Tax Exemption & Deferral in Texas
For homeowners in Texas who are aged 65 or older (or whose spouse qualifies), there are powerful property-tax savings tools available: an additional exemption plus a deferral option. Here’s what you—and your friends—need to know. What is the Over-65 Exemption? The exemption allows a homeowner aged 65+ (or their surviving spouse under certain conditions) to…
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Buying a Home in DFW’s Luxury Neighborhoods (2025 Edition)
The Dallas–Fort Worth luxury market continues to outperform expectations in 2025. Even with fluctuating interest rates, affluent homebuyers are still targeting high-demand communities like Southlake, Westlake, Frisco, Prosper, Flower Mound, Plano, Argyle, and North Dallas. These neighborhoods consistently attract executives, medical professionals, business owners, and relocators from states with higher taxes and higher housing costs.…
Read More50-Year Mortgage: Smart Move or Long-term Trap?
What if you could cut your monthly mortgage payment by spreading it over 50 years instead of 30? Sounds like a win, right? With home prices high and affordability stretched, the idea of a 50-year mortgage — recently proposed by former President Trump — is sparking a lot of discussion. Is it the next big…
Read MoreHELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance: Which Strategy Makes Sense for You?
As a homeowner, your house isn’t just the place you live—it’s one of the most powerful financial tools you have. If you’ve built up equity and want to put it to work (to pay off debt, start a renovation, or just create breathing room in your monthly budget), you have three main options: a Home…
Read MoreIs It Time to Revisit Your Homebuying Plans in Plano, Texas? Your Payment Just Dropped!
If you’ve been holding off on buying a home in Plano because of high interest rates or rising prices, it may be time to take another look.According to First American, affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 U.S. markets—and this marks the fifth straight month where buying a home is getting just a…
Read MoreNavigating Down Payment Assistance Options What help is available — and should you use it?
Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest obstacles for homebuyers today. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. There are many down payment assistance (DPA) programs available across the country, and as part of the nation’s largest mortgage broker/lender, I have access to over 30 different assistance programs through…
Read MoreShould You Refinance Your Mortgage? Here’s How to Know (and What It Really Costs)
Refinancing, what it is, how it works, and when it actually makes sense Thinking about refinancing your mortgage but not sure if it’s the right move? You’re not alone. Whether you’re trying to lower your monthly payment, tap into equity, or pay off your loan faster, refinancing can be a powerful tool—when done for the…
Read MoreIs It Better to Buy Now? Mortgage Rates Just Dropped — But Will It Last? A Dallas Market Perspective
This month, mortgage rates eased to around 6.127% for conventional loans and 5.75% for FHA and VA programs. That’s welcome news for buyers who have been watching rates climb for the past two years. But here’s the catch: just because the Federal Reserve cut the Fed Funds rate doesn’t mean mortgage rates will keep falling.…
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