Dallas Homebuyers: New Credit Score Rule Could Open Doors to More Affordable Mortgages
If you’re dreaming of owning a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area but worried your credit profile isn’t perfect, there’s good news. A major change from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) could make it easier for more Texans to qualify for a mortgage. In July 2025, the FHFA confirmed that lenders can now use…
Read MoreFree Reverse Mortgage Starter Kit: Everything You Need to Know to Decide with Confidence
Are you 62 or older and wondering if a reverse mortgage is the right move for your retirement strategy? You’re not alone — and I’ve got just the thing to help you make an informed, pressure-free decision. I’m Richard Woodward, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Specialist and local branch manager right here in Texas. With over…
Read MoreFHA Loan Requirements Explained (Without the Jargon)
Thinking about buying a home but not sure if you qualify? You’re not alone. One of the most common loan types I help folks with is the FHA loan—and for good reason. It’s flexible, affordable, and designed to help buyers who may not have perfect credit or a huge down payment saved up. If that…
Read MoreHow Much House Can I Afford? Let’s Do the Real Math Together
One of the biggest questions I get from homebuyers (especially first-timers) is: “How much house can I actually afford?” It’s a great question — and the good news is, we can figure that out pretty quickly once we break it down. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a math whiz. I’ll walk you through…
Read MoreWhat Credit Score Is Needed to Buy a House? Let’s Break It Down
Hey home shoppers! If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz around credit scores. And I get it—it’s one of those topics that feels like it should be straightforward… but somehow, it’s not. So let’s clear up the confusion and talk about what credit score you actually need…
Read MoreHow to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage (And Why It’s Your First Step)
For most homebuyers, especially in a competitive market like Dallas-Fort Worth, the home search doesn’t start with browsing listings — it starts with a mortgage pre-approval. Think of it as your permission slip to shop for homes confidently and seriously. In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what mortgage pre-approval is, why it matters,…
Read MoreHow Reverse Mortgages Really Work (and Why They’re Worth a Second Look)
Let’s be honest — when most people hear “reverse mortgage,” they picture late-night infomercials or think it’s something you only use when you’re flat out of options. But here’s the truth: reverse mortgages, especially the federally backed HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage), have come a long way. When used the right way — with strategy…
Read MoreNavigating the 2025 Housing Market: Opportunities Amidst Rising Inventory in Dallas-Fort Worth
If you’ve been waiting for the Dallas housing market to shift in your favor, it’s finally happening. Inventory is rising, the days of wild bidding wars are cooling off, and both buyers and sellers have some real opportunities to make smart moves this year. As someone who’s been helping people buy, sell, and refinance homes…
Read MoreVA Loan Assumption & Entitlement Restoration: What Every Veteran Needs to Know
For many veterans, the VA loan program is one of the most powerful benefits available — offering zero-down homeownership, no private mortgage insurance, and competitive rates. But what happens when you’re ready to sell your home and someone wants to assume your VA loan? More importantly, what happens to your VA entitlement? This is where…
Read MoreDo DFW Home Values Drop in a Recession? The Real Truth You Need to Know
You’ve likely seen the headlines: “Recession fears are growing,” “Home prices could plummet,” and similar narratives. It’s enough to give any homeowner or buyer pause. But as someone with over 23 years of experience in mortgage and real estate, I can tell you—those headlines often stir up fear, not facts. Let’s take a closer look…
Read More
