KNOWLEDGE HUB

If you’re stuck wondering when is the ‘right’ time to buy a new home, this is your sign to kick-start your journey.   

With less competition and a motivated market, fall can be an ideal time to secure your new place. Not convinced? Here are three reasons fall is the great time for you and your family! 

1. Less competition  

With summer usually being the busiest time for homebuying, once fall rolls around, you’ll have fewer buyers to contend with. This allows you more time to find your dream home and negotiate a better price, all without the added pressure of competing offers.  

2. Motivated sellers  

Since this season falls so close to the holidays and end-of-year festivities, many sellers are eager to sell their property. Their willingness to close the deal quickly may help you secure a lower price or a better contract, keeping things smooth and efficient.  

3. Insight into maintenance 

One of the best times to assess a home’s heating and insulation is when the temperature starts to decrease. Take advantage of open houses and walkthroughs to check for drafts or unusual indoor temperatures. Also, be on the lookout for any other repairs that need to be done throughout the home—inside and out.  

Fall in love with your new home 

Hoping to avoid the extra pressure of competing bids? Find your new place with less competition and favorable terms this fall and be home for the holidays!  

If you’re ready to start your homeownership journey, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today.

Getting the keys to your new place or successfully closing your refinance is cause for celebration! But did you know this is a common time for scammers to target homeowners?  

These schemes often come in official-looking mail, texts, or phone calls from someone claiming to be with your mortgage company. But don’t panic, we’re here to help. 

Here are some tips to keep yourself protected.  

What Do These Scams Look Like?

Scammers know you’re eager to stay on top of your mortgage and refinancing options. That’s why they send a letter or a message that looks official to catch your attention. Common tactics include:  

• Using words like “URGENT” or Time Sensitive”  
• Including the lender or company’s name 
• Pressuring you to act fast 

Their goal? Trick you into paying for services you don’t need or sharing personal information.

How to Spot the Real Deal

If we send you anything in the mail, here are some clear signs it’s us:  

• Our trademarked Primis Logo is included
• Required disclosure language can be found
• The Equal Housing Lender Logo is included 

If these are missing, it’s a red flag. However, some scammers will still use our name, so don’t hesitate to verify before proceeding.  

Don’t Get Caught in the Rush

Scammers rely on urgency to pressure you to act before thinking. We suggest doing the opposite—pause and consider contacting your loan officer directly. 

When in Doubt, Reach Out

The safest way to confirm any communication is to contact your loan officer directly. We’re here to guide you and answer questions about your loan, refinancing plans, or future home goals.  

Moral of the Story?

In a world full of phishing, financial scams, and phony claims, trust your home financing with the right people. If you’re ever unsure: look for our logo and call us first! 

It’s officially spooky season, which means it’s time to turn up the heat on fire safety. Fires, especially inside your home, can sneak up on you, so it’s important for your family to be prepared. From safety drills to cooking tips, here are five ways to keep your home safe and your family protected.  

5 Hot Tips for a Safe Home

• Don’t Skip Smoke Alarms: It’s important to install smoke alarms on all levels of your home. Remember to test them monthly and expect to replace the batteries every six months. 
• Plan Ahead: Especially if you have multiple levels and a big family, planning an escape plan helps the whole family stay prepared. Familiarizing your kids with the alarm sounds could also help reduce panic in the moment.  
• Get A Fire Extinguisher: Make sure you have at least one fire extinguisher in your home—one per floor is even better! Also, check their ABC rating so you can use them on any type of fire.  
• Pay Attention When Cooking: Leaving your cooking equipment unattended is a common cause of home fires. Make sure the cooking area is clear of flammable items and keep children away from these spaces.  
• Don’t Leave Candles Unattended: When lighting candles, use a sturdy base and keep them away from flammable objects. Always extinguish the candle before leaving and try to have flashlights on hand for emergency situations.   

Fire safety doesn’t have to be scary; planning and taking small steps can make a big difference. Start this month by following these five tips and keep your family safe and focused on their upcoming Halloween costumes.  

If you have any questions or are considering starting your homebuying journey, find a loan officer near you today!  

Refinancing is a hot topic right now—and for good reason. Everyone’s talking about rates, but what does refinancing really mean for you? The truth is, it’s about more than just chasing a lower number. Done right, it can be a powerful tool to reshape your finances and free up options for the future. 

Here are a few reasons people choose to refi:

• Lower Your Payment – If rates drop or your credit has improved, refinancing could cut your monthly payment and keep more money in your pocket. 
• Switch Loan Types – Life changes, and your mortgage can too. Refinancing lets you switch to a loan type or term that better matches your goals today — whether that’s paying off sooner, lowering monthly payments, or gaining stability with a fixed rate. 
• Tap Into Equity – Your house has value you’ve been building over time. A cash-out refinance lets you use that equity for things like renovations, education, or paying off higher-interest debt. 
• Consolidate Debt – Rolling higher-interest loans into a mortgage with a lower rate can simplify payments and potentially save thousands. 
• Boost Your Cash Flow – A lower rate may also mean a lower monthly payment. That puts more money back in your pocket each month — to save, spend, or use where it matters most. 

When to think about it:

• Rates are lower than when you bought. 
• Your financial situation has improved (better credit, higher income). 
• You want to restructure debt or fund a major project. 

Refinancing isn't one-size-fit-all—but it can be a smart move if it lines up with your goals.

Curious if a refi makes sense for you? Let's talk.

Summer is a popular time for homebuying. With the warmer weather, longer days, and time to make moves, many people are shopping for a new home.  

But possible summer competition doesn’t mean you can’t find your dream home. Planning ahead, submitting a strong offer, and securing a solid team behind you can help make your summer goals a reality. Here are five tips to get you started: 

1. Don’t skip older listings 

Just because some homes are only on the market for a day or two, doesn’t mean the houses left aren’t right for you. When a house has been on the market for a little while or has been re-listed, that doesn’t automatically mean there is something wrong with it. Buyer and seller’s situations can change, so it’s worth adding them to your search list.  

2. Look for a diamond in the rough  

If you’re not finding a home with all the bells and whistles, and you don’t mind rolling up your sleeves, a fixer-upper might be right for you. Also consider the full picture; maybe there’s an older, more affordable home in your ideal location that just needs a little extra work. Putting in a little elbow grease (or hiring some help) could help you secure your dream home at a more affordable price.  

3. Plan ahead for house hunting  

Summertime can get a little hectic, we get it. A little forethought can make all the difference in preparation for the hunt. For example, instead of that typical long family vacation, you might want to shift your dates around to prioritize your home search. 

4. Get a buyer’s agent early  

Having to navigate your home search and negotiate by yourself can be stressful. That’s why it’s essential to lock in a real estate agent early in the process. You’ll get professional market insight, negotiation skills, and local knowledge to help you find the right home. Be sure to also find a lender you trust; this dynamic duo can make the homebuying process a lot smoother.  

5. Don’t forget, seasons change  

Summer can be a great time to look at homes, with picturesque landscaping and great weather. But it’s important to remember that you’ll be in this house all year long. So, if you’re not in love with the foliage or temporary noisy surroundings, remember elements can change with the seasons. You can always ask your real estate agent for insight, too, in these situations! 

If you think summer’s the right time to find your new home or if you have any homebuying questions, just reach out to your loan officer or connect with one today! 

Homeownership wasn’t something I thought much about for much of my life. At times I considered buying a “fixer upper,” or even something new, but then came the fears. Can I really afford a mortgage? What if the water heater breaks? Do I really care about paying into my own equity instead of my landlord’s? Is it really that inconvenient to ask the property manager’s permission when I want to get a pet or make cosmetic changes? Isn’t it easier to have someone else in charge of home maintenance, etc? Then there were the occasional flashes of inspiration, and I would take a step or two in the direction of homeownership.

Without knowing it, these hesitant steps forward and back were the beginning of my first home purchase process. Now that the closing documents are signed, and I’m settling in, here a few helpful tips I picked up along the way.

Check Your Credit Report

It’s important to get a clear picture of your credit score, as well as the details on the report. I had a couple of items I needed to take care of, and in the time it took to address them, I also continued to practice care in using credit. By the time I was serious about applying for a mortgage I had a healthy credit score and wasn’t caught by surprise by unexpected issues. 

Work with a Realtor and Lender You Trust

Buying a home is a big deal, and it made a difference that I had a realtor I was comfortable with who also advocated for my best interest in areas I didn’t know to consider. Trusting my lender and also getting a second opinion when I received the loan offer were critical to my ability to take the next steps with confidence.

Know What You Want but Also Be Flexible

I always wanted something with “character,” but when the opportunity for a brand new townhouse presented itself I realized the beauty of not having to worry about the age of the roof or whether the appliances would give out after move-in. Also, considering the immediate surroundings and how much work I wanted to do on lawncare, and exterior maintenance drove my decision about the size and location of the home.

Have a Discerning Eye

Buying a new build meant I got to watch construction from the concrete pad to the roof and landscaping. I took many trips to check on the progress, and then for the final walk through I made sure to slow down and really look at the details. Many new construction homes have a warranty to cover things you don’t catch on that last visit before settling on the purchase. But I had a chance to put “blue tape” on areas where I saw imperfections – think paint smudges, water pressure issues, and making sure all electrical outlets and switches are working properly.

Don't Forget About Fido

If you’re moving with a pet, like I did, be sure to have as many items that smell and feel like “home” as you make the transition. I got rid of a lot of things but happened to buy a new dog bed a couple weeks before the big move, and that gave my pup a sense of stability as everything else was in limbo.

Register Your Appliances

If you move into a new home or you purchase new appliances, be sure to take advantage of product warranties by registering the equipment within the allotted time.

Say Hello to the Jones'

True story: my neighbor brought me a warm loaf of pineapple banana bread soon after I moved in. I gave her a thank you gift, too, and slowly got to know all my immediate neighbors. It’s important to become a part of the community soon – you’re going to be there for a long while.

So far buying and owning a home has been a true adventure. I’ve learned a lot about things like temporary paper blinds, weighing the pros and cons of keeping/buying furniture, and even how to pack a moving storage unit (another tip: enlist the help of experienced friends, if you don’t have the track record yourself). And here’s my last takeaway: if you’re on the fence and opportunity knocks, I’d say go for it! I also happen to know a great lender… primismortgage.com 😊 

Buying a new home can come with a lot of questions and decisions, so it’s important to make the right choices. With a variety of mortgage scams out there, here are four questions to ask yourself before locking down a loan—keeping you and your new place safe leading up to closing day.  

Are the interest rates too good to be true?  

It’s typically a red flag when the mortgage rates being offered seem noticeably lower than market interest rates. This could mean there are various hidden fees. The lender might come back later, saying you no longer qualify for that rate or even tack on extra fees after locking in the original rate.  

Are they saying my credit score doesn’t matter? 

Even though some loan programs don’t require a high credit score, that doesn’t mean your credit score doesn’t matter. If you’re told your credit score won’t affect your mortgage, don’t fall for it!  That could spell out undesirable terms, and it’s sometimes used to prey on low-income borrowers.  

Does my lender know my budget? 

No, it’s not really your mortgage company’s job to come up with your household budget, but your lender should still know about your financial situation. If they don’t ask any questions about your finances or even your monthly income, then it’s probably not someone you want handling your home purchase. 

Will I be penalized for paying off my loan early? 

For some loans, your lender can charge a penalty if you pay off your loan “too soon.” These are called prepayment penalties, and although they can offer lower overall interest rates, you’ll want to make sure they aren’t hidden in the fine print. Be sure to ask your lender about the prepayment stipulations before agreeing to a loan.  

With an important process like buying a new home, it’s worth taking extra caution when picking your lender. Asking yourself these questions ahead of time can help save you from mortgage headaches later on.  

If you have questions or are ready to talk with a trusted loan officer, connect with one near you today!  

Spring is the perfect season to begin your homebuying journey. Whether you're actively house hunting or simply considering a move in the near future, a little preparation goes a long way. Here are four smart steps to help you get ready for homeownership.

1. Get Pre-qualified for a Mortgage

Before you start scrolling through listings, connect with a lender to get pre-qualified. This gives you a realistic picture of what you can afford and shows sellers you’re a serious buyer—giving you an edge in competitive markets. At Primis, our mortgage experts are here to help you navigate this first step with confidence.

2. Set a Budget and Stick to It

Once you know how much home you can afford, build a budget that includes your expected down payment, closing costs and monthly mortgage payments. A clear budget will guide your home search and help you avoid financial surprises down the road.

3. Identify Your Must-Haves

From location and square footage to kitchen layout and yard space, make a list of what matters most. Knowing your non-negotiables helps narrow your search and makes it easier to spot the right home when you find it.

4. Work With a Trusted Buyer’s Agent

Partnering with an experienced buyer’s agent can make all the difference. They’ll provide valuable local insights, help you negotiate the best deal and may even alert you to homes before they hit the market.

Let’s Make Your Dream Home a Reality
When you're ready to take the next step, Primis Mortgage is here for you. Visit primisbank.com/mortgage to connect with a mortgage expert and start your journey to homeownership today.