The Two Keys to a Smooth Mortgage
Show every asset up front, then change nothing until funding. An honest lender's guide to the two keys to a smooth mortgage — and keeping your closing date.
What to Do When Shopping for a Home (Beyond Scrolling Listings)
A payment-first playbook for active home shoppers: needs-vs-wants lists, Colorado Springs neighborhood diligence, tour discipline, and staying offer-ready.
Your Price Went Up. Your Value Went Down.
Colorado Springs home prices have sat near $500K for four years while inflation ran 12.8%. In real dollars, a home costs about 11% less than the 2022 peak.
How Long Does a Pre-Approval Last? (And How to Refresh It)
How long does a mortgage pre-approval last? Usually 60-90 days. Here's what actually expires, how a refresh works, and how to keep yours warm during a long hunt.
Temporary vs. Permanent Rate Buydowns: Which One Actually Saves You Money?
Temporary 2-1 buydowns vs. permanent discount points: who pays, the honest break-even math, and the refinance caveat — a straight answer from 719 Lending.
What Are Seller Concessions? How Buyers Use Them to Lower Cash to Close
Seller concessions let the seller pay your closing costs, prepaids, or a rate buydown. See current caps by loan program and when a concession beats a price cut.
Earnest Money and Making a Strong Offer
What earnest money is, when Colorado's contract deadlines protect your deposit, and what actually makes an offer strong — an honest broker's guide from 719 Lending.
The Dos and Don’ts When Buying a Home (and the Golden Rule)
The dos and don'ts when buying a home: no new debt, no job surprises, no mystery money moves — and the Golden Rule that prevents most closing delays.
What Determines Your Mortgage Rate? The 7 Levers That Set Your Price
The market sets the baseline — then 7 levers set your price: credit score, down payment, loan type, term, points, mortgage insurance, and property type.
Mortgage Broker vs. Bank vs. 1-800 Lender: Who Should Write Your Loan?
Broker, bank, or 1-800 lender? An honest look at how each one writes mortgages, when each one wins, and the questions to ask before you commit.