Frontier Mortgage

Maintaining a Vacant Des Moines Property

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:43:00 -0500

Vacant properties have to be maintained. If they aren’t, they rapidly decrease in appeal and value and pose a higher risk to you as the owner. When you’re holding a vacant property, you want to make sure it remains in good condition while finding a buyer. Vacant property maintenance requires some commitment, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple tips for maintaining a vacant property:

Maintain the outside

Curb appeal is just as important, if not more important, with vacant properties as with any other type of property. Keep the grass mowed, have the gutters cleaned, keep walkways clear, and remove any clutter. The property should look taken care of at all times. This is essential if you want to move the property. Vacant properties that feel neglected and abandoned are not intriguing to prospective buyers.

Keep up with repairs

Reduce the risk of damage, vandalism, and theft by keeping all areas of the home in good condition. Repairing parts of the home that require attention and updating areas that need it will make the home look better, keep it sale-ready, and lessen the likelihood of someone being able to break in. It will also be important when potential buyers come to view the property that they see that everything is up-to-date and working.

Install a security system

On top of things looking tidy and up-to-date, you’ll also want a security system. A good security system is invaluable when maintaining a vacant property. A vacant property is at a higher risk for break-ins and other sources of damage. A security system will contact officials if anything goes wrong and ensure the issue is resolved as quickly as possible. To protect you and your vacant property, a security system is a must-have.

Make It Look Lived In

A basic aspect of maintenance for a vacant property is making sure it doesn’t scream ‘vacant’. Automatic lights and other automated systems can be incredibly helpful in reducing the likelihood of a break-in. You can also have the mail sent elsewhere or kept at the post office. Keeping the outside appealing to potential buyers is important; and even if you don’t decide to stage the inside, it should still be kept clean and tidy to appeal to buyers.

Maintaining a vacant property isn’t all that different from maintaining any other property. The goal is to make it attractive to buyers and to keep it secure from potential threats like break-ins. The real challenge with a vacant property is removing the vacant feeling and making the property feel lived in and valuable. Staying organized with a list of maintenance tasks and checking in on the property regularly can help make the maintenance go smoothly.

If you’d like to talk more about maintaining a vacant property, or if there’s something else I can be of assistance with, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

Making a Successful Offer on a Chicago Home

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:32:00 -0500

Buying a new home is an exciting process, but it can also be intimidating. There are so many moving parts to keep in mind; and making an offer can be one of the most daunting steps, as it requires research, preparation, and strategy. No matter whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, having the right information can help ensure that your offer stands out in a competitive market. This week, we’ll discuss some tips on making an offer on a Chicago home.

Find a Reputable Real Estate Agent

Having an experienced real estate agent by your side during the purchase process will make all the difference. An agent will be able to help you assess market conditions, come up with a fair price for your offer, and guide you through the negotiation process. They will also be able to walk you through each step of buying a home and provide valuable advice along the way.

Research the Market

It may sound obvious, but doing your research before you make an offer on a home is essential. Take time to look at what similar homes are selling for in Chicago and compare them with the current listing price of the house you’re interested in. Review recent sales data on comparable properties in the area, in order to ensure that your offer is reasonable given the home’s location and features. It’s important to remember that sellers are usually looking for top dollar, so make sure your research is thorough and detailed before submitting your bid.

Negotiate Strategically

When making your offer on a home, it’s important to remember that negotiation is key. When negotiating with sellers, always keep their best interests in mind while ensuring that you’re getting everything you want out of the deal as well. Be prepared to counteroffer if necessary, but don’t get too hung up on small details; instead, focus on finding common ground between both parties so that everyone can walk away feeling satisfied with the outcome.

Set Up Escrow Services

Once your initial offer has been accepted, setting up escrow services will protect both parties involved in the transaction. An escrow company holds the money or property until contractual obligations have been met by both parties involved in the sale. This ensures that everyone gets what they were promised without any potential issues arising later.

It can be a challenge to make an offer on a new home, but understanding how this process works can help streamline things for both buyers and sellers alike. Find a knowledgeable real estate agent who can guide you through each step of buying a house, research the market ahead of time to gain insight into fair offers based on current trends, and negotiate strategically so that both parties are satisfied with the end result. And don’t forget to set up escrow services once your initial offer has been accepted.

With these tips in mind, buyers should have no trouble making a successful offer on their Chicago dream home.

If you’d like to get pre-approved for a mortgage, you can do that here. We would also be happy to recommend some experienced, local Realtors to help you in the homebuying process. Just reach out to us — you can find all of our contact information at https://www.frontierhomemortgage.com/contact-us/

Is it Really Time for a Bigger St. Louis Home

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:28:00 -0500

Maybe the family is growing or perhaps the house is just beginning to feel a bit small. Whatever the case, many of us eventually need more space. If you think it may be time to graduate to a larger St. Louis home, here are a few things to consider:

What’s Your Five-Year Plan?

Do you anticipate the family unit expanding in the next 5 years? And if so, are there enough rooms to accommodate everyone comfortably? A growing family is among the main reasons people choose to move into a larger home. Alternatively, it might feel that the house is full of your teenagers’ things, and that can make the space seem smaller. But if that’s the case, it may not be wisest to elect for more space when they might be in college or out on their own soon. Assess the future before making any decisions.

What Do You Love About Your Current Home?

Apart from it feeling a bit too small, think about the things you love about your current house. If it’s in the perfect location or has charm that will be tough to replicate elsewhere, you may want to pause and reflect. That’s not saying you shouldn’t move; it’s just worth factoring an upgrade in size against the uniqueness you really love about your house. Conversely, if there are some things in the current house that don’t work for you — maybe the layout isn’t optimal, or the commute to work is longer than you’d like — those might be enough to tip the scale.

Do You Really Need a Bigger House?

When most people consider moving into a larger home, they’ll tell you that they need more space. And if you’re trying to accommodate a growing family, that’s a valid concern. If it you just can’t find a place to store everything, you may be able to remedy that without having to move. Determine if you truly need more square footage, or if you just need to figure out how to maximize your storage.

What’s Going to Change?

A larger home brings with it more maintenance requirements. The amount of time you spend week-to week on things like vacuuming, dusting, and yard work, may increase considerably. You might also find that your expenses, like heating and cooling for instance, go up. If you truly need more space, then that’s a trade-off that can be managed. It’s important to consider all of the implications in advance.

It’s important to weigh several factors before making the jump to a bigger house. You may need that extra space, and you may just need to make a few adjustments to be comfortable in your current place.

Thinking About Refinancing Your Des Moines Home?

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:09:00 -0500

Have you been considering refinancing your Des Moines home? Maybe you’re hoping to reduce your monthly mortgage payments or get access to some extra cash; but before you make any moves, there are some important things you need to know first. Let’s take a look at why it might be time to refinance your home and what you should consider before doing so. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of refinancing before making that big decision.

What Is Refinancing?

First of all, let’s define what refinancing is. When you refinance, you essentially replace your current loan with a different loan with different terms (such as an interest rate or repayment period). The goal of refinancing is usually to get a better deal on your loan, such as a lower interest rate or a faster repayment schedule, so that the total cost of the loan is reduced over time.

When Should I Consider Refinancing?

If rates have dropped significantly since you first took out your loan, it could be a good time to consider refinancing. For example, if rates have dropped by at least 1%, or if they’ve dropped by more than 0.5% and you plan to stay in the home for several years, it could be worth considering refinancing. It’s also worth exploring if your credit has improved since taking out the loan, as this could qualify you for a better rate. It could also make sense to refinance if you want to make the switch from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage (FRM).

An ARM can mean larger payments down the line if rates rise; however, an FRM offers some peace of mind as the same payment will remain for the duration of the loan, no matter how high interest rates go up later. It’s also possible that refinancing could help shorten the length of your loan term. If reducing your monthly payments isn’t enough incentive for you, then shortening the length of time it takes to pay off the mortgage may be enough motivation! Finally, refinancing may be beneficial if there are other deals available that don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI can add hundreds of dollars onto each monthly payment; however, certain lenders offer loans without PMI, which can save homeowners money in the long run.

Refinancing your mortgage can be a good way to reduce costs and improve financial security over time, but it’s important for you to do your homework before taking out another loan on your property. Researching current rates and comparing them with those offered by other lenders is essential. Additionally, understanding how long you plan on staying in your current home and what type of payments you’re comfortable making are both incredibly important considerations when deciding whether or not refinancing is right for you. By weighing all these factors carefully against each other and consulting with local experts who specialize in mortgages and loans in the Des Moines area, you should have no problem finding a solution that works best for you financially.

If you’d like to talk more about refinancing, or if there’s anything else we can be of assistance with, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.

How Student Loan Debt May Affect Buying a Chicago Home

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:58:00 -0500

Purchasing a home in Chicago can be a daunting task, and adding student loan debt to the mix can make the process even more intimidating. If you happen to be among the 43.5 million Americans who owe over $1.7 trillion in student debt, it’s essential to understand how this debt may affect your ability to buy a home. Let's explore the impact that your student loans might have when you get ready to go house-hunting in Chicago.

High Debt-to-Income Ratio

When you submit an application for a mortgage, the lender will evaluate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which compares your monthly income to the amount you owe in debt. If you have a high DTI, it may limit your ability to secure a loan, and your interest rate might be higher. Unfortunately, student loans can significantly impact this calculation, especially if you have a large balance. If you’re unable to qualify for the loan amount you want, you may need to purchase a home with a lower price tag or save more for a down payment.

Monthly Payment Impact

The monthly payment on your student loan can also affect your ability to buy a Chicago home, as it affects your debt-to-income ratio. If your monthly student loan payment is high, it reduces the amount of money you can allocate to a mortgage payment. Moreover, mortgage lenders may lower the amount they are willing to lend you because of your reduced cash flow due to your student loan payments. Therefore, before applying for a mortgage, it’s important to ensure that your monthly student loan payments can fit within your budget.

Credit Score

Your credit score plays an important part in assessing whether or not you will be able to qualify for a home mortgage, as well as the interest rate you will receive. If you have a record of timely student loan payments and no defaults or missed payments, your credit score is likely higher, which may improve your ability to secure a mortgage. However, if you have a history of late payments, your credit score will likely be affected in a negative way, making it more difficult to secure a mortgage for your dream home in Chicago.

Options to Consider

If your student loan balance is high, you may want to consider paying off some of it before applying for a mortgage. And if you need to minimize the impact of a high DTI, you might want to explore ways to increase your income, perhaps with some additional part-time work. Additionally, if you’re eligible for any student loan repayment benefits that are offered by your employer, it would certainly be a wise idea to take advantage of them.

Purchasing a home is an exciting time, but navigating the financial aspects of it can be complicated, especially with student loan debt. It is essential to understand how student loans can affect your ability to purchase a new home in Chicago. Taking time to focus on paying off your loans, increasing your income, and paying bills on time can help you secure a mortgage and put you closer to owning your home. Always remember that with patience and persistence, you can make your dreams of becoming a homeowner a reality – despite your student loan debt!

If you’d like to get pre-approved for a mortgage or talk more about options, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.

What Remote Workers Need to Know Before Applying for a Mortgage in St. Louis

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:45:00 -0500

Buying a new home is an exciting but complex process, especially for remote workers who want to make their home in St. Louis, no matter where their company’s headquarters are based. You’re not alone! Even in the aftermath of the pandemic, remote work opportunities are still a desirable option for a large number of people; and many of them are prospective homebuyers. Let’s get some valuable tips and insights to help you navigate the mortgage process as a remote worker living in St. Louis, so you can enjoy a smooth and successful home buying journey.

Establish Strong Credit

Before embarking on your home buying journey, it's crucial to establish a solid credit history. Lenders rely heavily on credit scores to assess your creditworthiness and determine your mortgage eligibility. Maintain a good payment history, pay off debts, and avoid opening new credit accounts or making large purchases that could negatively impact your credit. Aim to maintain a credit score of 620 or higher to increase your chances of qualifying for a favorable mortgage.

Secure Stable Income

As a remote worker, it's essential to demonstrate stable and reliable income to lenders. While working remotely offers flexibility and convenience, it can also raise concerns for lenders due to the potential for income fluctuations. To address this, be prepared to provide a thorough record of your income, such as tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. Showing consistent and reliable income over time will help instill confidence in lenders and increase your chances of mortgage approval.

Research Mortgage Options

In St. Louis, there are various mortgage options available to suit the unique needs of remote workers. Explore different mortgage programs to determine whether a conventional loan, an FHA loan, a VA loan, or something else will align best with your financial situation. Additionally, consider consulting with a mortgage loan officer who specializes in assisting remote workers. They can provide personalized guidance and help you find the most suitable mortgage program that fits your specific circumstances.

Determine Your Budget

Before starting your home search, it's crucial to establish a realistic budget. Evaluate your current situation with your finances so you can know how much money you can comfortably set aside for a mortgage payment each month. Remember to account for other homeownership costs, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Online mortgage calculators can assist you in estimating monthly payments and evaluating different scenarios. By setting a budget, you can focus your search on homes within your price range and streamline the process of finding the perfect property.

Navigating the mortgage process as a remote worker living in St. Louis may have its unique challenges; but with proper preparation and guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. You’ll want to establish strong credit, demonstrate stable income, research your mortgage options, and determine your budget before diving into the homebuying process. By taking these proactive steps, you will be well-positioned to secure a mortgage and find your dream home in St. Louis. If you have any further questions or need personalized assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to a trusted mortgage loan officer who can help guide you through the entire process.

If you’d like to get pre-approved for a mortgage, you can do that here. We would also be happy to recommend some experienced, local Realtors to help you in the homebuying process. Just reach out to us — you can find all of our contact information at https://www.frontierhomemortgage.com/contact-us/

Do These Things Before Starting Your Search for a Des Moines Home

Sun, 31 May 2026 07:11:00 -0500

There are a few things you should know before you get started searching for your new Des Moines home. Whether this is your first time buying a home or you’ve been through the process before, it’s equally important to get clear on these things before you start browsing through listings. Knowing these things in advance will save you time, and maybe money, but it will also make the homebuying experience less stressful. Here’s what you need to know:

Your Budget

The loan amount you were pre-approved for isn’t necessarily what you should spend. Knowing how much you can spend isn’t the same as knowing how much you should spend. Thinking about your monthly bills currently will give you a clearer picture of what you can actually afford. When you have an absolute maximum designated in advance, you won’t waste time looking at houses out of your range; which keeps you from being tempted to buy something that might put you in a tough financial position in the future.

Your Ideal Location

Know where you want to live. When you define your ideal areas, you make it easier for both yourself and your Realtor to begin the search. When you can focus your search on your top locations, you can avoid unnecessary viewings and time wasted. Come up with a list of locations, and then prioritize them.

Your Must-Haves

What do you have to have in a home? Setting clear parameters will also help you in your search. These are the non-negotiables: Like number of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, for example. Think about your plans for the next 5 years, and factor those into your must-haves. If your list is too long, though, it could complicate your search — so, it’s important to be realistic and stick to the essentials. Start with the things a home needs to have to work for you, and it will help you (and your agent) concentrate on the properties that are the best fit.

Your Wants

Your list of wants can be considerably longer than your list of needs. Designate the things that you’d love to have, but aren’t necessities. Then, when a listing ticks all the boxes for your must-haves, and also has some of your wants, you know it’s worth of your attention.

These are all simple things, but very important to know before getting started. When you start your search in the right way, you’ll save time, and the search will be smoother and less stressful.

If you'd like to get pre-approved for a mortgage, or you need an introduction to an experienced, local Realtor, please reach out to us. We're always happy to help.

Preparing Your Chicago Home to Put On the Market

Sun, 31 May 2026 07:03:00 -0500

If you’re ready to sell your Chicago home, there are some important areas to focus on that can help you catch buyers’ attention. Whether you’re looking to make a few DIY updates, invest in a bit of staging, or undertake some larger renovation, here are a few areas you might consider if you’re hoping to sell your Chicago home soon:

Home Office

No surprise here. A home office has certainly moved up the list of buyers’ lists of wants. If you already have a designated home office, ensure that it’s tidy, bright, and inviting. If you don’t, getting creative could give your home an edge. Perhaps you turn a bedroom into a partial office, showing how it could function as both a guest room and home office in one. If you’re really limited on space, perhaps you clearly designate a section of your living room. Maybe you repurpose your dining room. Of course, it will depend on the house. This likely won’t require any major renovations. It’s more about highlighting the potential for a great home office to help buyers see the opportunity.

Outdoor Space

With outdoor gatherings always popular in the warmer months, patios, decks, and other outdoor areas are also a big plus for many prospective buyers. Sprucing up the space that you do have or putting in some work to create one could make your home more appealing. Again, this doesn’t mean investing thousands of dollars in a brand new patio. Work with what you have. A few pieces of outdoor furniture in the backyard can make for a great outdoor space when done right. Add some colorful cushions, twinkle lights, or a fire pit to really pull it together.

Multi-Functional Family Space

You may need a living room that functions as a yoga studio, or a backyard that function as a getaway. Showcasing the potential of your home to be adaptable is great. Keeping things neat and free of clutter is a good first step. And staging in a way that demonstrates multiple possibilities can help potential buyers to imagine all their options.

Kitchen

With more people opting to cook in, kitchens are another area many potential buyers will be focusing on. If you are planning to invest in upgrades, kitchen appliances may be something you consider. If you’re looking for more DIY on-a-budget fixes, making your kitchen feel as spacious as possible can really help. Clear off counters, organize your pantry and cupboards, or maybe even add some shelving to take advantage of the vertical space. Even if you have a small kitchen, highlighting its practicality is key.

If you’d like a recommendation for an experienced, local Realtor, or if you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.