If you're planning to buy a home or refinance in 2026 , there’s good news— higher conforming loan limits  are giving buyers more room to breathe and more control over their financing options. That means more purchasing power , improved access to competitive interest rates, and flexibility when choosing the right loan for your goals. At LJ Mortgage Team Inc. , we’re here to make the entire process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Whether you’re stepping into your first ho

Buying a home is exciting—but figuring out the best loan option  can feel overwhelming. Two of the most popular low down payment programs are the FHA Loan  and the Conventional (HomeReady/Home Possible) Loan . Both are designed to help first-time homebuyers, but they have key differences. Let’s break it down. 💰 FHA Loan (3.5% Down) ✅ Credit score as low as 580 ✅ Only 3.5% down ✅ Flexible debt-to-income ratio (up to 54% ) ⚠️ Mortgage insurance require

When you're buying a home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the long list of closing costs that show up before you get the keys. But did you know not all closing costs are created equal and not all of them are within your control? At LJ Mortgage Team , we believe that understanding the details upfront is the key to a smooth closing. Here's a simple breakdown of who controls what  when it comes to closing costs: ✅ Sections A & B – 100% Lender Control