Have you ever opened your escrow statement and wondered why your monthly mortgage payment suddenly went up or even down? You’re not alone! Many homeowners are surprised by these changes, but the explanation is simpler than you think. 🔎 What Is an Escrow Account? An escrow account is set up by your lender to cover property taxes and homeowner’s insurance  on your behalf. Each month, part of your mortgage payment goes into this account, and when tax

At LJ Mortgage Team Inc. , every file tells a story and we’re here to guide you through yours! 🏡 Today, we’re highlighting a recent closed loan file in Michigan  that showcases how preparation and the right strategy can make homeownership a reality. 📋 The File Details Purchase Price:  $435,000 Home Size:  4 Beds | 3 Baths | 2,410 Sq Ft Down Payment:  30% Total Closing Costs:  $12,000 💳 Borrower S

When buying a home, there are a lot of new terms and processes to understand — and one of the most important is the escrow account . An escrow account  is a special savings account managed by your mortgage lender. Each month, a portion of your mortgage payment is set aside into this account to cover important bills like: 🏠 Property Taxes 🔒 Homeowners Insurance This way, when those big annual or semi-annual bills come due, your lender pays t

When applying for a mortgage, one of the most important numbers lenders review is your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) . Simply put, DTI measures how much of your monthly income goes toward paying debts. The lower your DTI, the stronger your application and the better your chances of securing a great interest rate. Here’s what you should know: ✅ Conventional Loans  – Most lenders allow up to 43% DTI  (some may stretch to 49% ). ✅ FHA L

At LJ Mortgage Team Inc. , we break it all down so you know where you can save. Buying a home is exciting but let’s be honest, the paperwork can be overwhelming. One of the most important documents you’ll see during the mortgage process is your Loan Estimate . This three-page form outlines your estimated interest rate, monthly payment, and total closing costs. But here’s the thing not every number is set in stone . What’s Inside Your Loan Estimate S

At LJ Mortgage Team , we believe in complete transparency and personalized guidance so our clients can make confident homebuying decisions. Here’s a real example of how we help turn dreams into reality: 📍 Purchase Price:  $780,000 💰 Down payment:  20% 📈 Credit Score:  780 (Excellent!) 🏡 Household Income:  $128,879 💳 Monthly Debt:  $0 – strong financial position 📊 Property Taxes:  $11,564/year 🛡 Home Insurance:  $1,957/year 💵 Closing Costs:  $22,000 By reviewing every

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