Duane Buziak Explains: Is It Better to Use a Mortgage Broker or a Bank?
A practical guide to it better a mortgage broker or a bank.
Duane Buziak Explains: The 2026 Conforming Loan Limit and What It Means for Your Mortgage
A practical guide to 2026 conforming loan limit.
A Home Appraisal Process Guide for Buyers
This home appraisal process guide explains value, repairs, timing, and financing choices so buyers can prepare with clarity before closing.
First Time Homebuyer Roadmap in 8 Clear Steps
Use this first time homebuyer roadmap to compare payments, credit, cash needs, loan options, and a soft-pull search before making an offer with confidence.
Duane Buziak Explains: What Is Loan to Value Ratio (LTV) and How It Shapes Your Mortgage
What is loan to value ratio? LTV is your loan amount divided by the lesser of your home’s appraised value or purchase price, and it influences your interest rate, mortgage insurance, and loan program options. This guide covers the formula, a worked $400,000 example, key LTV thresholds, and practical ways to lower your ratio before you apply.
Duane Buziak Explains: 7 Ways to Lower Your Mortgage Closing Costs When They Feel Too Expensive
If your mortgage closing costs feel too expensive, the fastest fix is to compare Loan Estimates from multiple sources and negotiate the flexible line items. This guide walks through seven tactics, ordered by effort, that help buyers separate fixed fees from shoppable and negotiable ones and reduce cash to close without committing to a loan.
Does Employment Change Affect Mortgage Approval?
Does employment change affect approval? Learn how job changes, income history, timing, and a soft-pull comparison can shape your mortgage options today.
Duane Buziak Explains: Average Mortgage Closing Costs and What Actually Goes Into Them
Average mortgage closing costs typically run about 2% to 5% of the loan amount, or roughly $8,000 to $20,000 on a $400,000 loan. Duane Buziak breaks down each fee category with a worked example, shows which costs you can compare versus which are fixed, and explains how to line up Loan Estimates using a soft-pull comparison with no hard inquiry.
Duane Buziak Explains: How to Lock In a Mortgage Rate Step by Step
Learn how to lock in mortgage rate terms with a clear step-by-step process: compare offers first, choose a loan program, request a written lock for a set number of days, and confirm everything in writing. The guide also explains how to pick a lock period that fits your closing date and what to do if closing slips.
Duane Buziak Explains: How to Compare Mortgage Offers From Different Lenders Without a Hard Credit Pull
To compare mortgage offers from different lenders, request Loan Estimates for the same loan scenario and judge each one on total cost, including rate, APR, fees, and cash to close, rather than rate alone. This guide shows how to do it with a soft-pull approach so shopping adds no hard inquiries to your credit report.