Duane Buziak Explains: Does Comparing Mortgage Rates Hurt Your Credit Score?

Duane Buziak Explains: Does Comparing Mortgage Rates Hurt Your Credit Score?

Does comparing mortgage rates hurt your credit score? Not if you use a soft-pull comparison, which has no effect on your score, and scoring models generally treat multiple mortgage inquiries made within a short window as a single inquiry. This guide separates soft pulls from hard pulls so you can shop lenders confidently instead of settling for the first quote.

Duane Buziak Explains: 6 Strategies for Underwater Mortgage Refinance Options

7 Proven Strategies to Navigate Home Loan Options in Virginia (2026 Guide)

Owing more than your home is worth does not always rule out a refinance. This guide walks through six underwater mortgage refinance options, from confirming your true loan-to-value ratio to programs that waive equity requirements, and explains why HARP, which ended in 2018, is no longer a path. Rules change, so verify current program terms before you apply.

Duane Buziak Explains: What Is a Soft Pull Mortgage Pre-Approval and How Does It Work?

Bank Statement Loans in Virginia: The Self-Employed Homebuyer’s Guide to Mortgage Approval

A soft pull mortgage pre-approval is a preliminary credit review that gives you estimated loan terms without affecting your credit score. This guide explains what is a soft pull mortgage pre-approval, how it differs from a hard pull, where the estimates stop being reliable, and how to compare two offers side by side before you commit to a formal application.