Kristen Skebe

You've been saving for months. Maybe years. The down payment fund is growing. Your credit score is looking better. You're finally ready to start house hunting. But then someone mentions taking a homebuyer class. And you pause. Another thing to add to your to-do list? More time spent in a classroom when you could be [...]

Let me guess. You've finally saved enough for a down payment, found a house you love, and then someone mentions closing costs. Wait, what? More money? Yeah, I know. It's frustrating. You've already stretched your budget to the limit, and now there's this whole additional expense that can run anywhere from 2% to 5% of [...]

You have dreamed of owning a house. You've saved for years. You've researched neighborhoods. You've scrolled through listings until you were just exhausted. And you are still unable to figure out the best way to budget for your first house purchase while maintaining financial stability.  Enter the 25% rule. It’s a simple yet powerful budgeting [...]

Buying your first home can feel like stepping into a maze. One turn takes you to mortgages, the next to inspections, and before you know it, you’re wondering if you’re even ready. The good news? With the right roadmap, the process doesn’t have to be overwhelming. That’s why we put together this beginner-friendly home buying [...]

Buying your first home is both exciting and a little scary at the same time. For first-time home buyers, that mix of emotions is normal – after all, you’re about to make one of the most significant financial decisions of your life. It’s only natural to feel eager and anxious. In fact, recent data shows [...]

Wondering if your credit score is house-worthy? You are not alone. “What credit score do I need to buy a house?” is one of the most common questions future homeowners ask—and for good reason. Most lenders want to see a credit score of at least 620, but there’s no single “magic number.” The truth is, [...]

So, you’ve got your eye on a home, but your credit score isn’t quite where you need it to be yet. Turn that frown upside down! With a few focused steps, you can improve your credit score faster than you think—and potentially save thousands on your mortgage in the process. Can You Really Boost Your [...]

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the most common misconceptions is that you need a massive down payment or perfect credit to get started. In reality, a wide range of programs exist to make buying your first home more accessible, from grants and low-interest loans to [...]

You’ve made an offer on your dream home, and it’s been accepted. But before you can move in, there’s one final hurdle to clear: the closing. At this stage, many buyers are surprised to learn they’ll need to cover closing costs—an extra set of fees and expenses that can quickly add up. While these costs [...]

If you’ve found yourself typing “how much house can I afford” into Google, you’re not alone. It's one of the most common — and most important — questions for anyone starting the home buying journey. Whether you are a first-time buyer or returning to the market, understanding home affordability is the first step to making [...]