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Common HomeBuyer Regrets And How to Avoid Them

Buying a home comes with a lot of decisions: location, price, down payment, loan program, number of bedrooms, yard size, (which mortgage loan officer you’re going to use, hint: use us), the list goes on. But there’s one question buyers may not think about until after they get the keys: What is it actually going…

The Mortgage Questions Everyone Is Afraid to Ask (But Shouldn’t Be)

If there’s one thing we wish every homebuyer knew, it’s this: There is no such thing as a stupid mortgage question. Seriously. We talk to home buyers every single day, and we’ve heard just about every question imaginable. We know the homebuying process isn’t something that is necessarily taught in school. That’s why we’re here! …

Dreaming of More Space This Summer? A USDA Loan Might Be The Answer You Didn’t Expect

There is something about summer that makes people crave a little more room. Maybe it’s the backyard where the kids can run until the fireflies come out, or maybe it’s simply the thought of trading crowded neighborhoods for quiet streets, open skies, and a place that finally feels like home. The good news? That dream…

What Buyers Think Matters vs. What Actually Matters When Getting Approved

Most buyers walk into the home buying process thinking they know what will make or break their approval and most of the time, they’re only seeing part of the picture. They check their credit score, maybe use an online calculator, and assume they’re either “good to go” or “not ready yet.” But here’s the truth:…

We’d Love To Help You With Your Next Phase Of Life

What if the next phase of your life didn’t just happen to you—but you were fully prepared for it? At RMN, we work with people stepping into some of life’s biggest transitions every day. Whether it’s your first full-time job, a recent marriage, a move for a new opportunity, or simply feeling ready for something…

Our Pre-Approvals are Strong, and Documentation Can Be a Good Thing!

In today’s market, a pre-approval letter can make or break a home purchase. Sellers want confidence that the buyer’s financing will come through, and Realtors want to know the deal they’re putting together will actually make it to the closing table. But here’s a question worth asking: Did a lender send you a pre-approval letter…

Spring Clean Your Credit Score

Spring is the season of fresh starts. We clean out closets, organize garages, and finally tackle the junk drawer we’ve been ignoring all winter. But what about your credit score? If buying a home is anywhere on your radar this year, spring is the perfect time to “clean up” your credit and put yourself in…

Making Homeownership Affordable: Programs and Strategies for First-Time Buyers and Repeat Buyers

** Originally written for and published on UrbanAcres.com** If you’ve noticed that first-time homebuyers seem a bit older these days, you’re not imagining things. The national average age has crept up to around 40—a full decade older than previous generations when they bought their first homes.  Here in Iowa, the story is a little different.…

Love at First Loan: We’ll Help You Find “The One”

While romantic love gets most of the attention in February, we think it’s also a great time to talk about something else you might fall in love with: the right mortgage loan. We know choosing a loan program is a big commitment. Each loan program has its own personality, benefits, and reasons people choose it.…

New Year, New Home: What You Can Do NOW If You Want to Buy in 2026

The start of a new year naturally sets the stage for goal-setting, and fresh motivation. If homeownership in 2026 is something you’re thinking about, the best time to start preparing isn’t later this year. It’s now. Buying a home is a process, not a single moment, and the buyers who feel the most confident are…