Avoiding Financial Stress

Scott Perry • April 23, 2026

Share this article

By asking the right questions, and knowing exactly what your needs are, you can find the right loan for you. There are certain approaches that you can take while mortgage shopping that can cost or save you money.


It is still true that the better qualifications you have, the lower your interest rate will be. However, there are mortgages available for almost everyone; it's the interest rates or the down payments that vary.


Before speaking with a lender, know what monthly dollar amount you feel comfortable committing to. Then when you discuss mortgage pre-approval with your lender, it is easier for you to determine the monthly amount and what value of home the monthly amount translates into.


Do not put yourself in the position where you will be paying more each month than you intended simply because the dream home requires it.


Do your research on the types of mortgages available to you and find the one that best suits your needs. There are a number of considerations to be made in terms of finding the best mortgage for each individual:


What type of market are you in? Are the interest rates falling or rising?

Do you want a fixed mortgage rate, where you will always know what your payment is going to be?

What are your long-term goals? Do you intend to resell the property? Do you only need the mortgage for a short time?

Recent Posts

By Scott Perry July 2, 2026
Learn when paying a buyer’s closing costs makes sense, how seller concessions work, and strategies to help your home sell faster in today’s market.
By Scott Perry June 26, 2026
Learn whether an estate sale or junk removal is the smarter choice when selling an inherited home, and discover which option saves time or maximizes value.
Older couple looking at a laptop in a bright office, with a white coffee cup nearby
By Scott Perry June 20, 2026
Thinking about downsizing in retirement? Learn why some retirees are choosing to upsize instead and how it may help support the next generation.
By Scott Perry June 12, 2026
Learn how off-market home sales may affect property values, tax assessments, and market transparency in today’s housing market.
By Scott Perry June 12, 2026
Learn how the Corporate Transparency Act could affect homeowners associations, compliance costs, and the future of HOA fees.
By Scott Perry June 4, 2026
Smaller homes and condos are helping buyers improve affordability while enjoying modern features, lower costs, and lifestyle-focused communities.
By Scott Perry May 29, 2026
Discover how co-buying can help first-time buyers overcome affordability challenges and achieve homeownership sooner.
By Scott Perry May 22, 2026
Discover how Italy’s famous 1 euro homes really work, including renovation requirements, hidden costs, and why buyers are still interested.
By Scott Perry May 22, 2026
Worried about home prices falling? Explore what historical housing data and current market trends suggest about long-term home values.
By Scott Perry May 17, 2026
Thinking about buying a waterfront home? Learn about costs, insurance, weather risks, and the lifestyle benefits of living near water.
Show More