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Many buyers only see the visible steps in the mortgage process, such as gathering documents or reviewing approval conditions. Behind the scenes, a mortgage originator plays a significant role in advocating for the borrower and helping secure loan terms that match the buyeris financial goals. This guidance can make the entire experience smoother and more successful.

When buyers apply for a mortgage, income and credit history get most of the attention. However, there is another essential part of the underwriting process that plays a major part in determining approval. Asset verification helps lenders understand the financial strength behind an application and gives them greater confidence in the borrower's ability to manage the loan responsibly.

This week finally got a strong release of regularly scheduled data, with unemployment figures coming out first, along with employment-rate data. The prior week included the Consumer Price Index, which came in favorable. Some of the unemployment-related numbers, however, weren't as telling as they could be: the forecast was roughly 50,000, but the actual figure landed closer to 110,000. That's an order-of-magnitude miss, suggesting we may need to allow some time for the data to self-correct.

Many future buyers think they must eliminate every debt before applying for a mortgage. Reducing debt is helpful, but it is not a requirement for homeownership. You can qualify for a loan even if you have credit cards, student loans or a car payment. What matters most is how well you manage those obligations and how they fit into your overall financial picture.

In the aftermath of the recent government shutdown, the expected releases are still delayed. This round of releases is particularly impactful, involving key inflation reports from both the Consumer Price Index and the Producer Price Index. While the Federal Reserve prefers the PCE Index--and also relies on its own methods for collecting inflation data--the delay is undoubtedly troubling for the broader market, as the shutdown disrupted a wide range of services across the nation. The data is now expected to be released next week.

When natural disasters strike, homeowners can find themselves facing unexpected challenges. From hurricanes and floods to wildfires and tornadoes, these events can cause major property damage, income loss, and emotional stress. If you have a mortgage, knowing your options for forbearance and insurance relief can make a significant difference in how you recover financially and protect your home.

Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Your courage, sacrifice, and dedication protect the freedoms that allow us all to call this nation home.

Interest rates can fluctuate from one week to the next, and that can have a major impact on your monthly payment and overall loan cost. A mortgage rate lock gives you the ability to secure your interest rate for a set period of time, protecting you from unexpected increases while your loan is being finalized. Understanding how rate locks work can help you choose the right time and terms for your situation.

One of the first questions homebuyers ask is how much they can afford to borrow. While the number may seem mysterious, lenders use a clear set of financial factors to decide how much you qualify for. Understanding these factors can help you plan ahead, make smart choices, and feel confident as you start your homebuying journey.

With the ongoing government shutdown, other major releases have hit a snag, as there is still very limited information for when the shutdown may end. The largest and most impactful releases continuing to move forward are those from third-party sources still publishing data -- such as the Consumer Sentiment report -- which shows that consumers remain concerned about inflation but have recently grown more optimistic about the labor market.