Thad Starch

I work with homebuyers to secure a financing solution that makes sense for their unique financial situation
NMLS #1781615

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Waiting for rates to drop may sound smart, but the market can change quickly. During COVID, some buyers passed on 2.5% rates hoping for even lower. When rates rose, they missed out. Don’t let perfect be the enemy of great.

#NELA #MortgageBroker #InterestRates #HomeBuying

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) can make or break your loan approval. Different lenders and loan programs have different limits, so know your monthly debts and have your income documents ready before applying.

#Home1stMortgage #MortgageBroker #DebtToIncomeRatio #HomeBuying

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Mortgage payments include escrow for taxes & insurance. Costs rise yearly; shortages can be repaid lump or 12 months. Check costs.

#NELA #MortgageBroker #Escrow #PropertyTaxes #HomeownersInsurance

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

A pre-approval number can mislead you; it's not your real budget. Focus on what monthly payment feels comfortable first. now#Nebraska

#MortgageBroker #MortgagePreApproval #HomeBuying #MonthlyPayment

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Saved an extra $5K but homes may cost $14K more now. Waiting can cost more than buying. You may already qualify with 3% down, seller concessions, or assistance programs.

#Home1stMortgage #MortgageBroker #DownPayment #HomeBuying

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Waiting to buy can cost more. A $200K home may need just $6K down, and with assistance plus seller concessions, your out-of-pocket could stay near $5K.

#NESA #MortgageBroker #DownPayment #DownPaymentAssistance #SellerConcessions

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Your credit score impacts your mortgage more than you think. It affects rates, insurance, and monthly payments. Check your score before house hunting.

#NESA #MortgageBroker #CreditScore #FirstTimeHomebuyer #MortgageInsurance

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Tax refund hitting your account? Before spending $2,400 on a TV, think bigger. It could help you get into a home faster with down payment assistance.

#Minnesota #MortgageBroker #DownPaymentAssistance #TaxRefund

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Many first-time buyers are closer than they think. At $50K/year, homeownership may be within reach at around $1,790/mo including taxes & insurance. Your DTI matters—let’s talk numbers.

#Home1stMortgage #MortgageLender #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #DebtToIncomeRatio #HomeBuying

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Tax refund + buying in 2026? Use it wisely. Paying off credit cards or a car loan can improve your mortgage options. New TV? Not so much. DM ��return” to plan your next step.

#NELA #MortgageBroker #TaxRefund #DebtPayoff #Homebuying2026

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Time in the market matters. A $100K home bought around 2000 could be worth ~$300K today. Bought in 2012? About $240K. Every year you wait, appreciation works for you.

#Nebraska #Iowa #MortgageBroker #HomeBuying

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

When shopping for a home, the monthly payment matters more than the price. Pre-approvals are based on what you can afford monthly. The key is choosing a payment that fits your budget comfortably.

#Home1stMortgage #MortgageBroker #PreApproval #HomeBuying

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Pre-approvals depend on your monthly payment, not just price. Lenders assess debt-to-income, and full costs (loan, taxes, insurance, MI) can impact approval. Know early to avoid surprises.

#LocalMortgageBroker #MortgageBroker #DebtToIncome #MortgagePayments #Homebuyers

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Many buyers think 20% down is required—it’s not. Some loans offer 0% down, plus assistance for down payment and closing costs. Just remember, lower upfront costs often mean tradeoffs.

#Home1stMortgage #MortgageBroker #DownPayment #HomeBuying

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Most buyers focus on price and rate, but your monthly payment impacts your budget daily. Consider loan program, taxes, insurance, and fees—not just price—before committing.

#Home1stMortgage #MortgageBroker #MonthlyPayment #FHALoan #VALoan

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Rates depend on your goals and risk profile. Credit score, DTI, LTV, loan type, and market trends all play a role so there’s no one-size rate answer.

#LocalMortgage #MortgageBroker #MortgageRates #CreditScore #DebtToIncomeRatio

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

On conventional loans, smaller down payments mean higher PMI; 20% down avoids it. FHA has upfront and monthly mortgage insurance. VA has no MI but a funding fee, while USDA has small MI and a guarantee fee.

#Home1stMortgage #MortgageBroker #PMI #FHALoan #VALoan

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

One extra mortgage payment in year one can cut years off a 30-year loan. Biweekly payments often create a 13th payment. Later payments help less, and low rates may be better invested.

#Home1stMortgageGroup #Mortgage #BiweeklyPayments #ExtraPrincipalPayment #PersonalFinance

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Buying power can differ from pre-approval. A higher amount on paper may not fit your monthly comfort zone. Talk to a loan officer before shopping.

#Home1stMortgageGroup #MortgageBroker #PreApproval #MonthlyPayment

[Thad Starch @StarchThad]

Loved your experience with me? Refer a friend who's looking to purchase or refinance a home. I'd be honored to assist them, too!