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The Ultimate Spring Moving Checklist

Blog posted On March 26, 2026

Are you about to close on your new home? It’s time to call the movers! And in the meantime, there’s a plethora of other items you can attend to before your big day. Things like utilities, address changes, locks, and air filters all factor in. We hope our handy dandy list is helpful as you prep for your big day. Moving is stressful, and you deserve to know these tips & tricks to make the process go as efficiently and painlessly as possible. And don’t forget, especially for those with finicky backs: lift with your legs!

5 Scams Every New Homeowner Should Know About

Blog posted On March 05, 2026

As buying season starts ramping up, it’s vital to educate both future and current homeowners about common scams and wire fraud tactics. It never hurts to be wary during the home buying process, especially when finances are involved. Con artists like to take advantage of unsuspecting buyers, likely overwhelmed by the required documentation it takes to finalize a mortgage. Don’t fall for their schemes! By educating yourself about five of the biggest mortgage-related scams, you’ll safeguard yourself from those who would steal from you.

Your First Home Won’t Be Your Last

Blog posted On February 26, 2026

If you’re a younger home buyer and stressing about finding your forever home, stop right there! Your first home probably won’t be your last. But guess what? That’s actually a good thing! Let’s jump into the reasons why your first home is going to set you up for home buying success in the future.

Bidding Wars & Broken Hearts: Real Estate Lessons from “Best Offer Wins”

Blog posted On February 19, 2026

We’ve all heard this story: a hopeful buyer gets their heart set on a perfect listing, puts in an offer, and…dozens of unbeatable all-cash offers flood in. In Marisa Kashino’s debut novel “Best Offer Wins,” a similar story of home buying woe ensues: Margo Miyake, an exhausted D.C. home buyer, has lost eleven bidding wars and goes to desperate lengths to secure the home of her dreams. Despite its hyperbolic nature, the book explores important themes about the modern housing crisis. In this day and age, how can a buyer remain resilient amidst heartless bidding wars?

How February Sets the Tone for Spring Home Buying

Blog posted On February 05, 2026

In the real estate market, February typically acts as the bridge between seasons: the winter slowdown and the spring buying boom. Now is the perfect time for buyers and sellers to finesse your financial strategies and figure out how to time the rhythm of the market. This is the best time to obtain a preapproval, find the right real estate agent, prep your property for tours, and for some savvy buyers, house hunt for a home before the busy, competitive spring season sets in with earnest.

Mortgage Terminology 101: What Every Home Buyer Should Know

Blog posted On January 15, 2026

Like any field or industry, a boatload of terms goes hand-in-hand with the mortgage world. For home buyers, it can be an overwhelming process, with unfamiliar terms being flung at you left and right. But just because it can be a lot at once doesn’t mean it has to be. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly used words and phrases that are pertinent to the home buying process. We hope this helps set you up for success as your home loan gets closer to the finish line!

From 2025 to 2026: 5 Real Estate Takeaways for the New Year

Blog posted On January 08, 2026

January is a time of perspective, a great time for reflecting. Whether it’s for personal or professional goals, many of us ask the same question: what worked and what didn’t work last year? If you’re a prospective homeowner, it’s helpful to ask the same question with the housing industry. You’ll want to know when to seriously dive into the market, how to time any potential rate drops, and begin strategizing your 2026 game plan.

The Perks of Home Buying in the Winter Season

Blog posted On December 30, 2025

When most people think of the best season to buy a home, summer comes to mind. Likely, there’s an understandable reluctance to moving when there’s snow on the ground. However, is it not worse to move in 80-90 degree heat, with the sun beating down relentlessly while moving heavy boxes and furniture? In the colder season, moving will keep you warm, and you likely won’t be affected by the cold as much as you’d think. There’s also less competition to contend with and more time to work with your agent. And best of all, your negotiation power has much more weight in the winter. Still not convinced? Let’s walk through some of the perks of home buying this winter.

Step Into Your Career AND Your Home with CMG Graduate Advantage

Blog posted On December 18, 2025

As you walk across stage and grab your diploma, what if another important document lay in wait, right around the corner? How about, say, a purchase contract? That’s right, we now offer a program designed specifically for recent graduates in qualifying fields, ready to launch them into both a new career AND a new home. And the biggest benefit? You can get preapproved based your future salary. Let’s explore how CMG Graduate Advantage may be the right fit for you.

The Gift That Lasts: How to Make a Holiday Impact with HomeFundIt™

Blog posted On December 11, 2025

Tired of receiving gifts that go unused every year? You might be interested in an alternative gifting method this holiday season. Instead of physical presents, why not receive the gift of homeownership? Through our down payment gifting platform HomeFundIt™, your friends and family can help you take one step closer to becoming a homeowner in the new year.

5 Advantages to Buying a Home Before the End of the Year

Blog posted On December 04, 2025

As the end of the year drifts ever closer, a window of opportunity awaits hopeful home buyers. Like the gleam of the North Star on a winter’s night, the dream of homeownership winks invitingly from the threshold of your future home. It’s true that the final quarter of the year can offer numerous dividends to a winter home buyer than an eager summer house hunter. Below you are five possible advantages for buying a home in the final stretch of the year.

Get Ahead of the Holidays: Tap Your Home Equity Early

Blog posted On November 13, 2025

The holidays are full of excitement, but they can also bring financial stress. With Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas approaching, winter expenses can add up quickly, and high-interest debt (like credit card bills) can linger well into the new year. Whether you want to purchase a home or use your home equity to ease expenses, we can help you make this season full of joy. Why don’t we take a gander at the ways that you can make the holidays work for you?

5 Tips on Budgeting for Your First House

Blog posted On November 06, 2025

One of the most important questions that any burgeoning home buyer can ask is: how much can I actually afford? Once you find the answer, you’ll be well on your way to buying your first home! Next step: create a practical budgeting plan to help you set aside the funds you’ll need to buy a home. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here are five simple steps to help you create the perfect home buying budget.

The Season of Opportunity: Why This Fall Could Be a Turning Point for Buyers

Blog posted On October 16, 2025

Tired of playing the waiting game? The signs of change have already begun, like a cold wind heralding the advent of autumn and shorter days. As we move into the final quarter of 2025, it may be time to evaluate the cost of waiting and ditch the idea that a perfect home with perfect market conditions exists. Buckle up with some hot spiced cider and a warm flannel. Shall we dive in?

Starter Homes: The Rising Star in Today's Housing Market

Blog posted On September 19, 2025

Despite some lulls in recent years, starter homes are beginning to see an uptick with inventory lately due to builders creating more entry-level homes. The hope is that this will inject some much-needed energy into the housing market and attract first-time buyers off of the sidelines. In addition, we’ll be unpacking the conventional definition of starter homes and examining the pros of buying old versus new. Ready to learn how starter homes are about to take the spotlight this season?

Fall Starts Here: Your Essential September Home Checklist

Blog posted On September 11, 2025

Do you feel that? That crisp chill in the air is signaling the start of fall! With every season comes a change in homeownership responsibilities. However, this seasonal shift doesn’t have to entail just home maintenance. Autumn is a great time to dive into fall-themed design trends, anything to get hyped up for the coziest season of pumpkins, flannels, and colorful leaves. The fall frenzy is about to begin, and we want to make sure you’re ready to dive right into the flannel festivities!

Buydowns vs. Price Reductions: Which Saves Buyers More?

Blog posted On August 29, 2025

In the current housing market, savvy home buyers are saving money in clever ways, such as temporary buydowns and price reductions. However, what if there was a third option that could help you save even more money down the line? Let’s examine the pros and cons of buydowns and price reductions in comparison to our innovative program, List & Lock™.

3 Unexpected Advantages for Today’s Home Buyers

Blog posted On July 31, 2025

With the current fickle market, it’s natural for home buyers to feel hesitant right now. Interest rates aren’t providing much wiggle room, so the uncertainty is giving everyone pause. We get it! However, we’re here to challenge the question: “Should I wait this one out?”

First-Time Homeowner Tips: What to Do After You Move In

Blog posted On July 24, 2025

If you’ve just purchased your first home, congratulations! You’ve signed the closing papers, you’ve moved all your boxes and furniture inside, you’ve got your keys, and maybe you’ve already been living there for a few months. But…now what? Perhaps you’re wondering what a first-time homeowner needs to know after they’ve moved in. Maybe you’re worried about taking care of your home without a landlord and their maintenance crew helping out. If you live in an area that experiences all four seasons, how can you properly maintain your home throughout the year? Well, never fear! We’re here with tips and tricks to help you obtain your sea legs as a savvy homeowner.

Summer Snapshot: The Latest on Housing Trends & Rates in 2025

Blog posted On July 17, 2025

Now that the summer is in full swing and we’ve hit our mid-year stride, why don’t we check in with the latest housing trends and see what’s sizzling on the market. With stubborn, unbudging rates and fickle home buyers, the year thus far has been a tumultuous one for the housing and real estate industry. Can we glean any useful insights from the first six months to predict any changes for the second half of 2025? Let’s get into it.

The New Build Boom: Why Buyers Are Shifting Towards New Construction

Blog posted On July 10, 2025

Buying old versus new, especially if you’re a first-time buyer, seems to have an automatic choice: older homes are likelier to be more affordable than brand new properties with fancy appliances. Does that long-held belief still hold true though? Due to recent trends, the pricing gap between existing homes and new construction has narrowed considerably. Let’s dive into this new build boom and the rising popularity of new construction, tackling how home buyers can benefit from these trends.

How to Declare Independence from Your Landlord in 2025

Blog posted On July 03, 2025

Renters, are you tired of your lack of independence? Tired of getting ghosted by your landlord when you have an urgent issue, like a leaking ceiling or broken AC? If you’ve had enough, it’s time to declare your independence from your landlord and pave your own way toward building your own equity. With fireworks flooding our night skies this holiday, it’s time to celebrate the 4^th of July by diving into the freedom of homeownership — you’ve earned it!

10 Questions to Ask Before Working With a Real Estate Agent

Blog posted On June 26, 2025

When buying a home, choosing a real estate agent is paramount to a smooth, stress-free loan process. The right agent isn’t just someone setting you up for open houses and sending you listings — they’re your navigator through the often-tumultuous ocean of real estate. They should help set expectations for the process, acting as an advisor as well as an advocate who will go to bat for you if, for example, you’re contending with a particularly obstinate seller. It’s highly recommended you interview at least three potential agents before you make your final decision. Here are a few questions to help you narrow down your decision!

Keys & Degrees: Buying a Home While Paying Student Loans

Blog posted On June 05, 2025

Worried about taking on a mortgage while still paying off student loans? Don’t worry, those with degrees can still get house keys! In fact, if you’ve been responsibly paying your student loans month to month, you’ve potentially boosted your creditworthiness over time. Between helpful tips for loan approval and affordable mortgage options, we’re here to set you up for success, student loans or not!

Say “I Do” to Homeownership Help

Blog posted On May 29, 2025

Wedding season is upon us! Are you engaged and planning your upcoming nuptials? Have you been thinking about what to put on your wedding registry? Like many couples, you might already have furniture, kitchen utensils, bedsheets, towels, etc. However, have you considered this: a home to call your own? Through our unique down payment gifting platform HomeFundIt™, you can ditch the registry and invite your wedding guests to help you fund your dream home.