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Summer Survival Starts at Home: 10 Easy Ways to Keep Cool and Save

Blog posted On July 16, 2026

Homeowners, are you keeping hydrated and refreshed during this red-hot heatwave? Does it feel like you’re surviving on a desert planet right now? Here are some quick tips to help your home preserve its chill this season.

The New Wedding Registry Trend

Blog posted On July 09, 2026

The advent of wedding registry alternatives is upon us! The days of overpriced dishware and bedsheets is falling out of fashion. Instead, couples are asking for gifts in the form of down payment contributions for their first home. A brand new air fryer is nice, but can it help invest in your long-term future together? With our online down payment platform, HomeFundIt™, you can raise gift funds from your wedding guests. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it’ll help you reach your homeownership goals sooner.

250 Years Later: The American Dream Still Starts at Home

Blog posted On July 02, 2026

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on one of the most sought-after dreams in America; the dream of homeownership.

For generations, that dream has represented far more than owning property. It has symbolized stability, independence, and the opportunity to build a future. While the path to homeownership has evolved over time, its meaning has remained remarkably consistent.

At its core, the American Dream still begins with a place to call home.

The Homeowner Era: Why More Gen Z Buyers Are Buying Earlier

Blog posted On June 18, 2026

A hopeful homeownership statistic has materialized recently: Gen Z home buyers are managing to buy earlier despite the odds. Unlike Millennials, they’ve taken a more pragmatic approach by bypassing the traditional milestones (marriage, kids, etc). The statistic of both unmarried and single women buyers has risen within Gen Z, higher than any other generation. Let’s unpack how this digitally savvy age bracket is reshaping the real estate industry.

HomeFundIt™: Turn Graduation Gifts into Homeownership

Blog posted On May 15, 2026

Looking forward to hanging up your new diploma? Why not showcase it on the walls of your new home? As you celebrate your educational milestones this season, you can also jumpstart your journey to homeownership through HomeFundIt™, our down payment gifting platform. Instead of cash and checks from relatives, you can funnel that goodwill towards your future home. Curious how that would work?

Celebrating National Moving Month: Tips for Buying, Moving, & Settling In

Blog posted On May 07, 2026

Seeing as May is National Moving Month, now is the perfect opportunity to share a helpful overview of the home buying process. A roadmap, if you will! First-time home buyers often find the entire experience daunting, especially if they’re qualifying with nontraditional income and may need to provide more paperwork than a W2 borrower. Regardless of the loans you’re using and the documentation needed, let’s set you up with a clear picture of the mortgage process and drop some tips for your big move.

Financial Literacy Month: What Every Future Homeowner Should Know

Blog posted On April 09, 2026

Akin to the abundant rainfall this month, we’re here to shower you with tips related to Financial Literacy Month. Much like March’s National Credit Education Month, April is the time to take a gander at your finances and reflect on important financial wisdom. Financial literacy is more important now than ever, and for future homeowners, it’s vital to build upon the four pillars of financial wellness: budgeting, saving, investing, and borrowing.

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?”