Tonja Showalter, Mortgage Advisor with F&M Mortgage NMLS# 510632

Looking for a flexible holiday savings plan that spares you the big bills in January? Consider a Christmas Club Account from F&M Bank and save year-round, earning interest on every dollar deposited.

Learn more: https://www.fmbankva.com/christmas-club/

Mortgage Rates Inch Lower to Begin Potentially Wild Week The  new week began on a relatively quiet note in terms of mortgage rate movement and the underlying bond market.  There was modest volatility earlier this morning with a Manufacturing survey causing some headwinds for bonds.  This would normally lead to slightly higher mo...

What to plan for dinners this week? 🤔

You control your own destiny. When something doesn’t feel right or simply no longer works for the path you want to be on, don’t hesitate to make a shift.
There is courage in making a change, especially when it is a new, unfamiliar path.

I’m a huge advocate for owning a home because real estate can be a fantastic investment. But let’s be real – it’s not worth it if it means becoming house poor.

Here are three critical mistakes to avoid to ensure you don’t end up house broke ⬇️

1️⃣ Overspending Beyond Your Budget

Getting pre-approved is crucial to understand your home-buying limit. Aim for homes well within this budget to give yourself financial breathing room.

2️⃣ Ignoring the Full Spectrum of Costs

Owning a home is more than just a mortgage payment. Factor in closing costs, inspection fees, insurance, maintenance, and utilities. Create a comprehensive budget to see how these expenses will impact your finances.

3️⃣ Lack of an Emergency Fund

Unexpected costs can and will arise. It’s vital to have a rainy day fund to cover surprises without jeopardizing your financial stability.

–> 💾 Save this post if you’re planning to buy soon, or share it with a friend who is!

Ready to see homes within your budget? comment “READY” and let’s get you pre-approved. Not quite ready yet, but thinking about buying soon? Smart planning starts now. Comment “GUIDE” and I’ll send you an invite to a FREE Zoom consultation where you’ll learn how to navigate the current market challenges and discover how to avoid costly mistakes!

Another Long-Term Low For Rates Ahead of an Inflation Report That Was Once a Really Big Deal Mortgage rates are based on trading in the bond market and bonds consistently take cues from economic data.  Among the data, some reports are vastly more important than others--as we've seen after several recent examples of the jobs report. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is another extr...

People are asking if they should hold off on buying a home until the Federal Reserve lowers rates. The truth is, long-term rates are down now. Beat the competition and see me about pre-approval today!

Time to play a little home improvement game! 🎉 If you could pick just one, which upgrade would you invest in first?

1️⃣ A brand new kitchen for those gourmet vibes?
2️⃣ A sleek, updated bathroom to start your day right?
3️⃣ A finished basement—hello, extra space!
4️⃣ An outdoor oasis to enjoy those sunny days?

Who’s excited? 💜🏈💛

Lowest Rates in a Year and a Half. Friday Could Take Them Even Lower (Or Cause a Big Bounce) Wouldn't it be nice if you could know what was going to happen with mortgage rates before it actually happened?  Since the dawn of time in financial markets, there's someone who's willing to make a seemingly compelling prediction about the future for every person who's willi...

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Taking a break this Labor Day? While you’re relaxing, let me handle the hard work of finding the perfect mortgage for your dream home. Let’s make your homeownership dreams a reality—because your future deserves a solid foundation. 🏡’

Ready to turn your homeownership dreams into reality in September?
With mortgage rates expected to lower more this month, now’s the time to be strategic​.

Here’s how:

1️⃣ Check Your Credit Score

✔️ If your credit score is below 700, consider paying off any small debts or requesting a credit limit increase on your credit cards (without increasing your spending). This can improve your credit utilization ratio, which is a key factor in boosting your score.

✔️ Example: One of my clients improved their score by 30 points in three months just by paying off a $500 credit card balance and maintaining a low balance afterward.

2️⃣ Start Saving for Your Down Payment

Open a High Yield Savings Account (HYSA) instead of a regular savings account. HYSAs often offer interest rates around 4.5%, compared to the 0.01% typical of regular accounts.

Example: By saving $300 a month, you could earn approximately $3,682 over 12 months. This small but significant boost could help you cover moving expenses, for instance.

3️⃣ Get Pre-Approved

4️⃣ Understand Your Mortgage Options

If you’re a first-time buyer, consider government-backed loans like FHA or USDA, which often have lower down payment requirements. However, if you can afford a larger down payment, a conventional loan might save you money in the long run by avoiding mortgage insurance.

Like ❤️ this post and Save 💾 for future reference. Share with anyone you know who might benefit from this info.

Mortgage Rates Fall to 2 Week Lows After Fed's Friendly Message Every year, the Federal Reserve (aka "the Fed") gathers in Jackson Hole, WY with a bevy of other central bankers and academics to discuss and comment on monetary policy in a setting that's slightly less formal than normal.  Despite the scenic backdrop, Jackson Hole speeches by...

TRUTH…..
And now it’s the 23rd! 😩

Did you know 19% of all homebuyers are single women, compared to just 10% single men?

If you’re a single woman dreaming of owning your own home, you’re not alone. It’s not just about having a place to live—it’s about investing in your future and building equity.

Ready to take the leap? Connect with a savvy mortgage advisor (that’s me! 👋) who gets your goals and will lead you every step of the way!

🏡 Attention Real Estate Agents! 🏡

I'm excited to offer you a FREE Seller Concession Guide that breaks down everything a seller can pay for, including commissions (if applicable).

This will help you navigate seller concessions with confidence, making your transactions smoother and your clients happier.

Here's what you'll get:

✅ A clear breakdown of allowable seller concessions

📈 Comment "Guide" below or send me a DM to get your copy today. 🚀

🚨🚨 Make sure you make plans now to stop by to see Danielle Sponaugle, Realtor and I today at the OPEN HOUSE today for 132 Ana Maria Blvd, Waynesboro, VA.
We will be there from 1-2:30.

Helping Miss Debbie finance her home was an absolute pleasure. I’m so happy we could help her not only get financing, but a $15,000 grant to help. Thank you Danielle Sponaugle, Realtor for the referral! 😉

Mortgage Application Volume Soars, Refi Index Up 35% A second week of lower interest rates appeared to send homeowners scrambling to refinance their higher-rate mortgages assumed over the last few years. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, increased 16.8 percent on a seasonal...

Some deals are easy.
Some deals are hard, but worth all the hard work seeing the smiles on my clients faces now that they are homeowners! 🏡

What a deal‼️
Live in one side and rent out the other. Call me to hear how you can make this happen with a low down payment. 🏡🏡

🏡💰 Fantastic Investment Opportunity in Harrisonburg! 💰🏡
This rare find in the city of Harrisonburg is within walking distance to EMU and offers a lot of potential. The duplex features two sides, each with 1400 sq ft of living space, including 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a bonus room that can be used as an office.
Perfect for investors or those wanting to live in one unit and rent out the other, each side includes a spacious master suite with a walk-in closet, master bathroom, outside entry, large living room, well-equipped kitchen, and an outbuilding. Don’t miss this unique opportunity! 🌟🏠

1250 & 1260 PARKWAY DR | HARRISONBURG, VA
Chad Brandon 📲(540) 478-5798

Details ⬇️
http://www.bransons.biz/p/1250-amp-1260-Parkway-Dr-Harrisonburg-VA-22802/dmgid_171325427?oid=31400003&chome=1&