--- title: HomeLend Mortgage Blog | Sara Livecchi (3) description: HomeLend Mortgage Blog (3) --- - [(888) 749-9595](tel:8887499595) - [info@homelend.net](mailto:info@homelend.net) [![HomeLendLogo_TM-01-1](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/HomeLendLogo_TM-01-1.png?width=961&name=HomeLendLogo_TM-01-1.png)](https://homelend.net/)   - [Login](https://apply.homelend.net/#/) - [Apply](https://apply.homelend.net/#/milestones) - [Today’s Rates](https://homelend.net/quote/) - [Loan Programs](https://homelend.net/loan-programs/) - [Blog](https://homelend.net/education/) - [Calculator](https://homelend.net/mortgage-calculator/) - [About](https://homelend.net/about-us/) [tel:8887499595](tel:8887499595) [mailto:info@homelend.net](mailto:info@homelend.net) [![Homelend](https://blog.homelend.net/hubfs/HomeLendMortgage_January2020/images/Homelend_Logo_3_8_17_2000-scaled.png)](https://homelend.net/) - [Today’s Rates](https://homelend.net/quote/) - [Loan Programs](https://homelend.net/loan-programs/) - [Blog](https://homelend.net/education/) - [Calculator](https://homelend.net/mortgage-calculator/) - [About](https://homelend.net/about-us/) - [Login](https://homelend.net/about-us/) - [Apply](https://homelend.net/about-us/) - [(888) 749-9595](tel:8887499595) - [info@homelend.net](mailto:info@homelend.net) © 2019 # HomeLend Mortgage Blog We don’t expect you to know everything there is to know about buying a home. We provide you with expert service for a reason! Feel free to explore our blog to find some quick answers to all your home loan-related questions. ##### [Home Buying](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/tag/home-buying) ##### [Refinancing](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/tag/refinance) ##### [First-Time Buyer](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/tag/1str-time) ##### [Borrowing 101](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/tag/101) ## Sara Livecchi ### Recent Posts [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1160497384.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_1160497384.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/debt-to-income-2) ## [Debt-To-Income](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/debt-to-income-2) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 24](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/24) During the loan application process, you may discuss your debt-to-income ratio and how it impacts your ability to qualify for a loan.  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/debt-to-income-2) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1564635271.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_1564635271.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/3-reasons-your-home-insurance-may-need-an-update) ## [3 Reasons Your Home Insurance May Need An Update](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/3-reasons-your-home-insurance-may-need-an-update) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) When was the last time you thought about your home insurance?  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/3-reasons-your-home-insurance-may-need-an-update) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_657540961.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_657540961.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/your-final-walk-through-to-do-list) ## [Your Final Walk-Through To-Do List](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/your-final-walk-through-to-do-list) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) Now that your closing is just days away, you're finally ready to start calling your new place home.  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/your-final-walk-through-to-do-list) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1105754873.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_1105754873.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/7-things-to-ask-your-agent) ## [7 Things to Ask Your Agent](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/7-things-to-ask-your-agent) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) It's natural to be excited about finding a great property, but don't submit that bid just yet. [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/7-things-to-ask-your-agent) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_1094365007.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_1094365007.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/what-happens-during-a-home-inspection) ## [What Happens During a Home Inspection?](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/what-happens-during-a-home-inspection) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) The homebuying process looks something like this: Get pre-approved for a mortgage, find your dream home and win the bidding war.  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/what-happens-during-a-home-inspection) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_311226329.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_311226329.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/pros-cons-of-paying-off-a-mortgage-early) ## [Pros & Cons of Paying Off a Mortgage Early](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/pros-cons-of-paying-off-a-mortgage-early) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) Your mortgage may come with a 15- or 30-year term attached to it, but that doesn't mean you have to wait that long to pay it off.  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/pros-cons-of-paying-off-a-mortgage-early) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/nick-karvounis-RjZjYwimO6Y-unsplash.jpg?width=527&name=nick-karvounis-RjZjYwimO6Y-unsplash.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/tips-for-creating-a-pet-friendly-home) ## [Tips for Creating a Pet-Friendly Home](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/tips-for-creating-a-pet-friendly-home) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) Your home should be a relaxing, comfortable respite for every member of your family -- ***even the furry ones.***  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/tips-for-creating-a-pet-friendly-home) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_515434660.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_515434660.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/4-ideas-to-teach-your-children-about-finances) ## [4 Ideas to Teach Your Children About Finances](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/4-ideas-to-teach-your-children-about-finances) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) There's no doubt that teaching your child smart money management habits is vital to their long-term success.  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/4-ideas-to-teach-your-children-about-finances) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/shutterstock_389059606.jpg?width=527&name=shutterstock_389059606.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/a-house-is-possible-even-if-you-have-student-debt) ## [A House is Possible, Even if You Have Student Debt](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/a-house-is-possible-even-if-you-have-student-debt) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) Student loan debts may be at all-time highs, but Americans aren't letting that stop them from buying a home.  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/a-house-is-possible-even-if-you-have-student-debt) [![](https://blog.homelend.net/hs-fs/hubfs/san-francisco-210230_1920.jpg?width=527&name=san-francisco-210230_1920.jpg)](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/3-ways-to-build-equity-in-your-home) ## [3 Ways to Build Equity in Your Home](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/3-ways-to-build-equity-in-your-home) by [Sara Livecchi](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi) on [Dec 06](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/archive/2019/12/06) For homeowners, equity is like an extra bank account.  [Read more](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/2019/12/3-ways-to-build-equity-in-your-home) [Previous](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi/page/2) [All posts](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/all) [Next](https://blog.homelend.net/blog/author/sara-livecchi/page/4) ## Get a FREE rate quote in minutes! 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