Mortgage 1 Inc. Blog - Home Buying Tips Once a Week

February 12, 2026

Earnest Money vs Down Payment: What’s the Difference?

If you’re buying a home, you might hear your lender mention two fees: earnest money vs down payment. What’s the difference? Earnest money supports your contract, while the down payment supports your mortgage and ownership stake. Once you understand what each one is, when you […]

January 20, 2026

Non-QM Loans: What Buyers with Unique Income Should Know

Buying a home can get complicated when your income doesn’t fit the standard W-2 box. If you’re self-employed, paid by commission, earn 1099 income, or have multiple income streams, you may be able to afford a mortgage payment, but struggle to document your income the […]

December 11, 2025

Understanding Your Mortgage Statement | Reading the Details

Opening up your first mortgage statement can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers. When you don’t know what you’re looking at, the statement can just look like a bunch of numbers, boxes, and fine print. Understanding what’s on your mortgage statement is the key to […]

November 13, 2025

What Does a Mortgage Conditional Approval Mean?

A mortgage conditional approval is the stage in the mortgage process where an underwriter has reviewed your initial application and is likely to approve your loan as long as specific conditions are satisfied—typically, verifying income, sourcing funds, receiving the appraisal, and clearing title. A conditional […]