Home Buying
Debt-to-Income Ratio and Mortgage Approval
When you apply for a mortgage, your credit score isn’t the only number lenders look at. One of the most important — and often misunderstood — factors in mortgage approval is your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio. At Rate Simple, our goal is to help you understand how lenders make their decisions so you can take control of your financial future. Let’s break down what DTI is, how it’s calculated, and how it affects your ability to get approved for a home loan. What Is a Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio? Y
When you apply for a mortgage, your credit score isn’t the only number lenders look at. One of the most important — and often misunderstood — factors in mortgage approval is your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio.At Rate Simple, our goal is to help you understand how lenders make their decisions so you can take control of your financial future. Let’s brea...
Next (3)
HELOC
Home Equity Loans vs HELOCs: What’s the Difference?
Why This Matters If you’ve built up equity in your home, you might be considering ways to tap into it for big expenses like renovations, debt consolidation, or education costs. Two of the most common options are Home Equity Loans and HELOCs (Home Equity Lines of Credit). At first glance, they might sound the same — both let you borrow against the value of your home. But how they work, how you repay them, and which one fits best into your financial plan can look very different. Understanding th
Home Buying
How COVID-19 Changed the Mortgage Industry Forever
The Pandemic’s Lasting Impact on Mortgages The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped the mortgage industry in ways that will never fully return to “normal.” Interest rates hit record lows, digital tools became the standard, and homebuyers suddenly had new priorities. These changes didn’t just affect the market during the pandemic — they continue to shape how people buy homes today. At Lendgo, we believe that understanding these shifts can help you make smarter financial choices. The more you know about h
Home Buying
Jumbo Loans: What Are They and Who Should Consider Them?
What Exactly Is a Jumbo Loan? If you’re looking to buy a higher-priced home, you might find that a conventional mortgage simply doesn’t cover enough of the purchase price. That’s where jumbo loans come in. A jumbo loan is a type of mortgage used to finance properties that exceed the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In 2025, the conforming loan limit for most areas in the U.S. is $766,550 for a single-family home, though it can be higher in certain high-cost regions. If
Home Buying
The Role of Appraisals in Home Buying: What You Should Know
Why Appraisals Matter If you’re in the process of buying a home, the word “appraisal” might come up and leave you wondering what it really means. The truth is, it’s a key step that can decide whether your mortgage gets approved — and it plays a big role in how much your lender will actually let you borrow. Understanding how appraisals work can save you from surprises later and help you move through the buying process with confidence. At Lendgo, we want you to feel ready for every step of your
How to Choose the Best Mortgage Lender
Why Choosing the Right Lender Matters Your mortgage lender is more than just a source of funding — they are a partner in one of the biggest financial decisions you will ever make. The right lender can save you thousands over the life of your loan, while the wrong one can cost you with higher rates, hidden fees, or a stressful experience. At Rate Simple, we help you compare multiple lenders side by side, so you can focus on what matters most: finding the loan that fits your budget and goals.
Home Buying
Top Mortgage Trends in 2025: What Homebuyers Need to Know
A Year of Change for Homebuyers 2025 is bringing shifts across the housing market that every buyer and homeowner should understand. Mortgage rates are adjusting, inventory is moving, and affordability is evolving. When you have a clear picture of these changes, you can make better financial decisions. At Rate Simple, our goal is to help you feel informed and confident about your next step, whether you are buying your first home or considering a refinance. Trend 1: Mortgage Rates Are Moderati
HELOC
The Risks of Using a HELOC to Consolidate Debt (And How to Avoid Them)
Why Talk About Risks? A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a powerful way to simplify debt repayment and save money on interest. By rolling multiple high-interest balances into one lower-interest loan, many homeowners free up cash and gain control over their finances. But like any financial tool, a HELOC isn’t without risks. Understanding those risks upfront ensures you use it wisely—and avoid turning a helpful solution into a bigger problem. Overspending After Debt Consolidation One
HELOC
HELOC vs. Personal Loan — Which is Better for Debt Consolidation?
Why Compare HELOCs and Personal Loans? If you’re managing multiple debts—credit cards, auto loans, or student loans—it can feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. Consolidating those balances into one loan can make life much easier. Not only does it simplify your finances, but it can also reduce your interest costs and help you pay off debt faster. Two of the most common tools for consolidation are home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and personal loans. Both can help, but which one actu
HELOC
How to Qualify for a HELOC for Debt Consolidation
Why Homeowners Look to HELOCs When you’re dealing with multiple high-interest debts, like credit cards or personal loans, it can feel impossible to get ahead. Consolidating those balances into one loan with a lower rate is one of the smartest ways to ease the burden. For many homeowners, the solution is a home equity line of credit (HELOC). But before you can tap into your home’s equity to consolidate debt, you’ll need to know what it takes to qualify. The good news is, with the right preparat
Geothermal Heat Pumps Costs, Benefits, and Long-Term Savings
Geothermal heat pumps have become the main energy-efficient system among environmentally conscious homeowners choosing their heating and cooling systems. A major advantage of geothermal heat pumps is their ability to deliver extended energy savings, which exceed conventional HVAC systems in performance. People usually begin their inquiries by asking what the total expense will be before investing. Get A Free Solar Quote That is where the conversation around ground source heat pump cost beg
Are Free Solar Panels Really Free? What You Need to Know
“Go solar with zero upfront cost!” “Get free solar panels for your home!” The advertising material for these claims spreads throughout online advertisements and traditional radio broadcasts, whereas sellers perform door-to-door promotions. The apparent free solar panels offer come with numerous hidden details beyond what consumers notice. Get A Free Solar Quote This article deciphers the mysteries surrounding complimentary solar panel schemes along with their hidden terms of agreement, and
Alternatives to Rooftop Solar What Is a Solar Panel Carport?
Most people have solar rooftop panels in mind when considering solar energy systems. Users need alternative sustainable energy solutions beyond rooftop solar systems when their roofs cannot support solar panels or they seek flexibility in solar design. Get A Free Solar Quote The innovation of solar carports brings to society an exciting dual-purpose technology that links solar power production with parking infrastructure. The following information explains solar carports with explanations
What’s the Average Electric Bill? A Breakdown by State and Usage
Ever wondered if your electric bill is too high, or maybe suspiciously low? You’re definitely not alone. Millions of Americans open their electric bills each month without knowing whether what they’re paying is “normal.” The truth is, there’s no universal answer. What you pay depends on a unique mix of where you live, how much power you use, the season, and the size of your home. Get A Free Solar Quote So, what’s the real average electric bill? What does the electricity bill for one person
Utility Scale Battery Storage How It Works and Why It Matters
Modern society gives primary consideration to renewable energy sources such as solar panels, and wind turbines, as well as hydroelectric power, because they provide clean energy at a time when their importance surpasses previous levels. But another vital piece of the puzzle often goes unnoticed: utility scale battery storage. Get A Free Solar Quote Energy storage systems develop into crucial infrastructure because they enable electrical supply regulation while boosting renewable energy imp
Background Check Topics
Education Background Check
Regardless of the industry, organizations want to hire the best and most qualified talent to propel their business to greater heights. Hence, recruiters work diligently to sift through thousands of resumes and shortlist the top ones that match their requirements. During the recruitment process, one of the things that genuinely impacts the hiring decision and selection is the educational background check of the potential candidates. Run A Free Background Check Education verification is equa
Background Search Basics
A Guide to the Employment History Report – What is it and how is it Used
Understanding a candidate's professional trajectory is essential for team-building employers. At the heart of this exploration is the employment history report. This report provides a comprehensive account of a person's professional experiences, including their various positions, lengths of service, and respective organizations. Beyond just enumerating past roles, the employment history report paints a picture of a candidate's trajectory, shedding light on their consistency, adaptability, and ca
Background Search Basics
Airport & TSA Background Checks: Everything You Need To Know Before You Apply
If you’re on a job hunt and considering applying for a new position at the airport, you should know a few things about the required extensive background check. In this article, we’ll discuss what TSA background checks entail, the specifics they look for, and what can get you disqualified from the position you’re applying for. Run A Free Background Search What Does a TSA Background Check Include? The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) mandates comprehensive background checks fo
Background Search Basics
Does Amazon Do Background Checks?
If you're eyeing a position at Amazon, you might be curious: "Does Amazon do background checks?” This isn't just a pertinent question for job applicants but also a point of interest for anyone who wants to understand how large organizations approach recruitment. In today's career landscape, background screenings are more than a checkbox on a hiring checklist. They are an essential method for businesses to evaluate an applicant's trustworthiness, ethics, and how well they'd mesh with the compan
Protect Your Privacy
Cameras Are Tracking You and Your Car
Technology to match you, your license plate, and everywhere you drive is spreading faster than most states can protect privacy.
