Ronnee Walton · October 20, 2026

What we look for in a mortgage application

Mortgage Market Update

Ronnee Walton

Ronnee Walton

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

What we look for in a mortgage application

Every borrower comes in with a different financial picture. I wanted to pull back the curtain on what actually matters to us when you're ready to apply.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.


Credit & Approval

What lenders actually look at when you apply

A lot of borrowers think their credit score is everything—but it's really just one piece of the puzzle. Lenders also look at your debt-to-income ratio, employment history, cash reserves, and the assets you're bringing to the table. Understanding what we're checking for takes some of the mystery out of the process and helps you put your best foot forward before you even submit an application. If you've been wondering whether you're ready to buy or refinance, knowing what we evaluate can give you real clarity on where you stand.

I'd be happy to walk through what your application might look like—no obligation, just straight talk.

Tip of the Week

Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.

Tips for Homeowners

Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning

1.

Consider making your January mortgage payment in December to get an extra month of deductible interest in the current tax year (consult your tax advisor first).

2.

If you plan to sell next year, now is a good time to document improvements — receipts and records add to your cost basis and reduce taxable capital gain at sale.

3.

Review your W-4 withholding if you bought a home this year — your mortgage interest deduction may mean you're having too much withheld from each paycheck.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Ronnee Walton team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

R

Ronnee Walton

Ronnee Walton

ronnee.the1loangal@gmail.com

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