Is it a Good Idea to Prepay Your Mortgage?

A woman reading a book inside her new home.

If you’re a homeowner with a mortgage, you’ve likely encountered the term “mortgage prepayment” and wondered if it’s a strategy worth considering. Simply put, mortgage prepayment involves paying more than your scheduled monthly payment to reduce your loan principal faster. But is prepaying your mortgage a good idea? This question doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. … Read more

Understanding Down Payments: What Are They and How Much Do You Really Need

A woman applying for a home loan online at First Integrity Mortgage Services.

When you start your journey of purchasing a home, one of the pivotal steps you will encounter is the down payment. This initial, upfront payment is a fundamental piece of the home buying process, serving as a statement to your commitment and financial stability to mortgage lenders. Understanding down payments, their requirements, and the various … Read more

How Mortgage Rates Impact Your Monthly Payment

  The home loan world can be quite overwhelming, especially if you are a first time homebuyer or home owner. However, understanding the relationship between mortgage rates and monthly payments is extremely important for any homebuyer stepping into the housing market. Knowing this not only assists you with the ability to make informed decisions about … Read more

Improving Your Credit Score Before Applying for a Mortgage

The current stage of your credit score is extremely important in your financial journey, as well as your homeownership journey. Your credit score can make or break your success in these journeys. It is a reflection of your financial reliability, as well as in determining your eligibility for a mortgage. If you have a strong … Read more

Benefits & Drawbacks of Refinancing Your Mortgage

Refinancing your mortgage can be a financial burden that not a lot of people would want to go through. However, refinancing your mortgage can actually provide you with shorter terms, lower mortgage rates, and even less monthly payments. Every advantage has its drawbacks. For example,refinancing your mortgage could have you end up with a larger … Read more

Navigating Your First Mortgage: Steps to Ease the Process

Homeownership is a monumental step for anyone. From dreaming of your dream home to the mortgage process, every phase has its own experience. The market today is extremely competitive, which is why understanding the process of a mortgage is essential. That’s why in this blog, we will do just that. The essence of successful home … Read more

Fixed-rate vs. Adjustable-rate Mortgages: Which One is Right for You?

A couple signing the papers for their new mortgage.

Purchasing a new house can be an exciting experience. Whether you’re shopping online or perusing in person, there are a few crucial decisions to make regarding financing. Most need to acquire a mortgage—a financial agreement between a financial institution and those purchasing real estate. Buyers can choose between two conventional types of interest schedules: a … Read more

Best Places to Work 2023: First Integrity Mortgage

We at First Integrity Mortgage are incredibly proud to announce our recognition in the “Best Places to Work 2023” list, a testament to our unwavering commitment to the St. Louis community. Since our inception in 1993, we’ve always believed that our role extends beyond being a mortgage lender. Our mission is to make a positive … Read more