The Mortgage Matchmakers Blog

Confused about prequalification vs. preapproval? Learn the difference and why it matters for first-time homebuyers in North Carolina. Book a free mortgage consultation today!

Rocket Mortgage just made headlines with its $9.4 billion acquisition of Mr. Cooper—making it the nation’s largest lender and loan servicer. In this blog, we break down what this industry-shifting move means for homebuyers, homeowners, realtors, mortgage pros, and real estate investors. From how it may impact your next loan to why working with a boutique lender still matters, we’re covering it all. If you want clarity, strategy, and actionable tips in today’s fast-changing mortgage market, this is a must-read.

Discover the differences between 15-year and 30-year mortgages to make an informed decision. Take our Mortgage Readiness Quiz or download our free relocation guides today!

Thinking about moving to North Carolina? 🌟 You’re not alone—NC is one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S., thanks to its affordable living, booming job market, and unbeatable quality of life. In this blog, we’ll break down why so many people are making the move in 2025 and what makes NC the perfect place to call home. Ready to see why everyone’s talking about NC? Let’s dive in! ⬇️

Looking for a down payment solution in order to buy a house? The SRT Advantage is your ticket to overcoming the down payment hurdle! Don't let this exclusive opportunity slip away! Find out more about this brand new opportunity, eligible to buyers across most of the United States!

Discover how the FHA's latest cybersecurity update impacts your path to homeownership. Learn why this change matters, how it affects lenders, buyers, and realtors, and what steps you can take to ensure a smooth, secure mortgage process. Stay informed and confident in your home buying journey with insights from The Sherry Riano Team.

Unlock the secrets of Raleigh's booming real estate market in 2025! Discover the hottest neighborhoods, emerging trends, and insider tips that will give you the edge in buying, selling, or investing. From sustainable smart homes to game-changing infrastructure developments, this comprehensive guide reveals everything you need to know to stay ahead in the Triangle's dynamic property landscape.

Foodies, get ready to mark your calendars! The Triangle's culinary scene is about to explode with flavor in 2025. From sizzling Indian cuisine to pet-friendly eateries, we've got the inside scoop on the hottest new restaurants coming to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Whether you're craving international delights or innovative local concepts, this mouthwatering preview will have you counting down the days. Discover where you'll be dining next year and get a taste of the exciting flavors heading our way. Don't miss out on this delicious sneak peek into the Triangle's foodie future!

Whoa! Did you know NC homeowners could be facing a 42% insurance rate hike? This could seriously impact your mortgage and finances. Dive into our latest blog to understand what's happening and how to protect yourself.

Asheville and surrounding areas are facing a long road to recovery. Discover ways to help, including unique volunteer opportunities and a map of communities in need.

If you've ever been turned down for a mortgage, just know there is still hope. If you read our latest blog, you will hear a story of a client that was denied from another lender and how we were able to get him approved and ready to make an offer on a home.

The Fed's rate cut has sparked a flurry of activity in the housing market. While mortgage rates may not drop drastically, the increased buyer competition and potential for rising home prices make NOW the ideal time to act. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity! Learn how to navigate the changing landscape and secure your dream home before it's too late.

Credit Card Debt at Record High: Is a Recession Looming? America's credit card debt is at a historic peak, with delinquencies surging to levels not seen since the Great Recession. Is this a sign of a looming economic downturn, or is there hope on the horizon? Learn how homeowners can potentially use their home equity to navigate this crisis and achieve financial freedom.

Thinking of waiting for lower mortgage rates? Think again! Rising home prices and increased competition could make your dream home more expensive in the long run. Don't miss out on today's opportunities. Learn how to make the smart move now!

The mortgage world is undergoing a massive transformation! From AI-powered loan approvals to eco-friendly financing options, the future of homeownership is here. Don't get left behind – discover the 5 shocking trends that could make or break your mortgage journey in 2024!

Explore the latest real estate market updates for Wake, Durham, Johnston, Harnett, New Hanover, Pender, & Brunswick Counties. Get expert mortgage advice for your North Carolina home buying journey.

Dreaming of owning your first home but daunted by the hefty down payment? Discover how the Sherry Riano Team’s $0 Down Payment Program can make your dream a reality, without the financial stress. Learn about our innovative approach that offers significant down payment assistance and flexible repayment options tailored for first-time homebuyers like you!

Fed up with confusing market headlines? Tired of wondering if it's a good time to buy? Get the real story on mortgage rates, home prices, and what it all means for your dream of homeownership.

Dive into our latest blog exploring the December 2023 CPI Report and its impact on the real estate market. Uncover how inflation and shifting mortgage rates could influence your home buying or selling decisions. Stay ahead with insights that could shape your financial future. Essential reading for anyone in the property market!

Discover the key to your dream home in North Carolina with our latest blog! Uncover the essentials of FHA loans, including how they work, eligibility criteria, and the latest 2024 loan limits by county. Our comprehensive guide is packed with everything you need to navigate the North Carolina real estate market with ease. Don't miss out on this invaluable resource – perfect for first-time buyers and seasoned investors alike. Read on and download your free guide to step confidently into homeownership in 2024!

Ready to turn your home-buying dreams into reality? Dive into our latest blog and discover why 2024 is the golden year to buy a home in North Carolina! Say goodbye to the hesitations of 2023 and hello to a market ripe with opportunity. With The Sherry Riano Team by your side, learn how to navigate the current trends, find the perfect loan program, and step confidently off the fence into your new home. It's time to make 2024 the year you step into your dream home. Read on and let’s make it happen together!

Unlock the Power of Your Home's Equity! Discover how a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can transform your financial strategy with The Sherry Riano Mortgage Team. Dive into our latest blog to explore flexible HELOC options that cater to your unique needs. Whether you're planning home improvements, seeking debt consolidation, or needing an emergency fund, learn how our customized solutions can work for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to make smarter financial decisions – Read now and take the first step towards unlocking your home's potential!

Discover how the upcoming Federal Reserve rate cuts could revolutionize the mortgage landscape in our latest blog. Learn how The Sherry Riano Mortgage Team can help you navigate these changes to secure the best mortgage rates and options, whether you're buying a new home or considering refinancing. Dive into our insightful analysis to make the most of this promising financial opportunity!

Buying a home in today's market is challenging, but it's still possible to save money. Learn about unique ways to reduce your mortgage costs, even with high interest rates and low inventory.

Riding the Rollercoaster of Mortgage Rates? Hold tight, because we're unpacking the FED fund rate's recent twists and turns! Dive into our latest blog for a deep-dive into what these changes mean for homeowners, real estate agents, and the housing market's future. Discover insights, predictions, and even a captivating graph that paints a clearer picture of our economic journey since 1978. Don't miss out on equipping yourself with knowledge in these dynamic times.

Dive into the latest sizzle in the housing market! From all-time highs to what it means for your mortgage, join us as we spill the hottest real estate tea of June 2023. Curious about those skyrocketing equity figures or how to ride this wave? The Sherry Riano Mortgage Team is here with all the juicy details. Peek inside for a fun, enlightening read!

This blog post celebrates the accomplishments of Sherry Riano, a leader in the mortgage industry, who has recently been ranked #67 in the Scotsman Guide's Top Women Originators in the United States for 2022.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (FHLB) recently announced an additional $7.2M in AHP Homeownership Set-aside Program funds, available through its members. The funds are allocated to three products aimed at assisting eligible borrowers with purchasing or rehabilitating homes. The initiative underscores FHLB's commitment to affordable housing and community development. Applications open from May 15, 2023, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Introducing the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loan program - a game-changer for real estate investors! This program provides access to mortgage financing based on your property's cash flow, without personal income requirements. Learn how the DSCR loan program can help take your real estate business to the next level.

Are you looking for a team of mortgage experts who can guide you through the home buying process with ease and professionalism? Look no further than the Sherry Riano Team! Recently recognized by First Heritage Mortgage as a top-performing loan officer and a proud member of the 2022 President's Club, this team is dedicated to helping their clients achieve their homeownership dreams. With their expertise, experience, and commitment to personalized service, the Sherry Riano Team is the perfect choice for anyone looking to buy a home.

This blog post discusses the recent reduction in Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage insurance premiums (MIP). The MIP is a fee added to the monthly mortgage payment for FHA loans and is designed to protect the lender in case of default. The reduction, from 0.85% to 0.55%, is expected to save borrowers approximately $800 per year on their mortgage payments. The blog also highlights the benefits of FHA loans, including lower down payment requirements and more lenient credit score requirements. The blog concludes by stating that the reduction in MIP may make FHA loans more affordable and accessible to a wider range of borrowers and that it may be a good time to consider taking the leap into homeownership.

Celebrate National Margarita Day in style with the Equity Margarita, a delicious and unique twist on the classic cocktail. This margarita combines reposado tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and honey syrup for a sweet and sour flavor with a touch of tropical taste. The salt rim and pineapple wedge garnish add the perfect balance of saltiness and sweetness. Mix up a batch of these delicious margaritas and raise a glass to National Margarita Day!

The Sherry Riano Team is thrilled to announce that we have once again been named a winner of the Expertise.com Top 20 Mortgage Brokers for 2022 in Raleigh AND Top 16 Mortgage Brokers for 2023 in Durham North Carolina.

If you were choosing between renting and owning, which would you choose? When renting, it seems that every month is easier than the one before, making us think more and more about whether or not to buy. The opposite is true for those who own their homes – each double mortgage payment is a reminder of why they decided to move into their home in the first place. Want to compare the two side by side? Dig into our latest post!

Reaching your dream home has never been this easy! Are you a first time homeowner? Are you planning to buy a new home in the near future? Homeownership may be one of the biggest investments most people will make. Knowing the tax benefits of homeownership can save you some money when it's time to file your taxes next year.

Does a mortgage refinance make sense? The answer to this question highly depends on your goals for a new mortgage and how long you intend to stay in the property.

Foreclosure has been a major problem for homeowners around the world. They often find the foreclosure process daunting and sometimes impossible to avoid or stop.

When looking for a mortgage, knowing the difference between a mortgage rate and an APR will be of great help for you in picking the best loan for your situation. You can decide if to look into other loan costs that do not have APR.

Properties selling over appraised values, Sales prices that end up well over the list price. A 2017 report by Harvard researchers shows that 1 in every 3 renters and buyers overpay for their housing. This sums to a total of 39 million Americans.

Buying a home can be a big step towards future financial freedom, the problem is saving for a down payment which is usually a tough thing to do. However, you might be able to speed up the process if you already have some cash in your retirement account.

Real estate properties ready to market will have a change in value when rehabilitation takes place. Usually, fix and flip real estate investors renovate purchased properties and prepare them for sale within a duration of 1 year.

Your home is MUCH more than a place to store your things or keep you dry when it’s raining outside. It is also a very important component in your overall financial foundation. I just want you to know that I understand this, and am dedicated to helping you find the right mortgage solution.

The original path of buying an investment property is to save money for down payment, after which you can now get a mortgage to cover the rest. Nonetheless, that’s not the only path to take. Most at times, questions are been asked by landlords on how they can finance a rental property if they don’t have enough money in the bank for a down payment.

Becoming a real estate agent is something over 14,000 people in America Google every month, as they dream of joining the already 2 million licensed real estate agents in the U.S. and help people buy and sell their homes with the best experience.

When you apply for a mortgage loan, we are going to need to review your financial picture. We do this to help understand your goals, to make sure you can qualify for a mortgage, what you can afford, and what price range we recommend you search for.

Which investment option is best for your hard earned money? Single or multifamily properties? The multifamily real estate investment comes with many different key benefits and it is most recommended to have a clear knowledge of the offered benefits so you can make informed investment decisions.

Many questions have been asked if there is a perfect time to sell their house and the answer has always been the been the decision to move onto the next chapter.

If you are to receive a tax refund this year, you must be thinking of the best possible way of using it. Each year, an average of 80% Americans receives a tax refund averaging around $3,000 per filer.

It has been estimated by the National Association of Realtors that about 20% of residential sales are cash transactions. In addition, about three-quarters of sales are from investors.

You’ve made the decision to buy a house! How do you go about financing? Buying a home is one of life’s most important and exciting decisions, and it could still be the most challenging…

The 30-year mortgage has long been the norm of the industry and for that reason; home buyers generally go for it as it gives them the chance to get the loan spread out over a long period so payment can be as low as possible.

This is a question common with most people with a mortgage on their home. They wonder whether it is worthwhile to settle their mortgage ahead of schedule.

The home buying process is termed stressful, yet rewarding. If you’re searching for a home in a competitive market, you might find it harder with greater rewards.

Property taxes are money paid on the value of properties. The local government in the location of this property takes full responsibility in the levied of this tax by the jurisdiction of that municipality.

In a home buying transaction, there are two known professionals to help the buyer get the best experience until closing. These two are a real estate agent and a loan officer.

Are you worried about the trends of your local real estate market? You see homes selling at lightning speed every day with rising bidding wars

Rental or investment properties continue to be one of the top investment options in the U.S.. Being able to purchase your first rental property can be a major investment

You just found your dream home with a perfect price and it’s time to make an offer to proceed with the buying procedure.

One major requirement of every homeowner is a home insurance but they wonder if it’s possible to get a good coverage.

Homes should be a safe haven where we seek refuge after a busy and tiring day at work. Your home should be a place where the safety of you and your loved ones is guaranteed.

To most homeowners, there comes a time when you feel your current home can’t contain you and your family.

There are no shortages of acronyms in the mortgage industry. However, today I’ve borrowed a powerful one from the world of finance theory.

Did you know that you can use the same real estate agent to view different homes?

Title companies are known to play a good number of key roles in a real estate transaction. A title company has a general role of acting as the agent of the insurance company, the buyer, the seller…

Homeowners that are struggling to make their mortgage payments hold an amazing amount of stress. This stress is as a result of borrowers finding difficulties in the payment of their loans.

Considering the availability of information on the web, you may be wondering the need of hiring a real estate agent. Below are some of the key reasons for hiring a professional real estate agent:

Purchasing a condo is not the same as buying a home for a single family. Considering most instances, condominiums offer a wide range of services such as fitness centers, tennis courts, and pools.

Most Common Reasons for Refinancing Your Home: You have a fixed-rate mortgage with a high interest rate, and are looking to get a lower interest rate…

Energy consumption varies from area to area due to the vast difference in their environmental condition. However, reducing this consumption is one feature homeowners should do to help save on their bills.

Many people have never seen their Credit Report! Not knowing what your credit report says about your finances may cost you more when trying to obtain a mortgage.

The relocation home-buying process can be quite the struggle if not correctly structured. If you take time in the planning you can be sure to escape most setbacks.

Coming up with the best price for your property in relation to what the market value of the property is always a difficult task.

if you ever thought of or have interest in real estate investment, you’re reading the right post! We work with real estate investors