Mortgage Do's And Don'ts


Mortgages can be tricky, and it's easy to make mistakes that can end up costing you dearly. That's why we've put together this list of Mortgage Do's and Do not's to help you navigate the process with ease - and a little bit of humor.

DO: Shop around for the best mortgage rates

DON'T: Assume your bank will give you the best rate just because you have a checking account there. Remember, loyalty is a two-way street.

DO: Have a budget in mind

DON'T: Get in over your head. Just because you can technically afford a million-dollar mansion doesn't mean you should buy one. You don't want to be house-poor and unable to afford groceries.

DO: Get pre-approved before house-hunting
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DON'T: Assume you'll be approved for a mortgage just because you have good credit. Pre-approval is important because it gives you a better idea of how much house you can afford and shows sellers that you're serious.

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DO: Consider your future plans

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DON'T: Assume you'll live in your new house forever. Life happens, and you may need to sell sooner than you think. Make sure you're not getting into a mortgage that you can't realistically afford if you need to move in a few years.

DO: Get pre-approved before house-hunting
.

DON'T: Assume you'll be approved for a mortgage just because you have good credit. Pre-approval is important because it gives you a better idea of how much house you can afford and shows sellers that you're serious.

.

DO: Consider your future plans

.
DON'T: Assume you'll live in your new house forever. Life happens, and you may need to sell sooner than you think. Make sure you're not getting into a mortgage that you can't realistically afford if you need to move in a few years.

DO: Read the fine print

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DON'T: Sign on the dotted line without reading the terms and conditions. There may be hidden fees or clauses that could come back to haunt you later.

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DO: Be prepared for unexpected expenses

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DON'T: Assume everything will go smoothly. There may be unforeseen expenses, like a leaky roof or a broken furnace, that can quickly drain your savings. Be sure to budget for these types of surprises.

DO: Read the fine print

.

DON'T: Sign on the dotted line without reading the terms and conditions. There may be hidden fees or clauses that could come back to haunt you later.

.

DO: Be prepared for unexpected expenses

.

DON'T: Assume everything will go smoothly. There may be unforeseen expenses, like a leaky roof or a broken furnace, that can quickly drain your savings. Be sure to budget for these types of surprises.

DO: Have a good sense of humor

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DON'T: Take everything too seriously. Yes, buying a house and getting a mortgage can be stressful, but try to find the humor in the situation. After all, laughter is the best medicine for a stressful day.

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By following these Mortgage Do's and Do not's, you'll be well on your way to successfully navigating the mortgage process - with a smile on your face. Good luck, and happy house hunting!

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šŸ  Beat the Cash Buyers! Winning Offers Without Breaking the Bank šŸ’„

🧠 How to Outbid Cash Buyers Without Overpaying šŸ’ø (Smart Strategies for Homebuyers)

June 06, 2025•2 min read

🧠 How to Outbid Cash Buyers Without Overpaying šŸ’ø (Smart Strategies for Homebuyers)

šŸ  Beat the Cash Buyers! Winning Offers Without Breaking the Bank šŸ’„


🧠 How to Outbid Cash Buyers Without Overpaying

In today’s competitive housing market, cash buyers can feel like unbeatable opponents—no financing delays, no appraisal contingencies, and fast closings. But here’s the truth: you CAN beat cash buyers without blowing your budget—if you know how to play your cards right.

As a mortgage broker helping buyers across Houston and beyond, I’ve seen firsthand how financing clients can strategically structure offers that win—even over all-cash competitors. Here's how:


šŸ’” 1. Get Fully Underwritten Pre-Approval

Most buyers stop at a pre-qualification letter. If you want to compete with cash, you need a fully underwritten pre-approval. This shows sellers you’re just as serious and nearly as fast as a cash deal.


šŸ’¼ 2. Work with a Skilled Broker Who Moves Fast

Cash buyers often win on speed. But brokers like us can work with lenders who close in as little as 10–15 days, putting you nearly neck and neck with cash.


šŸ’° 3. Make Your Offer Stand Out—Without Raising the Price

Instead of overpaying, add terms sellers love:

Ā·         Waive minor contingencies

Ā·         Offer a leaseback period

Ā·         Increase your earnest money

Ā·         Use an escalation clause with a cap


šŸ” 4. Know When to Lean on an Appraisal Waiver

Some mortgage programs allow appraisal waivers based on automated underwriting systems. This removes a key obstacle and makes your offer less risky in the seller’s eyes.


🧠 5. Use Strategic Offer Positioning

Cash buyers don’t always have flexibility—YOU do. With the right team (broker, agent, and lender), you can tailor your offer to each seller’s needs, whether that’s timing, repairs, or flexibility.


You don’t need to be rich to be competitive. You just need the right strategy, the right mortgage partner, and a bit of confidence.

Ready to outsmart—not outspend—the competition? Let’s win your dream home together.


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Ā© 2023-2024 Bill Rapp, Medallion Funds LLC, Director of Capital Advisory


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Bill Rapp - Commercial & Residential Mortgage Broker

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a business owner with ambitious plans, securing the right financing is crucial. At Medallion Funds, we take the guesswork out of mortgages, offering a comprehensive suite of residential and commercial loan options to fit your unique needs. Looking for Your Dream Home? We understand the excitement and challenges of navigating the residential real estate market. Our experienced mortgage brokers will guide you through every step, from pre-qualification to closing. We offer a variety of loan programs to suit your financial situation, including: • Fixed-rate mortgages: Offering stability with predictable monthly payments. • Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs): Providing competitive rates for a set period. • FHA loans: Making homeownership accessible with lower down payments. • VA loans: Rewarding veterans with attractive rates and flexible terms. Investing in Your Business Future? Growth often requires capital, and we can help you unlock the potential of your commercial property. Our brokers specialize in a wide range of commercial loan options, including: • Purchase loans: Financing the acquisition of new buildings or land. • Construction loans: Facilitating the development of your project. • Refinance loans: Restructuring your existing mortgage for better terms. • SBA loans: Providing access to government-backed financing for qualified businesses. The Medallion Funds Difference: We go beyond simply finding a loan. We take the time to understand your goals and develop a personalized strategy. Here's what sets us apart: • Expertise: Our brokers have a deep understanding of both residential and commercial lending. • Competitive Rates: We leverage our strong lender relationships to secure the best possible terms. • Streamlined Process: We handle the paperwork, keeping you informed every step of the way. • Exceptional Service: We're committed to providing you with a positive and stress-free experience. Ready to Take the First Step? Contact Medallion Funds today for a free consultation. Let's discuss your financing needs and help you achieve your dreams!

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