Standard Mortgage Blog

Before applying for a mortgage, it’s essential to take a proactive approach to managing your debt. One of the first things lenders evaluate is your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which measures how much of your monthly income goes toward debt payments. A high DTI can limit your loan options or prevent you from qualifying altogether.

Is your mortgage still working for you? A lot can change in twelve months: interest rates, your income, your goals, and even the value of your home. A quick annual mortgage review can provide you with a better picture of your financial health and identify opportunities to improve it.

The Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA) recently released updated 2026 conforming loan limits. Beginning January 1, 2026, the conventional loan limit will increase by 3.26 % to $832,750 for a single-family home in the 48 contiguous states. The maximum amount in 2025 was $806,500.