Utah Homebuyer Grants & Down Payment Assistance Programs
Explore Utah homebuyer grants, first-time buyer loans, and down payment assistance programs from Utah Housing, city and county agencies, and exclusive options through The Lassig Team at CrossCountry Mortgage.
Mortgage Rates vs. The Fed Funds Rate: What Really Moves the Market
Every time the Federal Reserve announces a rate change, the assumption is simple: mortgage rates will move the same way. Fed cuts mean lower rates. Fed hikes mean higher rates.
The truth? Mortgage rates and the Fed Funds Rate live in different worlds.
One-Time vs. Two-Time Close Construction Loans: Myths, Benefits, and Best Strategies
Building your dream home shouldn't mean navigating confusing loan options or falling for outdated myths. The truth? Today's construction loans—both one-time close and two-time close—are far more accessible than most buyers realize.
Forget the misconceptions about double mortgage payments, massive down payments, or having to move twice. Modern construction financing offers solutions like interest reserve accounts, cross-collateralization, and equity-based down payments that eliminate these traditional barriers.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the real differences between one-time close and two-time close construction loans, debunks the five biggest myths holding buyers back, and reveals strategic advantages most loan officers never mention—like soft equity growth and rate lock flexibility.
Whether you're comparing loan types, trying to qualify without selling your current home, or looking to preserve cash while building, understanding these options could save you thousands and unlock possibilities you didn't know existed.
Ready to separate construction loan fact from fiction?
Unlock the Power of Your VA Benefits: Renovation & One-Time Close Construction Loans
Your VA loan benefit goes far beyond basic home purchases. Two powerful programs—VA Renovation Loans and VA One-Time Close Construction Loans—let you improve existing homes or build custom ones with zero money down.
The VA Renovation Loan finances up to $75,000+ in home improvements into your mortgage, perfect for updating kitchens, bathrooms, or major systems without draining savings. The VA One-Time Close Construction Loan lets you build your dream home from scratch with loan amounts up to $2 million—all with one closing and no down payment.
Both programs are exclusive to qualifying Veterans and active-duty service members, offering competitive rates without monthly mortgage insurance. Whether you want to renovate a fixer-upper in your ideal neighborhood or escape the competitive resale market by building new, these VA benefits make it possible.
Ready to unlock the full power of your VA loan benefits? Here's everything you need to know.
The Hidden Risks of Buying a New Construction Home
New construction homes offer undeniable appeal: customization, modern layouts, warranties, and builder financing incentives. But beneath the surface lie risks that most buyers—and even experienced agents—never see coming.
From competing against your own builder when it's time to sell, to getting trapped by preferred lender requirements that benefit the builder more than you, new construction comes with hidden pitfalls that can cost tens of thousands in lost equity.
In this guide, we'll walk through the six biggest risks of buying new builds, including price volatility, construction quality issues, and the supply risks that hurt early buyers most. You'll also discover how to structure your financing strategically—independent of builder pressure—to protect your investment.
New construction can be a smart choice, but only when you understand what you're really signing up for. Here's what every buyer needs to know before breaking ground.
Bridge Loan Alternative: How to Buy Before You Sell Your Home
Bridge loans sound helpful—until the fees, stress, and rigid timelines hit. This blog breaks down a smarter alternative that lets you buy before you sell without sacrificing flexibility, equity, or peace of mind.
The Real Housing Story: Busting the Myths Behind the Headlines
Media headlines aren’t a strategy. Learn the truth behind the biggest myths holding buyers back and how real planning builds real wealth.
How to Buy a House with No Money Down: Smart Strategies That Actually Work
Buying a home with no money down isn’t always risky—when structured correctly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool. Here’s how.
Are Mortgage Points Worth It?
Paying mortgage points sounds smart—save money long-term, right? Not so fast. In this post, we break down why most homeowners lose money on discount points, what your lender won’t tell you, and what to do instead if you want a lower payment without the risk.
The Financial Fire Drill Every Family Should Run
If your income stopped tomorrow… would your finances survive? A financial fire drill gives you clarity, control, and a crisis-proof plan before things go sideways.
How to Build Wealth Through Strategic Mortgage Planning: A Holistic Approach
Most homeowners think their mortgage is just a payment. The wealthy use it to build generational wealth. Here’s how to shift your strategy and your outcome.
Why Mortgage Rates Remain High Despite Fed Rate Cuts and Lower Inflation
Confused why mortgage rates haven’t dropped yet? You’re not alone. This post breaks down in plain English what’s keeping them high, and what has to shift before they fall.