Real Estate / Mortgage

Debt-to-income ratio (DTI) is one of the primary metrics mortgage lenders use to evaluate applications. During divorce, DTI can become complicated—especially when one or both spouses remain connected to the marital mortgage. In this discussion with mortgage professionals Margie Hoffberg  and Patrick Brende  of Residential Mortgage Center, we explain how DTI works, what typically counts, and how divorce documentation may affect mortgage qualification for individuals in the DC,

Divorce often brings short-term financial strain—legal fees, moving costs, and the expense of establishing two households. One common side effect is increased credit card balances, which can affect credit utilization , an important factor in credit scoring and mortgage underwriting. In this conversation with mortgage professionals Margie Hoffberg and Patrick Brende  of Residential Mortgage Center, we discuss how credit utilization works and why it matters for individuals nav

When interest rates rise, refinancing the marital home during divorce can dramatically affect affordability. One option that may be explored is mortgage assumption—keeping the existing mortgage and interest rate while removing one spouse from the loan, subject to lender approval. In this conversation with mortgage professionals Margie Hoffberg and Patrick Brende of Residential Mortgage Center, we discuss how mortgage assumption works, why language matters when contacting lend

Mortgage decisions often influence divorce settlement terms—particularly when a marital home, buyout, refinance, or future purchase is involved. Waiting until after a divorce is finalized may limit available options. In this discussion with Margie Hoffberg and Patrick Brende of Residential Mortgage Center, we explain why timing matters and how early mortgage conversations can provide clarity for individuals divorcing in the DMV and nationwide. Why timing matters Mortgage ru