Michelle Muhammed

Qualifying income for a mortgage is not always the same as day-to-day cash flow. During divorce, changes in employment, support arrangements, or retirement planning can affect how income is documented for mortgage purposes. In this discussion with Margie Hoffberg and Patrick Brende of Residential Mortgage Center, we explain how lenders often view different types of income and why documentation and timing matter for divorcing individuals in the DMV and nationwide. Types of income lenders may...

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 lenders, and how...

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 rules may affect...