What Credit Scores Don’t Show: How Lenders Evaluate Overall Borrower Risk
When most borrowers think about qualifying for a mortgage, one number tends to dominate the conversation: their credit score. While credit scores are important, they are far from the full picture. In reality, lenders evaluate borrower risk using a layered approach that looks well beyond a single metric. At First Ohio Home Finance, approvals aren’t driven by a checkbox mentality. [...]
Refinancing After Major Life Changes: Divorce, Career Shifts, or Inheritance
Refinancing a mortgage is rarely just a numbers exercise. After a major life change, the process becomes even more nuanced. Divorce, a career shift, or receiving an inheritance can significantly alter your financial profile, goals, and risk tolerance. In these situations, a standard refinance playbook often falls short. What’s needed is a more strategic approach that accounts for complexity, [...]
Housing and Mortgage Trends to Watch in 2026
As the housing market continues to recalibrate after several years of volatility, 2026 is shaping up to be a year defined by moderation, flexibility, and smarter financing decisions. For buyers, sellers, and homeowners alike, understanding where the market is headed can help you act with confidence rather than react to headlines. Below are the key housing, homebuying, and mortgage [...]
Buying a Home with a Non-Traditional Employment History: What Borrowers Need to Know
The traditional mortgage borrower—someone with a single employer, a predictable salary, and a W-2—is no longer the norm. Freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers, consultants, and hybrid employees now make up a significant portion of the workforce. While homeownership is absolutely achievable for these borrowers, qualifying for a mortgage often requires a different approach than what most online guides describe. [...]
3 Consejos para Jóvenes Compradores de Vivienda por Primera Vez
Comprar tu primera casa es un hito emocionante a cualquier edad. Es un gran paso hacia la independencia financiera que te permite generar patrimonio, crear estabilidad e invertir en tu futuro. Pero aunque la experiencia es emocionante, también puede sentirse abrumadora sin la preparación adecuada. Un plan bien pensado, expectativas realistas y la orientación correcta pueden hacer que todo [...]
3 Tips for Young First-Time Homebuyers
Buying your first home is an exciting milestone at any age. It’s a major step toward financial independence that gives you the opportunity to build equity, create stability, and invest in your future. But while the experience is exciting, it can also feel overwhelming without the right preparation. A thoughtful plan, realistic expectations, and reliable guidance can make the [...]
