The Blog

Agents, let's geek out on some behind-the-scenes lending stuff. We break down Fannie Mae Loan Level Price Adjustments (LLPAs) and what they really mean for your clients' rates—why a 780+ credit score is often required to get the best rates, why a larger down payment doesn't automatically mean a better rate, and how 15-year loans skip these LLPAs entirely.

The spring housing market is officially heating up, and competition is stronger than ever. Tara shares the must-have resources that help today's buyers write stronger, more competitive offers: up-front pre-approval, payment and affordability planning tools, Fairway Advantage and TBD underwriting options, seller-friendly closing strategies, and ways to strengthen your offer without overbidding.

In this video, Tara breaks down what the shifting market means for realtors, buyers, and anyone who wants to stay competitive in the next cycle. Practical strategies (not hype) for winning in this environment, because execution matters more than ever.

Peeling or chipping paint might seem cosmetic, but on VA and FHA loans, it can stop a deal in its tracks. Tara walks through what appraisers flag, why it matters on government-backed loans, and exactly how to get it cured before closing.

In this quick video, Tara shares stats about who is actually buying homes in the current market—and what agents need to be doing about it right now to position themselves in front of the right buyers.

Tara describes how being consistent with your goals is the key to success—even when you don't feel like it. She talks through ways to 'get ahead' for a little buffer on the tough days, and why making commitments that move the needle and keeping them—no matter what—is what separates the top producers.

If your buyer is putting down a large down payment, here's a bit of mortgage math that surprises a lot of people. In certain scenarios, asking for seller contributions doesn't actually benefit the buyer any more than simply reducing the sales price. Understanding when it matters and when it doesn't can make negotiations cleaner and offers stronger.

In today's market, it can feel impossible to predict whether a home will sit for months or spark a multiple-offer situation overnight. Tara's best advice? Always put your best foot forward from the start—strong terms, clean structure, and a trusted lender who gives sellers confidence. Includes a real example where her buyer was NOT the highest offer but still got the counter.

If your buyer forgets this one step, they could be leaving hundreds—sometimes thousands—of dollars on the table every year. Tara breaks down the Georgia Homestead Exemption: what it is, who qualifies, the April 1 deadline, how much it saves, and how and where buyers apply.

Are your buyers missing out on homes because they're pre-approved for less than they could actually afford? A quick second opinion on buyer pre-approvals can unlock extra buying power, help your clients compete in multiple-offer situations, and close more deals in 2026. Optimizing debt-to-income, exploring down payment options, and reviewing credit strategies can all make a real difference.

Understanding how property taxes work in Georgia can save your buyers a ton of confusion—and save you a lot of panicked phone calls. Tara breaks down how Georgia counties calculate property taxes, why the January 1 ownership date matters, and how escrows and prorations work at closing. She also explains why buyers almost always end up bringing about five months of property taxes to closing.

Why do buyers get their final cash-to-close number right before closing? It has nothing to do with delays or disorganization. The final Closing Disclosure is a collaboration between the lender, closing attorney, and often the HOA. Tara walks through why the process is built to wrap up in the final days—and how her signature 7-Day Countdown to Closing Call prepares buyers and reduces last-minute anxiety.

Got a low appraisal? Don't panic—let's fix it. Tara shares several creative strategies that help real estate agents and their buyers overcome appraisal shortfalls and keep deals together: requesting a reconsideration of value, smart ways to structure the gap, when seller credits can save the deal, and how switching lenders can give your buyer a fresh appraisal.

With the market shifting, more appraisals are starting to come in below contract price. Tara explains why that's happening, what listing agents and buyer's agents can do to prepare, and how to best work with appraisers to protect your deals. Covers why appraisers must use recent comps, how to provide context to the appraiser, and how to prepare buyers for possible low appraisals.

Affordability is everything in today's market. That's why Fairway created the Budget Booster—a special promotion that gives your buyers a ½% reduction on their rate for the first year at no extra cost. Tara explains how it works and how to position it so your offers stand out.

Think you don't need to write strong offers just because there aren't multiple offers yet? Think again. Tara breaks down why using aggressive terms—like fast closings, clean contingencies, and strong lender letters—still matters when inventory is sitting, and how these moves can save your buyers thousands.

Think you know everything about VA loans? Think again. Tara breaks down lesser-known but incredibly powerful benefits of the VA loan program—from funding fee exemptions to restoration of entitlement—that help veterans stretch their buying power and win more offers.

Think conventional loans are only for buyers with perfect credit and 20% down? Think again. Tara walks through what most buyers and even agents don't know about today's conventional financing options—low down payment programs, flexible credit guidelines, and creative structures that make conventional the right fit more often than you'd expect.

Did you know your clients can buy a home for their aging parent using a primary residence loan—even if that family member isn't on the mortgage? Tara explains the Helping Hands program: how it works, who qualifies, and why it opens up options most families didn't know existed.