Wendy M. Doerzbacher

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From Divorce to Fresh Starts, the Mortgage Paths No One Talks About

August 6, 2025 by Wendy Doerzbacher

When people think about getting a mortgage, the story usually sounds the same, young couple, starter home, perfect timing. But real life does not always follow that script. The truth is, many people come to the mortgage process in the middle of a major life change. Divorce, job loss, rebuilding credit, or starting over later in life, these chapters are real, and so are the mortgage paths that come with them.

If this is where you find yourself, you are not alone, and you are not without options.

Divorce and the Next Chapter

Divorce is one of the most common reasons someone might need to refinance, sell, or buy on their own. If your name is on a mortgage with your ex, there may be a need to separate financial ties, often through a refinance or buyout. Or you may be starting fresh and purchasing solo for the first time in years.

This process can feel emotional and overwhelming, especially when finances are tied up in court documents or shifting income. The key is working with a mortgage professional who understands these dynamics and can guide you through the paperwork, timelines, and financing options that support your transition.

Rebuilding After Setbacks

Job loss, credit challenges, or personal financial setbacks can leave people thinking homeownership is no longer within reach. But the mortgage world has changed, and there are more flexible programs today than many people realize.

Whether it is a low down payment loan, bank statement program for self-employed borrowers, or a second-chance plan for those recovering from bankruptcy or foreclosure, the right strategy can get you back on track. Time and planning matter, but so does working with someone who sees the potential, not just the past.

Later-in-Life Homeownership

There is a growing number of buyers starting over later in life, after divorce, after raising kids, or even after retirement. Many are surprised to learn that they can qualify for a mortgage in their 50s, 60s, or beyond.

You may be downsizing, relocating, or pursuing a lifestyle shift. Mortgage options like reverse mortgage purchases or tailored income calculations for retirees are designed to meet these needs. The key is to plan based on your goals, not outdated assumptions.

You Deserve a Mortgage That Fits Your Life, Not the Other Way Around

The traditional mortgage timeline does not apply to everyone, and that is okay. Life changes, priorities shift, and new beginnings come in many forms. The mortgage process should support that, not stand in the way.

Our role is not just to crunch numbers, it is to help you find a mortgage path that fits your current reality. Whether you are healing, rebuilding, or starting fresh, there is a way forward, and we are here to help you take the next step.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Life After Divorce, Mortgage Fresh Start, Real Life Home Loans

Why Getting Pre-Approved Feels So Intimidating, and Why It Shouldn’t

August 5, 2025 by Wendy Doerzbacher

For many people, the idea of getting pre-approved for a mortgage feels overwhelming. You are asked to hand over personal financial information, trust a stranger with your credit report, and answer questions you may not feel ready to face. It is no wonder some buyers delay this step, even when they are serious about purchasing a home.

But here is the truth, getting pre-approved is not something to fear. It is one of the most empowering steps you can take as a buyer.

The Emotional Roadblock

Let us start by acknowledging the emotions involved. The pre-approval process can feel personal, even invasive. You might be worried about your credit score, past financial mistakes, or whether your income is good enough. Some people assume they will be judged or turned away.

In reality, a good mortgage professional is not here to judge, they are here to guide. We understand that no financial journey is perfect. Our goal is to help you understand your options and get you into the best position possible, whether that means moving forward now or making a plan for later.

What Pre-Approval Really Does

Pre-approval gives you a clear picture of what you can afford. It shows sellers that you are a serious buyer, and it can help you move quickly when you find the right home. It also uncovers any issues early, before you fall in love with a property that might be out of reach.

More importantly, it turns uncertainty into clarity. Instead of guessing whether you are ready, you will know where you stand, and that knowledge puts you in control.

It Is Not as Complicated as It Seems

Getting pre-approved usually involves providing some basic financial documents like tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements. You will complete a loan application and authorize a credit check. That is it.

Most pre-approvals can be completed in a matter of days, sometimes even the same day, depending on your situation. The process is secure, private, and designed to help you, not hold you back.

You Do Not Have to Go Through It Alone

A major reason people feel anxious is because they do not know what to expect. That is where I come in. My role is to walk you through each step, explain what documents are needed, and answer your questions without pressure or judgment. Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, it is normal to have concerns. I am here to help you feel confident, not confused.

Take the First Step with Confidence

If you are thinking about buying a home, getting pre-approved is the smartest first move you can make. It is not about being perfect, it is about being prepared. You deserve to work with someone who respects your time, understands your goals, and helps make the process feel approachable.

Let us take that step together, because you are closer to homeownership than you think.

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Home Buying Confidence, Mortgage Pre Approval, Real Estate Journey

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – August 4th, 2025

August 4, 2025 by Wendy Doerzbacher

There were several notable releases this last week, with the largest being the PCE Index — the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator. The PCE Index may be the more accurate indicator going forward, as data collection for the Consumer Price Index has been recently cut, thereby reducing its reliability. As expected, the inflation numbers have been steadily rising with the PCE Index, indicating that impacts from the tariffs are now filtering into prices for both producers and consumers.

As a follow up, Personal Income & Spending has had a light upturn after the initial panic with the tariffs. Lastly, the job numbers from last week have been unexpectedly weak, showing a slow down of the economy overall due to many factors.

PCE Index
A key measure of inflation posted the biggest increase in four months in June as the delayed effects of higher U.S. tariffs began to filter through the economy, raising questions about whether the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon. The PCE index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, rose 0.3% last month, the Bureau of Economic Analysis said Thursday. It was the biggest increase since February.

Personal Spending & Income
Americans spent more money in June after U.S. trade wars began to simmer down, but they were cautious spenders amid all the turmoil caused by the Trump administration’s tariffs. Personal spending increased 0.3% last month, the government said Thursday, and partly recovered from a soft patch in May and April.

Employment Reports
The U.S. only added 19,000 jobs in May compared to an initial report of 144,000, and only 14,000 in June after an initial report of 147,000, according to the BLS. Those two paltry totals, plus a July jobs gain of 73,000, means the U.S. added just 106,000 jobs over the past three months.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.02% with the current rate at 5.85%
  • 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.02% with the current rate at 6.72%

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.17% this week. Current rates at 6.22%
  • 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.16% this week. Current rates at 6.24%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 218,000 compared to the expected claims of 222,000. The prior week landed at 217,000.

What’s Ahead
Next week will be a fairly light week, with the most significant releases being the Trade Balance as well as the Services PMI reports.

Filed Under: Financial Reports Tagged With: Financial Report, Jobless Claims, Mortgage Rates

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Wendy M. Doerzbacher


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Nationwide Mortgage Bankers Inc
Call (516) 982-6339
NMLS# 12985

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