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The West Chester Loan Officer Who Saved Christmas
The West Chester Loan Officer Who Saved Christmas In a town not too far, where the snow softly fell, Lived a kind little family with big dreams to tell. They longed for a home with a chimney and tree, To hang up their stockings and drink cocoa with glee. Mom and Dad whispered, “Let’s go…
Read MoreWhy Delaware County’s 19% Property Tax Increase Matters for Homeowners and Buyers
Starting January 2026, homeowners in Delaware County, Pennsylvania will be paying 19% more in property taxes. For many families, this is not just another number on a tax bill. It is a real cost that affects monthly budgets, housing decisions, and long term financial stability. Whether you are thinking about buying a home in Delaware…
Read MoreDo Better, Coatesville
How a 3.5% Transfer Tax Makes Homeownership Harder for First-Time Buyers For many families, buying a home in the City of Coatesville has represented one of the few remaining opportunities to achieve homeownership in Chester County. Home prices have historically been more attainable, neighborhoods are walkable, and proximity to jobs, rail, and schools makes the…
Read MorePhiladelphia Housing Market Trends 2025: What Buyers Need to Know Right Now
By J.R. Conway, CM Mortgage Services, Inc. — Your Local Philadelphia Mortgage Expert Philadelphia’s housing market continues to evolve in 2025, and buyers across the region — especially first-time homebuyers — are asking the same question: “Is now still a good time to buy a home in Philadelphia?” To help you cut through the noise,…
Read MoreWhat Do You Think of a 50 Year Mortgage? A West Chester, PA Loan Officer’s Perspective
Introduction: A New Conversation in Home Financing Recently, more homebuyers—especially in higher-cost markets—have been asking about 50 year fixed mortgages. While this type of loan is still uncommon in the U.S., the discussion is gaining momentum as affordability challenges rise. As a local West Chester, PA loan officer with 23 years of experience, I see…
Read MoreHow the 2025 Government Shutdown Could Impact Homebuyers in West Chester, PA
If you’re thinking about buying a home in West Chester, PA this fall or winter, there’s a macro‑level factor you shouldn’t ignore — the 2025 federal government shutdown. While this may feel like a distant policy issue, its ripple effects are showing up in the housing market — and they matter for buyers in West…
Read MoreUSDA, VA, FHA, and Conventional Loans Compared: Which Mortgage is Right for West Chester Buyers?
Buying a home in West Chester, PA is an exciting step — whether you’re looking at a historic townhome in the Borough, a suburban single-family in East Goshen, or new construction just outside of town. But choosing the right mortgage program is just as important as choosing the right house. At CM Mortgage Services, Inc.,…
Read MoreHow Much House Can I Afford in Philadelphia?
Buying a home in Philadelphia is an exciting milestone—but before you start touring neighborhoods or scrolling through listings, one of the first questions to answer is: How much house can I really afford? Key Factors That Determine Affordability Your Income Lenders typically follow the 28/36 rule: no more than 28% of your gross monthly income…
Read MoreRental Market Trends in West Chester: Should You Buy to Rent in 2025?
By J.R. Conway | CM Mortgage Services, Inc. | NMLS #147631 If you’re a first-time homebuyer in West Chester, you might be asking yourself: Should I wait… or is now the time to buy a home that I could also rent out down the road? Here’s the good news: The second half of 2025 could…
Read MoreWhat Happens When You Pay Off Your Mortgage in West Chester?
Paying off your mortgage is a major milestone—and whether you’re approaching the final payment or recently paid off your loan, you may be wondering… what happens next? In this article, we’ll walk you through what West Chester homeowners can expect once the mortgage is fully paid, how to handle documentation, and how to protect your…
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