first-time homebuyer Archives - CM Mortgage Services Inc.

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…

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…

A suburban house with beige siding, black shutters, and a two-car garage. Text overlay reads, “Rental 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…

Are you thinking about buying your first home in West Chester, Pennsylvania? Congratulations—this is a huge milestone! But if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the mortgage process, you’re not alone. Many first-time buyers struggle to understand their loan options, especially in today’s competitive housing market. This guide from J.R. Conway, Senior Loan Officer at…