Buying a home is an exciting milestone — but before falling in love with the paint color or open‑floorplan, it’s essential to understand how much home you can realistically afford. With the right guidance from a mortgage wealth advisor, you’ll not only shop with confidence, but avoid budget shock later.

Owning a second home is more than just a luxury—it can be a lifestyle upgrade, a vacation getaway, or a strategic investment. But before you start browsing listings, it’s important to understand how financing a second home works and what makes these purchases different from your primary residence.

Homeowners in Pittsburgh should know that they’re well-positioned to build wealth with their homes. In recent years, many homeowners have seen their Pittsburgh property values rise, giving them untapped equity. But what’s the smartest way to put that equity to work beyond your mortgage? As a veteran of the mortgage industry, I know that homeownership isn’t just about the roof over your head. For many homeowners in Pittsburgh, home equity is a powerful wealth building tool that can set future generations of your family up for success years into the future. 

October in Pittsburgh is a beautiful time: the leaves turn, the air gets crisp, and fall festivals are in full swing. But it’s also a critical month for homeowners to protect their biggest investment—their home—and make moves that safeguard and grow their wealth. As a Pittsburgh mortgage advisor with over 30 years of experience, I know just how important of an investment your home is. That’s why I’ve put together the ultimate fall checklist to keep you on track, from prepping for winter to financial planning. Here’s your ultimate October homeowner checklist for a secure, financially smart fall.

When it comes to buying a home, misinformation can be expensive. Here are some common mortgage myths that could affect your bottom line and financial planning.

A mortgage doesn’t have to be just a payment you make each month. With the right strategy, your mortgage can become a cornerstone of your long-term financial plan. Proper planning turns your Pittsburgh home into an asset that builds wealth over time, rather than a simple recurring expense.

When it comes to selecting a mortgage, many borrowers focus on interest rates and monthly payments. But one often overlooked factor is how your financial personality influences mortgage decisions. Understanding whether you’re a risk-taker or a security-seeker can help you choose a loan that fits your mindset—and your long-term goals.

The mortgage industry is evolving fast, and technology in mortgage lending 2025 is reshaping how borrowers secure home loans. From digital underwriting to instant mortgage approvals, artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced software are making the process faster and more efficient than ever. But despite these innovations, personalized mortgage advice remains crucial for navigating complex decisions.

Many homeowners wrestle with the question: “Should I pay off my mortgage early, or invest that money instead?” The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on your goals, interest rate, risk tolerance, and overall financial plan. In this post, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of paying off your mortgage early, backed by expert insight—so you can make the best move for your wealth-building journey.

Buying a home is often the biggest financial commitment you’ll make, and most buyers focus on the monthly mortgage payment. But your mortgage is only part of the total cost of homeownership. There are several “hidden” costs of homeownership that, if unplanned for, can impact your budget and financial goals. In this post, we’ll break down what these costs are, why planning ahead is key to protecting your finances, and expert tips on how to start budgeting for homeownership.

Thinking about buying a home in Pittsburgh or refinancing your current mortgage? You’re not alone—and chances are, you have some questions. As a local Pittsburgh mortgage loan officer, I work with homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate agents every day. And over time, I’ve noticed a pattern: the same questions tend to come up week after week.

Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to get pre-approved, getting clear answers can help you feel more confident as you move through the mortgage process.

Here are the top 10 questions I hear every week—and what you need to know.

If you have student loan debt, you might be wondering if that will prevent you from buying a home in Pittsburgh with student loans. The good news is, having student loans doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage. However, there are a few important factors to consider before you start house hunting.

If you're an independent contractor in Pittsburgh, buying a home may seem like a daunting task—especially when it comes to securing a mortgage. Mortgages for self-employed workers and independent contractors in Pittsburgh tend to look a little different. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, you can successfully navigate the process and find the right loan for your needs. Whether you're a gig worker, a freelancer, or a 1099 borrower, this guide offers valuable mortgage tips to help self-employed buyers in Pittsburgh get approved for a home loan.

Spring in Pittsburgh is the perfect time to begin the home-buying journey, with fresh opportunities blooming throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for a charming single family home in Shadyside or an expansive property in the suburbs, preparing for a mortgage application is key to ensuring you get the best deal possible. We’ve created this comprehensive mortgage application checklist to guide you through the essential steps before applying for a mortgage in Pittsburgh this spring.

If you’ve been browsing Pittsburgh real estate listings and dreaming of buying a home in Pittsburgh, we’re willing to bet the number one thing on your mind is money- and how much you’ll be spending or saving. When it comes to costs, the single most important factor that will affect your monthly mortgage payment is the interest rate. We have seen firsthand that even a small change in rates can have a big impact on how much you pay each month—and over the life of your loan.

Understanding how interest rates work can help you make smarter financial decisions, lock in the best rate, and potentially save thousands of dollars. Here’s what you need to know.

Ever wonder what it would look like if Pittsburgh neighborhoods had personalities? Not just vibes—actual characters. Like, full-blown archetypes who live rent-free in your head and possibly next door. From the Lawrenceville legend who’s already planning your next birthday bash to the Shadyside dog mom who’s never without her green juice, we’re exposing the hyper-specific humans who practically are their ZIP codes. Be warned, this list might just hit a little too close to home. And if you’re looking to buy a home in Pittsburgh, check this list to see who your new neighbors will be before you lock in that offer.

At Team Jerry Pounds, we understand that buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll ever make. With 30+ years of experience in the mortgage industry, we know first hand that understanding the mortgage process in Pittsburgh can make the journey smoother. Here’s what to expect at each stage of the loan approval process when purchasing a home in Pittsburgh.

Applying for a mortgage in Pittsburgh is a big step toward homeownership. At Team Jerry Pounds, we know sometimes life gets in the way and things don’t always go as planned. If your mortgage application is denied, don’t panic—it’s not the end of the road. Understanding the reasons for the denial and taking proactive steps can help you get approved in the future. Here’s what you should do next.

Our financial system isn’t perfect, and of course, that includes the mortgage industry. Innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) are one avenue through which mortgage professionals hope to create change, but is machine learning really a panacea for issues like inequality, inequity, and red tape in the mortgage industry?

Are you considering buying your first home? Maybe you’ve already purchased your Pittsburgh property and are wondering how you can climb the property ladder. A starter home is not just a stepping stone; it can be a smart way to begin building your financial future. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to transition from renting, a starter home offers unique opportunities to grow your wealth over time. Let’s explore how it works.