The 2026–2027 Homebuyer & Mortgage Guide
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. My new guide was created to help homebuyers understand the mortgage process, compare financing options and prepare before making an offer.
View the Book on Amazon Call David: 312-656-02202026–2027
HOMEBUYER &
MORTGAGE GUIDE
A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.
NMLS #303007
See the 2026–2027 Homebuyer & Mortgage Guide on Amazon
Knowledge Builds Brighter Tomorrows
Buying a home can feel overwhelming because borrowers are often introduced to unfamiliar mortgage terminology at the same time they are making major financial decisions.
I wrote The 2026–2027 Homebuyer & Mortgage Guide to make the process easier to understand and to give buyers a practical resource they can return to throughout their homebuying journey.
What You'll Learn Inside the Guide
Mortgage Preapproval
Learn what mortgage lenders review during preapproval and how preparing your financial information early can help you enter the housing market more informed.
Conventional Mortgages
Understand how conventional financing works and some of the important factors borrowers should consider when comparing conventional loan options.
FHA Financing
Learn the basics of FHA financing, including down-payment considerations, mortgage insurance and why FHA may be worth exploring for certain buyers.
VA & USDA Programs
Explore the basic structure of VA and USDA financing and why eligibility and property requirements matter.
Jumbo Mortgages
Learn why higher-balance mortgages can have different qualification, reserve and underwriting considerations.
Fixed & Adjustable Rates
Understand the difference between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages and the questions buyers should ask before selecting a structure.
Renovation & Construction
Learn about mortgage options that may be relevant when purchasing, renovating or building a property.
Non-QM Mortgage Options
Explore why borrowers with nontraditional income or financial circumstances may sometimes consider mortgage programs outside traditional agency financing.
APR, Points & Closing Costs
Learn why the lowest advertised interest rate does not automatically mean the lowest overall mortgage cost.
What to Avoid Before Closing
Learn why borrowers should be cautious about opening new credit, making large purchases or changing their financial circumstances before a mortgage closes.
Why I Wrote This Book
I began working in the mortgage industry in 1997.
Throughout my career, I have seen how much easier the mortgage process can become when a buyer understands the numbers before making decisions.
The mortgage process involves more than simply finding an interest rate.
A homebuyer may need to consider the loan program, down payment, property taxes, homeowners insurance, mortgage insurance, closing costs, APR, discount points and the total monthly housing expense.
A Mortgage Is More Than a Rate
One of the most common questions homebuyers ask is:
"What is today's mortgage rate?"
That is an important question, but it is not the only question.
Two borrowers could receive very different mortgage terms based on factors such as credit profile, loan type, down payment, property characteristics and market conditions.
Buyers should also understand APR, lender costs, discount points, mortgage insurance and their estimated cash needed at closing.
Built for Chicagoland Homebuyers
Homebuying in the Chicago area has its own considerations.
Property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA costs and home prices can vary substantially from one suburb or county to another.
Two homes with the same purchase price may produce very different monthly housing costs.
That is why I encourage buyers to evaluate the complete payment rather than simply focusing on the listing price.
Know your estimated payment, potential loan amount, estimated cash requirements and the mortgage programs that may be available based on your circumstances.
Preparation can help you ask better questions and make a more informed homebuying decision.
Who Should Read This Guide?
- First-time homebuyers
- Repeat homebuyers
- Buyers returning to the housing market
- Self-employed borrowers
- Buyers comparing FHA and conventional loans
- Veterans exploring VA financing
- Buyers considering renovation or construction
- Anyone who wants to understand mortgages before applying
Education Before Application
My philosophy is straightforward:
Understand the mortgage before signing the mortgage.
Homebuyers should be able to ask questions, understand their financing options and know what to expect before they are under pressure to close a transaction.
That is why I created both this guide and the educational resources available at DavidBraunMLO.com.
Get The 2026–2027 Homebuyer & Mortgage Guide
The guide is available now on Amazon.
View the Book on AmazonLet's Review Your Mortgage Strategy Before You Make the Offer.
If you are purchasing a home in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, I can help you review your estimated payment, cash requirements and available mortgage options.
Call 312-656-0220 Text David Explore DavidBraunMLO.comMortgage rates, APRs, closing costs, loan programs, seller-contribution limits, down-payment requirements and underwriting requirements may vary based on borrower qualifications, property characteristics, loan type and market conditions.
David Braun | Mortgage Loan Officer | NMLS #303007
Regional Mortgage Corporation
Chicagoland, Illinois
Call or Text: 312-656-0220
DavidBraunMLO.com
Equal Housing Opportunity.