Bock Mortgage Group - Michael Bock and Theresa NeSmith

Michael Bock June 18, 2025

Celebrating National Homeownership Month and How First-Time Buyer Programs Make It Possible

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and spotlight the many programs designed to help first-time buyers turn that dream into reality. For many Americans, the biggest challenge to buying a home is coming up with the funds for a down payment or qualifying for a loan. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of mortgage options and assistance programs available to make homeownership more achievable.

Michael Bock June 17, 2025

The Emotional Rewards of Homeownership and Why It’s Worth Celebrating in June

June is National Homeownership Month, a time not only to talk about the practical steps toward owning a home but also to reflect on the emotional rewards that make the journey worth it. As a mortgage professional, I spend a lot of time working with numbers such as credit scores, down payments, and interest rates. But the most powerful part of homeownership is what cannot be measured with a calculator.

Michael Bock June 16, 2025

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 16th, 2025

The CPI and PPI have yet to reveal the impacts of the tariff policies that were placed temporarily, which gives some potential insight that there might be a path forward for the Federal Reserve to look at potential rate cuts. However, economists across many industries are expecting inflation to increase temporarily as an impact for the policies that were put in place.

Michael Bock June 13, 2025

Creative Strategies for Saving on Closing Costs

When you are budgeting for a new home, it’s easy to focus on the down payment, but do not forget the closing costs. These fees typically range from 2% to 5% of the home’s purchase price and cover things like the appraisal, title search, loan origination, and other administrative expenses. For many buyers, especially first-timers, they can feel like an unwelcome surprise.

The good news? There are creative, effective ways to reduce these expenses and make homeownership more affordable.

Michael Bock June 12, 2025

How to Leverage Home Equity for Financial Freedom

If you’ve owned your home for a few years, chances are you have built up equity, maybe more than you realize. But what exactly is home equity, and how can you use it to build wealth, reduce debt, or increase financial flexibility?

We will discuss how homeowners are turning their built-up equity into tools for financial freedom, and how you can, too.

Michael Bock June 11, 2025

Are Interest-Only Mortgages A Smart Strategy or Risky Business?

When exploring home financing options, many borrowers are intrigued by interest-only mortgages. These loans offer the benefit of lower initial monthly payments, which can seem attractive, especially in high-cost areas or when cash flow is tight. But how exactly do they work, and are they the right fit for your financial goals?