Bock Mortgage Group - Michael Bock and Theresa NeSmith

Michael Bock July 2, 2025

Understanding the Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program

The Federal Housing Administration Title I Home Improvement Loan Program is a government-backed initiative designed to help homeowners finance necessary repairs, upgrades, and improvements to their primary residence. Established under the National Housing Act, this program makes funding accessible for individuals who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans due to limited equity or lower credit scores.

Michael Bock July 1, 2025

The Impact of Gender and Race on Mortgage Approval Rates

The mortgage approval process is a critical step in the path to homeownership. While lending guidelines are designed to promote fair and consistent evaluation, studies have shown that disparities persist based on gender and race. These differences raise important concerns about equal access to credit and the long-term effects on wealth building, community development, and financial equity in the United States.

Michael Bock June 30, 2025

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 30th, 2025

With the passing of the previous busy weeks of rate decisions, this week features the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation report in the PCE Index, which has shown that inflation has come in hotter than expected for the month of May. This likely cements the Federal Reserve’s decision to take no action until later and further confirming most economists’ predictions. The consumer confidence has also taken a hit as it has further declined again for the month of May, indicating there is still significant apprehension within the markets and consumers alike. This is accompanied by Consumer Spending data, which met expectations, as many consumers had already begun pulling back on spending in response to tariff policies before many of those measures were paused.

Michael Bock June 27, 2025

From Pre-Approval to Closing What to Expect in the Mortgage Journey

June is National Homeownership Month, making it the perfect time to understand the full path to homeownership. If you are planning to buy a home, especially for the first time, knowing what to expect during the mortgage process can take away much of the stress. This guide walks you through each step and highlights how working with the right mortgage professional keeps everything on track.

Michael Bock June 26, 2025

How HomeReady and Home Possible Mortgages Open Doors During National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to spotlight the programs that make owning a home more accessible to more people. While many potential buyers believe they need perfect credit or a large down payment, programs like HomeReady(R) and Home Possible(R) prove otherwise. As a mortgage originator, I see firsthand how these affordable loan options can turn homeownership from a dream into a reality.

Michael Bock June 25, 2025

How Homeownership Builds Generational Wealth – A Message for National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to celebrate the lasting impact that owning a home can have on individuals and families. One of the most powerful benefits of homeownership is the ability to build equity. As you make mortgage payments, you are gradually increasing your ownership stake in the property. This equity becomes a form of forced savings and can be used in the future for things like education, home improvements, or retirement. Unlike rent, which builds no future value, mortgage payments create wealth over time.