Rilian Ball

First Capital Group

  • Home
  • About
  • Main Website
  • Get a Quote
  • Apply
  • Contact

Renting vs. Owning the National Homeownership Month Edition

June 24, 2025 by Rilian Ball

June is National Homeownership Month and there is no better time to look at the long-term financial benefits of owning a home compared to renting. As a mortgage professional, I often speak with clients who are unsure whether to keep renting or make the leap into homeownership. The decision can feel overwhelming, but when you break down the numbers and look at the bigger picture, the advantages of buying a home are clear. Monthly Payments Are an Investment Not an ExpenseWhen you rent, your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Homeownership Matters, National Homeownership Month, Rent vs Own

Creative Strategies for Saving on Closing Costs

June 13, 2025 by Rilian Ball

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. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Closing Cost Tips, Homeownership Goals, Mortgage Tips

How to Leverage Home Equity for Financial Freedom

June 12, 2025 by Rilian Ball

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. What Is Home Equity?Home equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Equity Matters, Financial Freedom, Home Equity

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

June 11, 2025 by Rilian Ball

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? What Is an Interest-Only Mortgage?An interest-only mortgage allows you to pay just the interest on your loan for a set period, typically 5 to 10 years. During this time, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mortgage Tips Tagged With: Interest Only Mortgage, Mortgage Tips, Smart Home Buying

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • …
  • 48
  • Next Page »

Rilian BallFirst Capital Logo

Rilian Ball


Branch Manager

NMLS # 202687

Call: (559) 697-5322
info@firstcg.com

Browse Articles by Category

Get in Touch!

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Search this website

Recent Articles

  • The 30 Year Payment Trap and How to Avoid It
  • The Paperwork System That Makes Closing Feel Easy
  • The Pre-Approval Conversation You Should Have With Yourself First
  • What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 2nd, 2026

Rilian Ball
NMLS # 202687

Company NMLS: 35960
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org

Equal Housing Opportunity

Loan Options

  • Fixed Rate Mortgages
  • FHA Home Loan
  • VA Home Loan
  • Jumbo Home Loan
  • USDA Home Loan

Copyright © 2026 · Powered by MySMARTblog

Copyright © 2026 · Genesis Sample Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in