News & Blog

Cooler mornings and bright fall colors make this the perfect season to give your home a little love. Below are quick wins that protect your investment and small upgrades that make everyday living feel better and can be done in a weekend. 1. Refresh Curb Appeal & Yard Health Do the basics: Mulch or mow thin layers of leaves into the lawn, overseed bare spots while the soil still has some warmth and sweep the walk. Upgrade idea: Create a welcoming entry in an hour—swap in a fresh doormat, add two planters with seasonal color, and update house numbers or the mailbox. If your porch feels dark by 6 p.m., add low-voltage or solar path lights for a safer, cozier approach. 2. Prevent Water Disasters (Gutters, Grading & Cold Snaps) Water is a home’s sneakiest troublemaker. A little prevention now saves big later. Do the basics: Clean gutters after the first big leaf drop and again in late fall. Make sure downspouts discharge several feet from the foundation and that soil slopes away from the house. Seal exterior gaps around windows, doors, and utilities. Before hard freezes, disconnect hoses, cover outdoor faucets, and insulate exposed pipes; on rare extreme nights, let vulnerable lines drip and open sink-base cabinets to circulate warm air. Upgrade idea: Install simple downspout extensions to move water farther from the foundation, add gutter guards if your roof sits under trees, or place smart leak sensors near the water heater, kitchen sink, and laundry. These small devices send alerts if they detect water or freezing temps. 3. Cozy & Efficient: Comfort Upgrades That Cut Waste Do the basics: Schedule a fall HVAC tune-up so your system hits winter in top shape. Reverse ceiling fans to a gentle clockwise spin on low to push warm air down. Add door sweeps and fresh weatherstripping, and top off attic insulation if levels look low. Upgrade idea: Swap high-use fixtures to warm-white LEDs for instant savings and better evening light. If you’ve been living with a chilly room, consider an insulated attic-hatch cover or thermal-lined window panels—both are inexpensive, and noticeably improve comfort. 4. Safety First: Fireplaces, Smoke & CO Alarms Do the basics: Schedule a chimney inspection before your first fire. Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms and replace batteries if needed; most alarms should be replaced every 8–10 years (check the date stamp). Keep a three-foot clearance around space heaters and store ashes in a metal container outdoors. Upgrade idea: Add a multipurpose fire extinguisher in the kitchen and the garage or replace older alarms with modern models that combine smoke and CO detection and include a 10-year sealed battery for fewer chirps. Bottom Line Pairing essential fall maintenance with one small upgrade per area lets you protect your home for a more enjoyable season. If a bigger project is on your list, or you’ve been considering making a move we can walk you through financing options that fit your budget and timeline. If you’re ready to explore your options, contact the Sharpe Mortgage Team at (336) 575-9448 and get started today!

“I couldn't be prouder to see her recognized for the biggest honor in North Carolina and South Carolina,” added Tripp Cunningham, Regional Sales Manager of the East Region. “She’s the real deal. What you see is what you get: genuine, hardworking, and all heart.” Earlier this year, Ashley also earned a Top 10 Nationwide ranking for Customer Satisfaction on the Experience.com platform—an honor based entirely on verified feedback from clients and Realtor partners. This latest recognition is another milestone in a career built on helping families feel confident and supported in their homebuying journey. From first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners, Ashley and the Sharpe Mortgage Team are passionate about guiding each client with care, communication, and heart every step of the way. Congratulations, Ashley! Our team is proud to celebrate this incredible achievement and everything you do for your clients and community. If you’re ready to experience the same award-winning service that earned Ashley this recognition, reach out to The Sharpe Mortgage Team today at 336-575-9448. We’d be honored to help you start your homeownership journey.

There’s exciting news for homebuyers and homeowners: conforming loan limits are going up again, and that means more opportunities are already opening in the market. While the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) won’t officially announce the 2026 loan limits until November, the Sharpe Mortgage Team is getting a head start. The new one-unit conforming loan limit of $819,000 is already being honored. So, what does this mean for you?: If You're Buying a Home More buying power: Shop for homes at higher price points without needing a jumbo loan. Easier qualifying: Conforming loans typically come with more flexible guidelines than jumbo financing. Better affordability: Smaller down payment options and competitive interest rates help keep your monthly payments manageable. If You Already Own a Home Refinance opportunities: If you currently have a jumbo loan, you may now qualify for a conforming loan with better terms. Access to equity: The higher loan limit could make it easier to use your home’s equity for renovations, debt consolidation, or other financial goals—all while staying in the conventional loan category. Why This Matters Raising conforming loan limits gives buyers more room to compete in today’s market and makes homeownership more accessible in higher price ranges. For current homeowners, it can open doors to more favorable refinancing options. And in some high-cost counties, local limits may climb even higher, great news for those shopping in more expensive areas. Bottom Line Whether you’re planning to buy your first home, move up to a new one, or explore refinancing, the increase in loan limits puts more options on the table. We're here to help you understand what this change means for your unique situation and guide you toward the best financing solution. Contact the Sharpe Mortgage Team today at (336) 575-9448 to see how the new limits could work for you!

As the days get shorter and the year winds down, many homeowners check off financial to-dos before the holidays arrive. One smart move to consider? Reviewing your mortgage to see if refinancing could help you step into the new season with more confidence and flexibility. Here are a few ways refinancing might make sense right now: Lower Your Monthly Payment Before the Holidays The holiday season can put extra strain on your budget. Lowering your interest rate or monthly payment through a refinance could free up some breathing room for travel, gift-giving, or saving more. Prepare Your Home for Winter Refinancing can also be a way for some homeowners to access funds for critical projects. Whether upgrading insulation, replacing drafty windows, or updating your heating system, these improvements can help keep your home cozy and your energy bills in check during the colder months. Adjust Your Mortgage to Fit Your Goals for the New Year Maybe you want to pay off your home sooner by shortening your loan term. Or perhaps you’re looking to secure a lower rate for long-term savings. Refinancing can be a way to better align your mortgage with your financial goals heading into the new year. Avoid Relying on High-Interest Credit Cards The end of the year often comes with added expenses. Some homeowners may choose to use equity from a refinance to cover larger purchases instead of leaning on high-interest credit cards. It’s a way to manage holiday costs without watching debt snowball in the months ahead. Talk to a Loan Officer About Your Options Every homeowner’s situation differs, and refinancing isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. Connect with a loan officer and find out if now is the right time for you. Ready to see what refinancing could do for you? Our team is here to review your current mortgage, answer your questions, and walk you through options that may save you money and simplify your finances before the new year. Contact The Sharpe Mortgage Team today at (336) 575-9448 and find out if refinancing is the right move for you this fall.

Crisp mornings, colorful leaves, and plenty of community spirit—fall might just be the best season in Winston-Salem. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, the city comes alive with festivals and events that celebrate everything from apples and books to art and local traditions. Here are a few highlights you won’t want to miss. Apple Fest at Historic Bethabara Park - September 27 Step back into history with live music, colonial games, face painting, and all things apple. This family-friendly festival is a great way to celebrate the season and explore Winston-Salem’s rich past. Bookmarks Festival (20th Annual) - September 25-28 Book lovers, rejoice! The largest book festival in the Carolinas returns with an impressive lineup, including keynote speakers like Hoda Kotb. Plenty of free events make it a must for readers of all ages. Carolina Class Fair - October 3-12 For more than 140 years, this Winston-Salem tradition has brought rides, local exhibits, racing pigs, and even butter sculptures to town. It’s a classic fall fair experience you won’t want to skip. Kernersville Oktoberfest - October 4 Enjoy local craft beer, food pairings, and fun contests like stein-holding and pretzel-eating. Plus, don’t miss the chance to tour historic Körner’s Folly while you’re there. Ardmore Art Walk - November 8 Spend a fall afternoon strolling through one of Winston-Salem’s most charming neighborhoods. Local artists, live music, and food trucks make this juried art walk a true community celebration.  These are just a few of the exciting happenings this fall. To see even more events, check out Visit Winston-Salem’s full festival lineup . As the seasons change, it’s the perfect time to take the next step toward homeownership. Whether buying your first home, moving up, or refinancing, the Sharpe Mortgage Team is here to guide you through the process this fall. Ready to get started? Contact us today at (336) 575-9448 to explore your options and make your home goals a reality.

As the holidays approach, most of us are busy wrapping up the year—finalizing budgets, scheduling check-ups, or even cleaning out closets before the new year begins. However, one crucial item many homeowners overlook is a year-end mortgage check-up. Your mortgage is likely your most significant financial commitment, and just like a health exam or car inspection, a quick mortgage review can help ensure everything is working in your favor. Here are a few reasons why this simple step could set you up for a stronger year ahead. 1. Make Sure Your Loan Still Fits Your Goals Life changes quickly—maybe you’ve welcomed a new family member, taken a new job, or started considering retirement. Your mortgage should match your current and future goals. A year-end review can confirm whether your loan type, term, and payment structure still make sense. 2. Explore Opportunities to Lower Costs Rates and programs shift throughout the year. Even if you’ve refinanced recently, there may be options to lower your interest rate, eliminate mortgage insurance, or shorten your loan term. These minor adjustments can add up to significant long-term savings. 3. Put Your Equity to Work Home values have grown in many areas, so you may be sitting on more equity than you realize. Tapping into that equity—through a refinance or renovation loan—could help you consolidate high-interest debt, fund home improvements, or prepare for upcoming expenses in the new year. 4. Ease Year-End Cash Flow Did you know a refinance may allow you to skip one or two mortgage payments, depending on timing? Or might you receive an escrow refund after closing? These short-term boosts can provide breathing room during an already expensive season. 5. Plan Ahead for 2026 Getting clarity on your mortgage now means you’re not scrambling during the holiday crunch or putting it off until spring. A quick year-end check-up today can help you start the new year with confidence. Next Step: A quick, free mortgage check-up comes with no obligation.

Buying a home is a big step, and every dollar saved makes a difference. That's why we're excited to share some good news: mortgage insurance (MI) premiums will now be permanently tax-deductible again. This update takes effect with the 2026 tax return (filed in 2027) , giving buyers and homeowners time to prepare and plan. Why This Matters For many first-time homebuyers, MI makes homeownership possible by reducing the upfront cash needed for a down payment. Instead of saving the traditional 20%, buyers can purchase a home with as little as 3–5% down, with MI protecting the lender. Now that these premiums are tax-deductible, the long-term cost of owning a home has become more affordable. Here's a Closer Look at How It Works Household income under $100,000: You can deduct 100% of your MI premiums each year. Income up to $110,000: You may still qualify for a partial deduction. Average past savings: Homeowners have saved more than $1,400 annually when this deduction was previously in place. The Bigger Picture If you're buying a home soon, this change could help offset monthly costs and make it easier to find a payment that fits comfortably in your budget. If you own a home with MI, this deduction could put real money back in your pocket each year. What's Next? Everyone's financial situation is different, and while MI tax deductibility is a valuable benefit, the best strategy for you may depend on factors like income, loan type, and long-term plans. The Sharpe Mortgage Team is here to help you understand your options and guide you through how this update may apply to your home financing. Have questions about how this could benefit you? Call the Sharpe Team at 336-575-9448. We're happy to walk you through the details .

It’s back-to-school season, which makes it the perfect time for a quick refresher on mortgage terms that can make or break a deal. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or an investor brushing up on the lingo, understanding these basics can help you make confident, informed decisions.  Here are five key terms every buyer should know: Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) Your DTI measures how much of your income goes toward debt each month. Lenders use this number to see how comfortably you can take on a mortgage. A lower ratio is better—but self-employed borrowers sometimes need extra guidance on documenting income. (Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!) Loan-to-Value Ratio (LTV) LTV compares the loan amount to the home’s value. It’s a significant factor in approval, interest rates, and whether you’ll need private mortgage insurance (PMI). For buyers putting down less than 20%, this number really matters. Rate Lock Mortgage rates can shift daily, and timing matters. A rate lock secures your interest rate for a set period to protect you from sudden market changes. It’s a key tool for peace of mind while your loan is in process. Escrow Escrow accounts are designed to make homeownership more straightforward. However, they can still cause confusion. Think of escrow as a holding account that covers property taxes and insurance. Understanding how it works can keep surprises off your monthly statement. Debt Service Coverage Ratio For investors, this is the golden term. DSCR looks at rental income instead of personal income to qualify for a loan. That means no tax returns are required in many cases—making it easier to expand a real estate portfolio. At the end of the day, mortgage terms don’t have to be intimidating. With guidance, they become tools you can use to your advantage. Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring investment opportunities, The Sharpe Mortgage Team is here to help. Contact us anytime at 336-575-9448 —we’d love to discuss your options.