Recent Articles

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Why Did My Mortgage Payment Go Up? Escrow & Taxes

Fixed rate, higher payment? A Kansas City mortgage advisor explains escrow shortages, JoCo property taxes and what to do when your bill goes up.

Published on 09/30/2026

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The SAVE Plan Is Over. Here's How Your New Student Loan Payment Affects Your Mortgage.

SAVE forbearance ended Sept 30. A Certified Mortgage Advisor explains how FHA, VA, USDA and conventional lenders count your new student loan payment.

Published on 09/30/2026

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Veterans: Did You Know You Had These Benefits?

Discover VA loan benefits beyond zero down, including no monthly mortgage insurance, flexible credit guidelines, multi-unit properties, assumable loans and more.

Published on 09/28/2026

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Is 7% The New Normal? What I'm Telling Buyers Waiting for 6%

Understand why mortgage rates may stay near 7% and what buyers should consider before waiting for 6%.

Published on 09/21/2026

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Getting Ready to Buy Your First Home? What To Do First in 2026!

Trusted mortgage guidance for 2026 first time buyers covering preapproval, rate strategy, and compliance smart steps to close with confidence.

Published on 09/14/2026

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Is It a Condo or a Townhouse?

Understand the key differences between condos and townhouses and how ownership structure can affect mortgage financing in 2026.

Published on 09/08/2026

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Why Refinance Applications Get Denied in 2026

A refinance loan denial can feel like a dead end when you were counting on lower monthly payments or access to your home's equity. About 7% of refinance applications were recently rejected according to industry data, though the rate spiked to nearly 46% in late 2025 as lenders tightened standards. The reasons behind most denials fall into a handful of categories that you can address before reapplying. This guide walks you through every major factor lenders evaluate, explains what triggers a rejection, and lays out the steps you can take to turn a "no" into an approval. Planted Local Lending helps homeowners across Kansas, Missouri, and Michigan navigate these hurdles every day.

Published on 09/03/2026

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Ignite Buyer Frenzy: Price Your Home Right from Day One

Learn how pricing your home right from day one captures maximum buyer momentum and avoids the stale listing trap.

Published on 08/31/2026

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Why August-to-Winter Is the Ultimate Buyer Negotiation Window

Discover why August through winter may give prepared 2026 homebuyers more inventory, less competition and greater negotiating power on price, repairs and incentives.

Published on 08/24/2026