Spouses Who Finance Houses

Spouses Who Finance Houses Todd & Maria Leibold are the Spouses Who Finance Houses. www.SpousesHomeLoans.com
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Mortgage professionals with a combined 45+ years of lending expertise, we’re happy to help you buy or refi your primary, vacation or rental home.

09/17/2026

FHA Loans: How They Work
FHA loans are often a lifeline for buyers who need a little extra flexibility—especially when savings or credit aren’t quite where you want them to be. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we’ve spent decades guiding families through options like these, so let’s break down how they work in real life. With a credit score of 580 or above, you could qualify for as little as a 3.5% down payment; scores between 500 and 579 usually mean a 10% down. FHA loans are designed for primary residences (not second homes or investments), and the borrowing limits depend on your location and property type. Your monthly payment will include not just principal and interest, but also mortgage insurance, taxes, homeowners insurance, and escrow—so it’s important to consider both the upfront savings and the full monthly picture. For many families, FHA financing opens doors to homeownership when other routes might not, but those with stronger credit may want to weigh conventional loans or future refinancing. Our approach has always been about family helping families, so if you’re wondering which path fits your situation, we’re here to walk you through every step.

09/16/2026

United States: How USDA Loans Work
As a family-focused mortgage team, we know how important it is for buyers to find options that truly work for their needs—and USDA loans can be a great fit for many. These government-backed mortgages are designed to help qualified buyers purchase homes in eligible rural and suburban areas across the US, often with no down payment required. That flexibility can make a world of difference for families with steady income but limited upfront savings.

When you apply for a USDA loan, you’ll work with private lenders who review your income, credit, and debts. The government backs about 90% of the loan, which helps you finance the full price of an eligible home. There are a few different options: guaranteed loans issued by lenders, direct loans from the government, and even separate repair assistance. Your eligibility depends on the property’s location, your household income, residency status, finances, and whether you’ll live in the home as your primary residence.

While there’s no down payment, you’ll still need to budget for closing costs, taxes, insurance, and the program’s guarantee fees. Vacation and investment properties aren’t eligible—this program is really about helping folks put down roots in smaller communities and suburbs. Before you get started, make sure the home is in an eligible area, check the income guidelines, and compare lenders for the best fit. With the right guidance, USDA loans can open the door to homeownership for families who might otherwise be priced out.

09/15/2026

How to Choose a Mortgage Lender (2026)
With so many options out there, choosing the right mortgage lender can feel overwhelming—especially when a home is more than just a transaction; it’s the foundation for your family’s future. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we’ve spent over 45 years guiding families through this process, so here’s what truly matters: compare loan types and fees carefully, pay close attention to how each lender communicates, and make sure they’re known for reliable closings. Be sure to understand every mortgage option available to you, confirm who will be servicing your loan, and don’t hesitate to get prequalified. Always ask detailed questions and lay out those written offers side by side before making your decision. A trustworthy lending partner will prioritize your peace of mind every step of the way—just as we do for our clients and realtor partners alike.

09/14/2026

US Mortgage Rates Stay Near 7%
Mortgage rates are still hovering around 7% for a 30-year fixed loan, while 15-year rates are near 6%. As a husband-and-wife team with decades in mortgage lending, we know how much these numbers weigh on families considering a move. Even with experts forecasting only a slight dip—possibly seeing 30-year rates in the mid-6% range by late 2026—waiting for a dramatic drop may not be the answer, especially with the 10-year Treasury still above 4.5% and policy rates holding steady.

Here's what we've seen work for our clients: instead of sitting on the sidelines, focus on what you can control. Try out different payment scenarios in your budget, and consider options like condos or homes that need a little TLC. Sometimes a 15-year loan or using a rate buydown can make monthly payments manageable—and with the right guidance, these strategies can bring you closer to home. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we believe that navigating these choices with honesty and care helps families move forward with confidence, even when rates are less than ideal.

Assessments Enhancing Community Value for HomeownersHomeownership offers so much—stability, a place to build memories, a...
09/13/2026

Assessments Enhancing Community Value for Homeowners
Homeownership offers so much—stability, a place to build memories, and a sense of belonging. But lately, we’re seeing rising costs add new layers to that dream, especially for families in managed communities. Did you know HOA fees have jumped 50.5% since 2020? That’s outpacing inflation, with special assessments now averaging $1,100 in 2025. As a team that’s spent decades guiding families through the mortgage process, we see firsthand how aging infrastructure and rising insurance rates are making a real impact on budgets—affecting over 75 million Americans. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we believe that understanding these shifts helps families plan ahead and feel confident in every decision. We’re always here to walk with you through the numbers, so you can focus on what matters most: making your house truly feel like home.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/todd-leibold-1/1928167-Assessments-Enhancing-Community-Value-for-Homeowners

Mortgage Rates Sink to an 11-Month Low—Will Fed Cuts Push Them Even Lower?As rates take a dip, we’re seeing 30-year mort...
09/12/2026

Mortgage Rates Sink to an 11-Month Low—Will Fed Cuts Push Them Even Lower?
As rates take a dip, we’re seeing 30-year mortgage rates fall to 6.48%—the lowest they’ve been since October 2024. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we know how much a shift like this can mean to families looking for stability and a place to call home. Mortgage rates are shaped by so many moving parts: inflation, demand, supply, and those ever-watched bond yields. The important thing we’ve learned in over 45 years of helping families is this: the right time to act is when you’re ready, not just when the headlines look good. Waiting for rates to drop further can sometimes mean missing the home—or the opportunity—that’s just right for your family. No matter where you are in your journey, we’re here to guide you with clear communication and care, every step of the way.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/todd-leibold-1/1934077-Mortgage-Rates-Sink-to-an-11-Month-Low%E2%80%94Will-Fed-Cuts-Push-Th

Compare current 15-year mortgage rates to save thousands in interestWhen it comes to choosing a mortgage, a 15-year fixe...
09/11/2026

Compare current 15-year mortgage rates to save thousands in interest
When it comes to choosing a mortgage, a 15-year fixed option can be a smart path for families ready to take on a higher monthly payment in exchange for lower interest rates—and significant savings over time. As a couple who’s guided countless families through the nuances of home financing, we’ve seen firsthand how a shorter loan term helps build equity faster while keeping budgeting predictable. If you’re considering this route, it’s important to compare lenders to ensure you’re getting the most value for your investment. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we believe in making sure every family has the information they need to make confident, informed decisions at every step.
https://www.housing-trends.com/agent-news/todd-leibold-1/1898362-Compare-current-15-year-mortgage-rates-to-save-thousands-in-

09/10/2026

US FHA or Conventional Loan Guide
Sorting through FHA vs. conventional loans can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to match the right loan to your family's needs. Over our 45 years in mortgage lending, we've seen how FHA loans can be a lifeline for buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments, but it’s important to know that every FHA loan includes mortgage insurance—and if your down payment is under 10%, those premiums can last for the life of your loan.

Conventional loans, meanwhile, generally call for stronger credit but offer more flexibility: you can use them for a primary home, a second home, or even an investment property. With down payments as low as about 3% and the option to remove PMI down the road, they’re popular for a reason.

As of early Q3 2026, we’ve seen average 30-year rates in the high-6% range for conventional, and a bit lower for FHA—but remember, FHA’s upfront and annual insurance costs can add up over time. Loan limits are another key difference: conventional loans go up to $832,800 in most areas, while FHA caps are $541,300, and FHA generally requires you to live in the home as your primary residence, with slightly stricter standards.

Our best advice? Ask your lender for a detailed, side-by-side comparison: look at rate, cash to close, monthly payment, insurance costs, taxes, and what each option looks like over the next 5–7 years. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we’re here to help you sort out the details so you can make the best choice for your family’s future.

09/09/2026

US Paths To Buying Without Cash
Navigating the journey to homeownership can feel overwhelming, especially when you see the US median home price at $403.2K. For many families, coming up with a typical 3%–5% down payment—about $12K to $20K—can seem like a huge hurdle. Over the years, we’ve helped countless buyers discover creative paths that don’t require a big upfront cash commitment. Options like rural housing loans and veterans housing loans can eliminate the down payment entirely for those who qualify—veterans, service members, spouses, or buyers in eligible rural areas. We also see many first-time buyers benefit from homebuyer assistance programs that help with down payments or closing fees (sometimes with repayment requirements and income limits to keep in mind). For families who aren’t ready for traditional lending, rent-to-own agreements or owner financing can make the dream of homeownership possible by creating flexible payment paths—though it’s important to factor in possible higher costs or special terms. With the right guidance and a clear understanding of your options, the road to owning your own home can be smoother and more achievable than you might think. As a team who believes in family helping families, we’re here to help you explore every option and move forward with confidence.

09/08/2026

Protecting Your Home Inheritance and Mortgage Rights
In our years guiding families through the mortgage process, we’ve seen how inheriting a home can be both a blessing and a challenge. A new report highlights a concern we’ve helped clients navigate: some mortgage servicers may pressure heirs to refinance inherited homes—despite the law allowing you to assume that mortgage. This can mean unnecessary delays, repeated document requests, and even the risk of higher payments or foreclosure. It’s important to know your rights as an heir and, if needed, seek out legal guidance to make sure you aren’t pushed into a decision that’s not right for your family. At Spouses Who Finance Houses, we believe in supporting families through every step—especially when it matters most.

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26001 Seastone Drive
Englewood, FL
34223

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