Chris Ferguson, Senior Loan Officer NMLS #1433920

08/19/2026

🔑 The First 5 Steps to Buying Your First Home

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but it gets a whole lot easier when you know what comes first.

Here’s where I recommend starting:

1️⃣ Take a look at your finances
Review your income, monthly expenses, savings, and credit so you have a good picture of where you stand.

2️⃣ Talk with a mortgage professional
Before you start touring homes, let’s go over your financing options and determine what may fit your situation.

3️⃣ Get pre-approved
A pre-approval helps you understand your potential buying power and gives you a stronger starting point when you’re ready to make an offer.

4️⃣ Connect with a real estate agent
A knowledgeable agent can help you narrow down your search, schedule showings, and guide you through the offer process.

5️⃣ Start shopping with a plan
Now comes the fun part! With your budget and financing in place, you can focus on homes that make sense for you.

🏡 Your first home doesn’t have to start with endless scrolling. It can start with a simple conversation.

Have questions about getting started? Reach out and I’ll help you understand your options and your next step.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/17/2026

🏡 You’ve probably heard of a 2-1 buydown... but how does it actually work?

A 2-1 temporary buydown can make the first couple of years of homeownership a little easier on the monthly budget.

Here’s the basic idea:

🔹 Year 1: Payments are calculated at a rate 2% below the note rate
🔹 Year 2: Payments are calculated at a rate 1% below the note rate
🔹 Year 3 and beyond: Payments return to the full note rate

In the right situation, a seller contribution may be used to fund the buydown, giving buyers temporary payment relief without permanently changing the terms of the loan.

And if rates improve down the road? Refinancing may be worth exploring at that time.

A 2-1 buydown isn’t right for every buyer or every loan, but it can be a useful option to understand when negotiating a home purchase.

Have questions about whether it could work for you? Send me a message and let’s run the numbers. 🏠

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/14/2026

08/12/2026

The mortgage process can feel like a lot when you don’t know what comes next, but having a clear roadmap can make the whole experience feel much more manageable. 🏡

From application and pre-approval to underwriting, clear to close, and finally getting the keys, each step has a purpose and helps move you closer to homeownership.

Questions about where to start or what to expect along the way? I’m here to help make the financing side easier to understand.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/10/2026

🏡 How Much Money Do You Actually Need to Buy a House?

Probably less than you think.

A lot of buyers assume they need a huge pile of cash before they can even start looking, but the amount you’ll actually need depends on your loan program, purchase price, closing costs, and available assistance.

Your upfront costs may include:
🔑 Down payment
📋 Closing costs
🏠 Inspection and appraisal
💵 Earnest money

And no, 20% down isn’t always required. Some loan programs offer much lower down payment options, and certain buyers may even qualify for down payment assistance.

The best first step? Find out what the numbers look like for you before assuming homeownership is out of reach.

📲 Reach out and let’s run the numbers.
Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

08/03/2026

🚫 Three Things NOT to Do Before Closing

You’re almost at the finish line, but a few financial moves could delay or even derail your home loan.

Before closing, avoid:

1️⃣ Opening new credit accounts
That new furniture card or auto loan can affect your credit score and debt-to-income ratio.

2️⃣ Making large purchases
Hold off on appliances, furniture and other major expenses until after you have the keys.

3️⃣ Changing jobs or moving money around
Employment and bank activity may be verified again before closing, so talk with your lender before making changes.

The safest rule? Keep your finances as steady as possible and check with your loan officer before making any major decisions.

Questions about what is safe before closing? Send me a message. I’m here to help you reach the finish line without any last-minute surprises. 🏡

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

07/29/2026

How much house can you afford in today’s market? 🏡

The answer involves more than just the home’s price. Your income, monthly debts, credit, down payment, interest rate, property taxes, and insurance all help determine what fits comfortably within your budget.

Getting pre-approved can give you a clearer picture of your buying power before you begin touring homes.

Ready to run the numbers? Reach out, and I’ll help you understand your options and build a budget that makes sense for you.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com

07/27/2026

Is now a good time to buy in Kansas City? The answer depends less on trying to perfectly time the market and more on your personal goals, budget, and financing options.

Inventory, interest rates, and opportunities are always changing. The right strategy can help you understand what is possible and decide whether buying now makes sense for you.

Let’s talk through your options and build a plan that fits your goals.

Chris Ferguson, Sr Mortgage Officer
Crown Mortgage
M: 816-786-6570
[email protected]
3637 Main St., KCMO 64111
www.crownkc.com