Buying or refinancing a home can become intimidating, confusing, or even exhausting. It’s never simple, nor is it intended to be. Any form of home financing is a major commitment for a long period of time, and for many of us, our homes are the most expensive things we’ll ever own – our largest investments and our greatest debt.

That doesn’t mean, however, that we can’t make the process less daunting or simplify your preparation for securing a home loan, whether you pursue an FHA-backed loan or something more traditional. At Loanry, and across the Goalry.com family, we’re available 24/7 with information about different sorts of loans and mortgages, online tools to compare your options, or convenient forms to connect you to a variety of lenders. Everything we do is available to you wherever you happen to be and whenever you choose.

Perhaps you feel uncomfortable about your credit history, or you don’t know as much about how mortgages work as you think everyone else seems to. There’s never any reason to be embarrassed about taking control of your financial world or asking questions, but it’s sometimes less daunting when it’s so easy to initiate on your own time and from wherever you’re most comfortable. Compare loan options on your laptop over breakfast or read up common terminology associated with your mortgage on your cell phone while waiting at the airport. Seek investment advice while your significant other runs into the store for milk or apply for a better credit card after everyone else is asleep.

This is the 21st century, and whatever its challenges, there’s no reason to make personal or small business finance more complicated than they need to be. Life is hard enough. Let’s make money talk a bit easier.

Buying a home is a huge commitment, no matter what method you use. Even refinancing is a pretty big undertaking. Both come with some risks, but few things are as rewarding as owning your own home – especially on the day you make that final payment and it’s truly 100% yours.

You want to make the best decisions you can when you’re choosing a new (or new-to-you) home. Some we can dismiss immediately, while many others have features we find appealing. None are entirely as perfect as we might have imagined. Somewhere along the way, however, is one that makes more sense than the rest. The trick is knowing when we’ve found it, despite our enthusiasm for X, our concerns about Y, or the challenges of Z.

Choosing the right financing is the same way. Some options can be ruled out immediately, while others require more careful consideration. We may not find something that meets every wish we have, but with a little time, effort, and good fortune, we could very well end up with several options from which to choose – each with its own pros and cons. It’s important not to get “bogged down” in the process. Do your research and weigh your decision, but once you’ve done all you can do, don’t be afraid to move forward. Trust your gut and recognize that whatever you choose, what’s most important is what you do with it.

Your options when buying a home are largely shaped by your credit past. Your official credit score and detailed credit history impact what interest rates or other terms are available to you. Once you’ve secured a loan, however, whether it’s FHA-backed or something more conventional, every payment you make (or don’t) shapes your credit future. It takes time to raise your credit score and build a positive credit history, but it doesn’t always take as long as you think. And it starts right now – the moment you recognize this and begin.

A stronger credit history and better credit score mean more options and lower rates in the future. That means more disposable income and more opportunity. In short, money may not buy happiness, but credit worthiness matters more than we tend to realize when it comes to acquiring and doing the things that make us happy, with and for the people who matter most to us. It’s doable, for you, whatever your current situation. And we can help.