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Mortgage Strategy & Homebuyer Education

Practical mortgage guidance for Franklin and Middle Tennessee homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate investors. Learn how pre-approval, mortgage rates, loan structure, and income analysis can affect your financing decisions.

RL Hesson and his wife reviewing numbers on a laptop

What It Costs to Close on a Home in Franklin, TN

October 19, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 19, 2026 The short answer: closing costs in Franklin fall into four groups: what the lender charges, title…

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RL Hesson, mortgage broker at Hesson Loans in Franklin, Tennessee

Mortgage Broker vs Bank: Which Is Better for Your Home Loan?

February 10, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 20, 2026 The short answer: a bank can only offer you its own loans. A mortgage broker places…

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RL Hesson of Hesson Loans seated at a table

Mortgage Pre-Approval vs Pre-Qualification: What Homebuyers Should Know

February 10, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 22, 2026 Pre-Approval and Pre-Qualification Are Not Standardized Terms Mortgage lenders do not always use pre-qualification and pre-approval…

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RL Hesson, Franklin, TN mortgage broker, seated in a leather chair

What Really Affects Mortgage Rates (and What Doesn’t)

February 10, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: August 18, 2026 Why Mortgage Rates Get So Much Attention Mortgage rates affect monthly principal-and-interest payments, buying power and…

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Homebuyer in Franklin, Tennessee comparing mortgage discount points with a higher interest rate

Buying Mortgage Points vs a Higher Rate: How to Compare

February 9, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 19, 2026 The short answer: buy points only if you expect to keep this specific mortgage past the…

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Portrait of RL Hesson, owner of Hesson Loans

Why the Lowest Mortgage Rate Isn’t Always the Best Loan

February 9, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 22, 2026 The lowest mortgage interest rate can be attractive, but the rate alone does not show the…

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RL Hesson and his wife looking over a laptop together

How Long Should You Keep a Mortgage? What to Consider

February 8, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 22, 2026 A 30-year mortgage term describes the scheduled repayment period. It does not mean you must keep…

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RL Hesson and his wife reviewing numbers on a laptop

How Much House Can I Afford? A Practical Homebuyer Guide

February 8, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 22, 2026 Online affordability calculators are useful starting points, but their results depend on assumptions about income, debts,…

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RL Hesson checking his phone by a window

Mortgage Closing Delays: Causes and How to Prevent Them

February 7, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: October 22, 2026 Why Mortgage Closing Delays Often Begin Early A delayed closing rarely results from one dramatic event.…

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RL Hesson, independent mortgage broker in Franklin, TN

DSCR Loans Explained: How Investor Qualification Works

February 7, 2026

Last reviewed and updated: August 18, 2026 Why DSCR Loans Exist and Why Investors Use Them Real estate investors can own strong rental…

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