DeAndrea Pickens

NMLS # 222541

205-983-5626

Dpickens@SMGmortgage.com

DeAndrea Pickens Mortgage Advisor

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What is the Difference Between FHA loans and Conventional Mortgages?

What is the Difference Between FHA loans and Conventional Mortgages?

If you are just getting started in the home buying process, you have probably come across several different types of mortgage loans as you have researched your options. Two of the most common home loan types are conventional and FHA mortgages. What are th

Jul 11, 2018 | FHA Loans Government Loans Conventional Loans Purchasing a Home

Happy Independence Day 2018!

Happy Independence Day 2018!

We wish you a Happy Independence Day and hope that your day is filled with great food, fun, friends, family and fireworks. Let us all remember the founding of our great nation and the freedoms we enjoy and all those that have sacrificed so much for u

Jul 03, 2018 |

What is the Difference Between Pre-approval and Pre-qualification?

What is the Difference Between Pre-approval and Pre-qualification?

When it comes to mortgages, there are two similar sounding terms that often confuse potential homebuyers: pre-qualification and pre-approval. While they are alike in some ways, their purposes are different. If you are looking to get a mortgage,

Jun 27, 2018 | First-time Homebuyers Purchasing a Home

4 Things Every Borrower Needs to Know About Mortgage Brokers

4 Things Every Borrower Needs to Know About Mortgage Brokers

Buying a home in Alabama, whether for the first time or the last, is an exciting event. Yet before you even take a look at a single home for sale, it is a smart idea to have your mortgage financing lined up. While it is possible to get a home loan directl

Jun 20, 2018 | mortgage brokers

Should I Rent or Buy?

Should I Rent or Buy?

While homeownership has long been the American dream, buying a home is not necessarily the best choice for every person or every situation. There are many factors to consider in determining if a home purchase is the right decision for you right now. Can

Jun 14, 2018 | Purchasing a Home

4 Reasons You Don’t Want to Pay PMI

4 Reasons You Don’t Want to Pay PMI

Years ago, a 20% down payment was a requirement for obtaining a mortgage loan. Putting that much money down made it less likely that borrowers would simply default on their home loans and gave lenders a measure of security and collateral in the case of fo

Jun 07, 2018 | First-time Homebuyers