Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | November 1, 2026

The practical answer: A VA lender does not judge affordability from debt-to-income ratio alone. VA underwriting also measures residual income - the money left after debts, taxes, housing costs and other …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 31, 2026

The practical takeaway: the national rental vacancy rate rose to 7.6% in the third quarter of 2026, but that does not mean Hampton Roads suddenly has abundant rentals or falling rents. …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 30, 2026

The practical answer: a lender's title insurance policy protects the mortgage lender, not the buyer's equity. An owner's policy is separate coverage for the buyer's ownership interest. Before a Virginia closing, …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 27, 2026

The short answer: buying a Virginia Beach home that is advertised or currently operated as a short-term rental does not automatically guarantee that the buyer can continue the use after closing. …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 26, 2026

The short answer: "as is" usually signals that a Virginia seller does not plan to repair or improve the property before closing. It does not automatically erase the buyer's right to …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 25, 2026

The practical answer: a general home inspection, a termite or wood-destroying insect report, and a moisture-focused crawlspace evaluation answer different questions. Hampton Roads buyers should confirm the scope of each service …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 24, 2026

Qualified Hampton Roads buyers may have more than …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 23, 2026

The short answer: Freddie Mac's national average 30-year fixed …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 22, 2026

The short answer: September's housing reports are not contradictory. Existing-home sales count transactions that finished, while pending sales count newly signed contracts that have not closed. Nationally, completed sales rose 1.5% …

Published by The Morton Group with AtCoastal Realty | Todd Morton, REALTOR and Owner | October 21, 2026

The practical takeaway: September's decline in national single-family permits and starts suggests builders are becoming more cautious, but it does not mean new homes have disappeared from Hampton Roads. As of …