Sydney Evans, Loan Officer NMLS 2135939

10/27/2026

I get it — you’re excited to furnish your dream home or open a 0% interest card that seems too good to be true. But nothing makes a loan officer jump out of their skin quite like a credit refresh showing a shiny new car or a brand-new living room set financed just days before closing!

Opening new credit lines or adding more debt on your credit card before your loan is officially closed can drastically change your debt-to-income ratio and put your final loan approval in jeopardy.

10/25/2026

Good news - you got a new job that better fits you or your family!
Potentially scary news - you're also in the middle of buying a home.

Switching jobs during the loan process doesn’t automatically derail your home loan, but how you get paid makes all the difference. Shifts like moving from W2 to 1099, switching from salary to commission, taking a cut in hours, accepting a lower base pay, or having an employment gap can directly impact the income we can use to qualify you.

Before you hand in your notice, change roles, cut back your hours, or switch pay structures — contact your loan officer first!

Sometimes the move is completely fine. Sometimes we just need a few extra pieces of documentation. And sometimes, that quick phone call is all that stands between you and a very spooky plot twist.

10/06/2026

The bank statement detail that slows down more files than low credit does = large deposits without a paper trail. Here's why lenders ask — and how to make it a non-issue. 🧾

Here's the scene: everything's moving along, and then a question comes back about a $3,000 deposit from two months ago. You barely remember it. Now it's holding up your file.

Why do lenders care? Because they need to verify that the money in your account is actually yours — not a loan you'll have to repay that isn't documented anywhere, or money from someone related to the transaction. It's not suspicion. It's just the rulebook.

Common red flags include cash deposits, side-income without records, vehicle sales, or family gifts missing formal documentation.

How to avoid delays:
➡️ Keep bills of sale for items you sell.
➡️ Secure signed gift letters upfront.
➡️ Save receipts and transaction screenshots for any non-payroll deposits.

If you are planning to buy in the next 3–6 months, track unusual deposits now. Your future file will thank you.

09/25/2026

At the end of the day, a mortgage rate is just a math problem. But this? This is the actual life you're building. It's the Sunday morning coffee on the back patio, the scraped knees in the driveway, and finally having enough kitchen counter space to cook Thanksgiving dinner without bumping elbows.

The numbers matter, of course, and we’ll figure those out together. But let's keep our eyes on what we're really working toward.

09/16/2026

Same list price. One's in a higher property tax area. One has HOA dues. One needs different insurance. Suddenly there's a real gap between the payments.

This is why "what can I afford?" isn't a listing-price question — it's a full-payment question. And it's why smart buyers compare properties by the monthly number, not the Zillow number.

This is also why I'll ask for a specific address of any property you're interested in so we can get closer to the full picture.

08/28/2026

Another closing day in the books! 🏡🔑

So excited for this mother & son duo! 🤍

Many years ago, she was my Girl Scout leader, and today I had the privilege of helping her and her son become first-time homeowners together!

It was such a pleasure helping them through the process and getting them to the closing table.

Congratulations to you both — I hope you make so many great memories in your new home! 🏡

Also, BIG thank you to Sydney Evan’s @ MJ Mortgage, always a breeze to work with! 🙌🏼

08/24/2026

What actually happens in the 2 days after you send over your paperwork? Most people don't talk about this part, so here’s the real story. 📋

You hit send, and then... silence. It's totally normal to assume your file is either buried on a desk or something went wrong.

Neither is true. Here’s what’s actually happening behind the scenes:

First, we check every single page, signature, and bank statement to make sure nothing is missing. (This is why we need full documents and all pages - missing page 4 of 4 is a top reason why things get delayed!)

Next, we package up your income, credit, and assets so the underwriter can read it easily. A clean, well-organized file speeds everything up because it answers their questions before they even have to ask.

Finally, we start verifying everything—your job, your savings, and all the little details that make it official.

So when I reach out two days later saying "things look good" or "just need a quick clarification on one deposit," that isn't a delay. That's the engine working behind the scenes to make your file as strong as possible.

08/14/2026

Big news! 🎉

My website is officially live! Whether you want to explore loan options, learn a bit more about how I work, or apply online in just a few minutes, everything you need is now in one easy spot. Visit at the link below or in my bio.

https://ow.ly/aXUi50ZyhwH

Thanks to Hetzel Creative for the help in this project!

Sydney Evans is a mortgage loan officer in Glenwood, Iowa specializing in conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA home loans and refinancing for buyers and homeowners across Southwest Iowa.

07/22/2026

It's true that FHA loans require owner occupancy, but do you know WHY? https://www.fha.com/fha_article?id=4278

06/23/2026

This is your reminder that the Homestead Tax Credit forms are due by July 1st!

When you buy a home in Iowa, you can apply for this homestead credit. This is a reduction of the taxable value of your property. You only need to apply once, and the tax credit will continue as long as you remain eligible by owning and occupying the property as your primary residence. Are you eligible?

🏡 Must own and occupy the property as a homestead on July 1 of each year
🏡 Must declare residency in Iowa for income tax purposes
🏡 Must occupy the property for at lease six months each year

*Persons in the military or nursing home who do not occupy the home are also eligible. Check with your county assessor's office for more information.

[TL/DR] THIS COULD SAVE YOU MONEY!!

Find the form here: https://ow.ly/CXo950W4TWS

Mills County - See if you're eligible for any other property tax exemptions here: https://ow.ly/mTfR50W4TWV See less