Duane Buziak’s 6 Refinance Rate Comparison Tools That Actually Show You the Full Cost in 2026

Most refinance rate comparison tools only show a teaser rate, but Duane Buziak — a mortgage broker with access to hundreds of wholesale lenders and over 1,400 five-star reviews — evaluates six tools that reveal the full cost picture: rate, APR, closing costs, break-even timeline, and total interest paid, so you can compare wholesale and retail pricing before committing to any lender.

9 Hidden Mortgage Fees to Avoid — and How to Spot Them Before Closing

Most homebuyers focus on the interest rate while hidden mortgage fees quietly add thousands to their transaction — but many are negotiable or avoidable entirely. This field guide from Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647) walks through nine specific fee categories, explains why lenders charge them, and shows you exactly how to compare loan packages and push back before closing.

7 Mortgage Rate Lock Strategies That Could Save You Thousands at Closing

Rate locks are one of the most consequential decisions in a mortgage transaction, yet most borrowers treat them as an afterthought. This article breaks down seven concrete mortgage rate lock strategies — complete with worked dollar examples and lender comparisons — so you can time, structure, and protect your lock whether you’re purchasing, refinancing, or shopping loan programs across multiple wholesale lenders.

Conventional vs. Government Loans: 7 Decision Strategies That Actually Save You Money

Most homebuyers choose between Conventional Vs Government loans before running the numbers — a mistake that can cost tens of thousands over a 30-year term. Licensed broker Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647) walks through seven concrete decision frameworks — covering credit thresholds, PMI vs. MIP mechanics, down payment math, and a fully worked $350,000 purchase example — so you can compare every loan type you qualify for and let the numbers decide.

Self Employed Mortgage Approval Challenges: What Lenders Actually Look At (and How to Compare Your Options)

Self employed mortgage approval challenges stem from a fundamental gap between how the IRS calculates taxable income and how mortgage underwriters are required to qualify borrowers — a gap that can make $180,000 in real deposits look like $72,000 on paper. This guide maps every lender checkpoint, walks through a fully worked income example, and compares all loan programs available to self-employed borrowers in 2026 so you can shop from a position of knowledge, not guesswork.

How to Lower Your Monthly Mortgage Payment: 7 Proven Steps (2026 Guide by Duane Buziak, NMLS #1110647)

Most homeowners don’t realize their monthly mortgage payment isn’t as fixed as it seems — multiple legitimate strategies exist to reduce it, from quick no-refinance options to full loan restructuring. This 2026 guide by Duane Buziak (NMLS #1110647) walks through seven proven steps to lower your monthly mortgage payment, with real numbers on each approach so you can shop smarter across hundreds of wholesale lenders before committing.