Sydney Evans, Loan Officer NMLS 2135939

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

05/13/2026

Congrats on the new house! 🎉 Now for the next 30 days please live as boring as possible 😉

05/07/2026

I am so happy for Juan and Yadira! 🥳

Thanks Sara Sneed, Real Estate Agent at Jim Hughes Real Estate for your hard work!!

✨ Congratulations to Juan and Yadira on the closing of their new home! ✨If you see these two at El Porton, make sure to tell them congrats and maybe celebrate with a margarita (or two) 🤩

And of course, always a pleasure to work with Sydney Evans, Loan Officer NMLS 2135939 ! She always makes closings as smooth as possible!

03/19/2026

Once you're under contract on a home, your finances should stay as stable as possible until closing. Here are a few things that can cause problems if they happen before your loan closes:

1️⃣ Opening a new credit card
Even a store card can lower your credit score or change your debt-to-income ratio.

2️⃣ Buying furniture or appliances on credit
That new couch or refrigerator payment could affect your loan approval.

3️⃣ Financing or leasing a vehicle
A new car payment can dramatically change your debt ratios.

4️⃣ Changing jobs
Job changes can delay or even require the loan to be reapproved.

5️⃣ Large deposits into your bank account
Lenders must document where large deposits come from, which can slow things down.

The safest approach during the homebuying process is simple:

👉 Don’t open new credit, don’t take on new debt, and don’t move money around without talking to your lender first.

If you're planning to buy a home this year and want to know what to expect during the loan process, feel free to reach out anytime.

03/17/2026

You don’t need the luck of the Irish to buy a home… but it doesn’t hurt! 🍀

The real secret?
✔️ Good credit
✔️ A solid plan
✔️ The right lender on your side

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! 💰🏡

03/10/2026

💳 Your credit score isn’t random… here’s what actually affects it:

Most people think checking their credit or paying off a loan will hurt their score. That’s usually not true.

Your credit score mainly comes down to 5 things:

1. Payment History (35%)
Did you pay your bills on time?

2. Credit Card Balances (30%)
How much of your credit limits are you using?
👉 Example:
$5,000 balance on a $10,000 limit = 50% utilization (this can drop your score).

3. Length of Credit History (15%)
Older accounts help your score.

4. Credit Mix (10%)
Credit cards, auto loans, mortgages, etc.

5. New Credit (10%)
Opening several accounts at once can temporarily lower scores.

✅ Quick tip - Keeping credit card balances below 30% of the limit can make a big difference in your score.

Credit scores can change month to month, which is why understanding how they work is so important.

If you ever have questions about your credit while preparing to buy a home, I’m always happy to help.