Saturday Strategy
Mortgage FAQ's, did you knows and much more...
Beware of Homeowner "Final Notice" Letters... Read the fine print
I recently received a call from a past client who received a letter similar to this one. Unfortunately, I was unable to prevent them from paying for a home warranty they didn't need.
I want to caution you about letters that arrive in the mail and use scare tactics to prompt action. These third-party entities may attempt to sell you unnecessary life insurance, home warranties, or even charge you for a copy of your deed of trust. In this week's Saturday Strategy video, I will share an example of a mailer I recently received.
It is crucial to carefully read the fine print and remember that you can always send us a photo of the mailer to obtain our opinion before taking any action.
P.S. Can I count on you to call us when any friends, family or coworkers are looking to buy, sell or refinance a home? We'd love to help! You can just text/call me at 480.553.8770.
* Did you know we can finance in 45 states?
Trump’s $200B MBS Announcement – What It Really Means for Rates
Read Time: ~3 Minutes Here’s a quick breakdown of the recent announcement around a potential $200B purchase of mortgage-backed securities through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and how to talk about it with clients. The headline: Yes, the administration announced plans to support lower mortgage rates by buying MBS. The reality behind it: Fannie Mae…
Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability Improving in 2026
Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news?…
The True Cost of Paying Cash for a Home
Paying cash for a home sounds smart. No mortgage. No interest. No monthly payment. For many buyers, it feels safe and simple. But what most homeowners and first-time buyers don’t realize is this: paying cash has hidden costs that don’t show up on the closing statement. What Happens When You Pay Cash When you pay…
Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First.
If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options: In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here’s what you need to know. More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again Over the past year, the number of homes for sale has been climbing. And this…
Housing Market Enters 2026 With Improving Balance and Opportunity
Inside Lending For the week of JANUARY 5, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “’Expert: a person who makes three correct guesses consecutively.”—Laurence J. Peter, Canadian educator and “hierachiologist” NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE The Pending Home Sales index of signed contracts on existing homes shot up more than 3% in November and is up almost 3% annually. That’s…
Why Pre-Approval Should Be Your First Step – Not an Afterthought
Finding the right home feels exciting – but being pre-approved for your loan is what makes it possible. Whether you’re planning to buy soon or still just thinking about it, getting pre-approved is one of the best moves you can make. Here’s why. 1. What Is Pre-Approval, Really? Pre-approval is much more than a guess. It means…
More Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2026. Here’s How To Get Ready.
Momentum is quietly building in the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home in the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%. That 2% increase might not sound like a big jump, but in a…
Not Sure If You’re Ready To Buy a Home? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions.
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot. But…
Understanding EPR™: The Hidden Cost of Your Mortgage
When most people think about the cost of a mortgage, they focus on one thing: the interest rate.But the interest rate only tells part of the story. There’s another number almost no one talks about, and it can quietly cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. It’s called EPR™, or Effective Percentage Rate.…
Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market
If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while. After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a…
P.S. Can I count on you to contact me if you hear that a friend, family or coworker is looking to buy, sell or refinance? Call/Text 480.553.8770 - We'd be honored to help them too!