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?

A group of people sitting around a living room.

Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 10, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.10.2024 If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional path, there are some key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Here’s…

A kitchen with white cabinets and blue chairs

Ways Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goals

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 9, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.9.2024 If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about – and that’s home equity. If you’re not familiar with that term, Freddie Mac defines it like this: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth…

A yellow calculator sitting on top of a table.

What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing Power

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 8, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.8.2024 If you want to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below): This recent trend is…

A blue and white poster with houses in the background.

2023 Housing Market in Review: Looking Back on a Rough Year for Buyers

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 5, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.5.2024 Things are finally turning around for the better as far as housing is concerned – and it looks like they might actually stay that way this time! Mortgage rates have continued to drop over the last couple of weeks, and we are now in the ninth consecutive week of improvement. The…

A white model house sitting on top of a table.

Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 4, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.4.2024 If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you don’t want to skip. So, before you start picturing yourself in your new living room or dining on your future all-season patio, be sure you’re working with a trusted lender to prioritize this essential step.…

A house with a driveway and lawn in front of it.

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 3, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.3.2024 If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage…

A man sitting at a table with a laptop and phone.

Things To Consider If Your House Didn’t Sell

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 2, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.2.2024 If your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. Understandably, you’re probably wondering what may have gone wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next. Did You Limit Access to Your House?…

A woman standing on top of a balcony looking at the sky.

3 Keys To Hitting Your Homeownership Goals in 2024

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 1, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.1.2024 If buying or selling a home is your goal for 2024, it’s important to understand today’s housing market, know your why, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus. Over the last year, the economy had a big impact on the housing market, and likely on your…

A living room with a couch, table and windows.

What You Need To Know About Saving for a Home in 2024

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 28, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.28.2023 If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. One way to ease those concerns is to make sure you understand some of the costs you may encounter upfront. And to do that, always turn to…

Smiling man in orange shirt playing cards.

Retiring Soon? Why Moving Might Be the Perfect Next Step

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 27, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.27.2023 If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, it’s a good time to consider if your current house is still a good fit for the next chapter in your life. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few things…

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!