Saturday Strategy

Mortgage FAQ's, did you knows and much more...

House Hackers! Buy a Multi Family with 5 % Down!

Fannie Mae just made a big announcement that's going to make it easier for families to buy homes. Let's break it down in simple terms.

Here is the announcement from Fannie Mea on Oct 4 2023

Lower Down Payments for Multifamily Homes

Before this update, if you wanted to buy a multifamily home (that's a place with more than one apartment), you had to put down a big down payment – either 15% or 25%, depending on the unit you were buying. But starting in November, things are changing.

The Big Change

Now, if you're buying a multifamily home to live in as your primary home, you can put down just 5% of the cost of the home. That's great news because it means you don't need as much money upfront to become a homeowner.

There Are Some Rules

But hold on, there are some rules you need to follow. First, you have to live in one of the units for at least 12 months. That means it has to be your main place to live. You can't just buy it and then rent it out right away.

Why This Matters

This is a big deal because it helps people own homes and build wealth. Imagine buying a place with multiple units, living in one for a year, and then renting out the others. It's a smart way to invest in your future.

So, if you know someone who dreams of owning a multifamily home, share this news with them. It's a fantastic opportunity to make homeownership more affordable.

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

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.

The Fed Just Raised Rates. Buyers Still Have Leverage.

By Kevin Brierton Team | September 21, 2026

Inside Lending FOR THE WEEK OF September 21, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” — Jack London, American novelist NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Active inventory climbed 5.0% from last year and remains near its highest level since 2019. More homes to choose from,…

Jobs Keep Rates Higher but Buyers Just Got More Leverage — Here’s What’s Behind It

By Kevin Brierton Team | September 8, 2026

Inside Lending FOR THE WEEK OF September 8, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.” — Albert Einstein, Theoretical physicist NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Housing inventory reached 1.15 million homes, the highest level since 2019 and up 4.7% from last year. More choices and softer prices continue…

Remote Work Is Bringing Buyers to Greater Phoenix, and Reshaping Where They Buy Once They’re Here

By Kevin Brierton Team | September 7, 2026

If you can work from anywhere, the question isn’t just “can I afford a home.” It’s “where does my paycheck actually go furthest, and what kind of life am I building.” For a growing number of buyers, the answer keeps landing on Greater Phoenix. I’m seeing this play out two ways right now, and both…

Is Buying ASU Student Housing Better Than Renting?

By Kevin Brierton Team | September 2, 2026

For many Arizona parents, college planning eventually becomes a pretty expensive question: How are we going to pay for four years of tuition, housing and everything else that comes with college? Most families immediately think about 529 plans, savings, student loans or possibly pulling money from retirement accounts. But there may be another strategy worth…

Thinking About Tapping Into Your 401(k) To Buy a Home in Phoenix? Read This First.

By Kevin Brierton Team | September 1, 2026

Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you’ve caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster here in the Valley, especially with affordability as tough as it is. Here’s what you need to remember.…

Buyers Have More Leverage Than They’ve Had in Years — But This Week Could Change That

By Kevin Brierton Team | August 31, 2026

Inside Lending FOR THE WEEK OF August 31, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK  “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier, American author NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Active inventory reached 1.14 million homes, its highest level since 2019, while the median asking price slipped to $420,000. Homes are…

Buyer Leverage Is Back: Inventory Hits Its Highest Level Since 2019

By Kevin Brierton Team | August 24, 2026

Inside Lending FOR THE WEEK OF August 24, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” — Dorothy Parker, American poet, critic, and screenwriter NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Active inventory climbed 3.6% from a year ago and reached its highest level since November 2019, giving buyers more…

Big Investors Are Backing Off Metro Phoenix, and That’s Your Opening

By Kevin Brierton Team | August 21, 2026

Big Investors Are Backing Off Metro Phoenix, and That’s Your Opening For years, a lot of would-be Phoenix homebuyers have worried about the same thing. How do you compete with big investors who can swoop in, pay cash, and snap up the houses you want in Gilbert, Queen Creek, or Surprise? Well, worry a little…

Here’s Why Mortgage Rates Are What They Are Right Now (And What It Means for Greater Phoenix Buyers)

By Kevin Brierton Team | August 19, 2026

If you’re waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy in the Valley, you may be waiting a while. But before you get discouraged, there’s a number working behind the scenes that’s actually good for you right now. It’s called the spread, and once you understand it, you may see today’s rates…

Rates Hit a 4-Week Low as Inventory Reaches Its Highest Point Since 2019

By Kevin Brierton Team | August 17, 2026

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. Active inventory rose 3.2% and approached 1.2 million homes, its highest level since November 2019. Mortgage delinquencies improved slightly during the second quarter.

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!