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.

A man and boy playing soccer in the yard.

The Big Advantage If You Sell This Spring

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 11, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 4.11.2023 Thinking about selling your house? If you’ve been waiting for the right time, it could be now while the supply of homes for sale is so low. HousingWire shares: “. . . the big question is whether we are finally starting to see the seasonal spring increase in inventory. The answer…

A bunch of flowers that are in the grass.

Homebuyer Activity Shows Signs of Warming Up for Spring

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 10, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 4.10.2023 The spring season appears to be warming up in housing as more and more buyers enter the market. And after rising mortgage rates sidelined so many buyers last year, that’s a good sign for sellers. Realtor.com has the latest: “Spring is officially here, and like green shoots emerging from the bleak…

A woman standing in front of a window looking out.

Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in there.

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 6, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 4.6.2023 We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that give you good reason…

A man sitting at a table with his hand on his chin.

Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 5, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 4.5.2023 There have been a lot of shifts in the housing market recently. Mortgage rates rose dramatically last year, impacting many people’s ability to buy a home. And after several years of rapid price appreciation, home prices finally peaked last summer. These changes led to a rise in headlines saying prices would…

A red plant sitting on top of a table.

Two Reasons You Should Sell Your House

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 4, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 4.4.2023 Wondering if you should sell your house this year? As you make your decision, think about what’s motivating you to consider moving. A recent survey from realtor.com asked why homeowners are thinking about selling their houses this year. Here are the top two reasons (see graphic below): Let’s break those reasons…

A calculator sitting on top of a notebook.

How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 3, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 4.3.2023 The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power. The chart below helps…

California Dream For All 

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 31, 2023

There is a new down payment assistance option for first time home buyers in CA through CALHFA Dream for all program. Here is a breakdown on how it works and the income qualifications. Want to see if you qualify for it? schedule a call http://mortgagestrategycall.com/ Not ready to schedule a call – learn more about…

A kitchen with wooden chairs and a round table

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 30, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 3.30.2023 Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale is still a sellers’ market. But what does that really mean? And why are conditions today so good if you want to list your house? It…

A woman is holding the blanket on top of the couch.

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 29, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 3.29.2023 Spring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But with recent shifts in real estate, this year’s spring housing market will be different from the frenzy of the past several years. To sell your house quickly, without hassles, and for the most…

A woman holding up a piece of wood in front of her face.

How Homeownership Is Life-Changing for Many Women

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 28, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 3.28.2023 Throughout Women’s History Month, we reflect on the impact women have in our lives, and that includes the impact on the housing market. In fact, since at least 1981, single women have bought more homes than single men each year, and they make up 17% of all households. Why Is Homeownership…

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!