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.
Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You
Renting can feel like the easier choice right now. There’s no big down payment. No dealing with surprise repairs. And no long-term commitment. But then your rent goes up again. And again. And suddenly the thing that seemed flexible starts looking… expensive, especially considering you’re not building any equity. And once that happens, it’s easy to…
How Your Equity Could Help Younger Generations Buy a Home
Monday February 23rd, 2026For Sellers,Senior Market,Equity For a lot of parents or grandparents, watching a family member struggle to buy their first home right now is hard. That’s because you saw firsthand how homeownership gave your life more stability and helped grow your net worth – and you want your loved ones to have those…
Inventory Is Rising. Prices Are Adjusting. Leverage Is Shifting
Inside Lending For the week of February 23, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”—Thomas Edison, American inventor NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE While Existing home sales cooled in January amid challenging weather conditions, affordability continues to improve, positioning the market for steadier activity this spring as…
The Price You Set Can Make (or Break) Your Sale
There’s one decision you’re going to make when you sell that determines whether your house sells quickly, or it sits. Whether buyers make an offer, or scroll past it. Whether you walk away with the maximum return, or you end up cutting the price later. And that’s your asking price. The #1 Mistake Sellers Make Today:…
10 Conversation Triggers That Signal a Reverse Mortgage Might Help
Every day we talk with homeowners, families, Realtors, and financial pros about money decisions. One tool that gets overlooked is the reverse mortgage. It is not a fit for everyone, but for many homeowners 62+ it can solve real problems by improving cash flow, reducing monthly obligations, or creating a safety net. The key is…
Becoming Your Own Bank: How One Couple Reengineered Their Liabilities
Most homeowners think the only way to manage a mortgage is to make payments and slowly pay it down. One couple learned there was another option: restructure how their debt worked so it supported their long-term plan instead of fighting against it. They didn’t want more debt. They wanted better control of their money. The…
The Real Reason Home Sales Slowed in January. And It’s Not What You Think.
If you saw headlines that talked about how “home sales fell sharply in January,” it probably raised an eyebrow – especially if you’re thinking about selling your house. But context matters. Yes, in January, home sales declined. But that has more to do with seasonality and the weather than it does with any big drop off…
More Listings. Steady Buyers. Spring Is Quietly Taking Shape.
Inside Lending For the week of February 17, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.”—Lily Tomlin, American actress and comedian NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Inventory continues to trend higher. Weekly Housing Trends report shows active listings remain above last year’s levels, giving buyers…
Move-Up Buyers Are Choosing New Construction
At some point, a house that once felt perfect just… doesn’t anymore. Maybe you need more space. Maybe working from home turned your dining room into a permanent office. Maybe the layout just doesn’t match how you live now. If your current house is starting to feel like it’s holding you back instead of supporting…
Four Ways Your Home Equity Can Work for You
You may have heard homeowners today have a lot of equity built up. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down. Because your equity isn’t just a number, it’s a powerful asset that can help you take your next big step in life. How Much Equity Does the Typical Homeowner Have? Here’s how…
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!