Saturday Strategy

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

Mortgage Credit Certificate - Arizona

I'm here to share a valuable tip with you about Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). If you're a first time home homebuyer, especially with moderate income, this could be a game-changer.

Understanding MCC: MCC is a program designed to assist low to moderate-income homebuyers in reducing their tax burden through an IRS tax credit. It's a tool we recently used to help two families, and it's something more people should know about.

The Cool Factor: What's truly fascinating is that many lenders are unaware of this fantastic benefit – you can use the MCC tax credit as part of your income. In some cases, it can even be applied to lower mortgage insurance costs, further reducing your monthly payments. The best part? This benefit is for the entire life of your loan.

Qualification and Application: To be eligible, you must be buying a home for your primary residence and meet specific income and purchase price limits. If you think you or someone you know might qualify for this program, especially first-time homebuyers, don't hesitate to reach out. The MCC opportunity is ongoing, and once you secure it, you can use it for the entire duration of your mortgage as long as you qualify each year.

Why It Matters: With the growing affordability challenge in the housing market, finding additional income through programs like MCC is crucial. This tax credit can be worth up to $2,000 annually, making a significant impact on your qualification.

Conclusion: Thank you for tuning in. If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share it with them. Whether it's to ease the path to homeownership or just to enjoy that extra $2,000 every year, MCC is worth exploring.

For more info go to https://cictucson.org/mcc/

This is available in states outside of Arizona and we can help with that too! just give us a call at 480.553.8770 

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.

Volatility, Oil Prices, and the Fed: Navigating the March 2026 Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 16, 2026

Inside Lending For the week of March 16, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “The secret to longevity is ice cream.”—Paul Marcus, American centenarian NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Buyer-friendly conditions continue to develop as home prices trend lower and inventory gradually improves. While economic uncertainty persists, affordability dynamics are slowly becoming more supportive heading into the spring shopping…

The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 15, 2026

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market. And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot…

One Key Sign We’re Not Headed for a Wave of Foreclosures

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 13, 2026

Foreclosures are ticking up. And that may make your mind jump straight to thoughts of 2008 – specifically to what happened to the market during the housing crash. So, let’s do exactly what your brain already wants to do, and see if there’s any connection there. The simple truth is foreclosure filings are rising. But they’re nowhere near crisis levels.…

The Power of a Well-Structured Mortgage in Today’s Economy

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 12, 2026

Most people look at a mortgage as a necessary evil. It is that big, looming debt you have to pay every month until it finally disappears in thirty years. We are often taught that the goal is to pay it off as fast as possible to find “freedom.” But in this economy, that traditional way…

If Your House Isn’t Getting Offers, Read This.

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 11, 2026

Online searches for “can’t sell house” just hit an all-time high according to Google Trends. So, if your house has been sitting on the market without any bites, you’re not the only one. But it’s also not the end of the road.  Homes are selling every day, so you can turn this around. You just need…

Should You Wait for Lower Rates?

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 10, 2026

Mortgage rates have already dropped into the upper 5s twice this year. But after just a few days, they ticked back up into the low 6% range. If you saw that and thought, “Great. I missed it,” you’re not the only one. A lot of buyers are treating the 5s like some kind of magic number. As…

Spring Housing Momentum May Be Starting to Build

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 9, 2026

Inside Lending – Week of March 9, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau, American philosopher NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Housing data is beginning to hint at a potential spring rebound. Home values rose in February for the first time…

The Seller Credit Playbook: 7 Ways to Win

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 8, 2026

Why it works: Sellers care about their net walk-away price. If you offer $400k with a $10k credit, they net $390k. They usually don’t care how that $10k is spent—but for you, it’s life-changing. 1. The Rate Buy-Down (Permanent) Use the credit to pay “points” to lower your interest rate for the entire life of…

WHEN A BIGGER MORTGAGE CREATES BIGGER WEALTH

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 6, 2026

Most people think the goal is simple: put more down, take the smallest mortgage possible, and pay it off fast. Sometimes that works. But sometimes that plan quietly makes you “house rich, cash poor” with your money trapped in the walls. And if your cash is trapped, you lose options. Options are a big part…

Spring Sellers Have an Edge. Here’s Why.

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 5, 2026

Homeowners looking to sell usually want three things: plenty of interested buyers, strong offers, and a short timeline. Spring is the season that most often delivers all three. So, if a move has been on your mind this year, this is the window where momentum tends to work in your favor. Here’s what makes this…

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!