Saturday Strategy

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

New Build Financing Insights

In the current market, some new build lenders offer substantial credits to lower interest rates. While this may seem appealing, it's crucial to evaluate the long-term implications. We recently reviewed a client's loan estimate with nearly $40,000 in credits to reduce interest rates, but the home's price was only $380,000. Essentially, they were paying almost 10% more for the house upfront. Yikes! Check out this weeks ​Saturday Strategy Video

Check this out... the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) exists to reflect the true interest rate. In some cases, it can be deceptively high, around 11 to 13%+, due to excessive upfront costs.

Don't rush into decisions. The lowest rate with the wrong strategy can cost you thousands.

House roof with wooden beams and sky.

Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 1, 2026

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while. After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a…

The Hidden Wealth Trap: Paying Off Debt

The Hidden Wealth Trap: Paying Off Debt Too Quickly

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 31, 2025

Paying off debt feels responsible. For many homeowners, it feels like the ultimate financial win. No payments. No interest. No stress. But here’s the part most people never see. Paying off debt too quickly can quietly limit long-term wealth. This is what we call the hidden wealth trap. Why faster isn’t always better When extra…

White house model on blue background.

Your House Didn’t Sell. What Now?

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 30, 2025

When your house doesn’t sell, it does more than disrupt your plans, it hits close to home. You prepared for the next chapter. You told people you were moving. You pictured where you’d go next. And then nothing happened. It’s normal to feel frustrated, confused, or even a little embarrassed. But here’s the part you…

Lending newsletter cover with housing market headline.

Housing Market Momentum Builds Heading Into 2026

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 29, 2025

Inside Lending – Week of December 22, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Let’s have some new cliches.”—Samuel Goldwyn, Polish-born American film producer and pioneer in the American film industry NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Existing Home Sales gained in November, hitting a nine-month high. The median price is just 1.2% higher than year ago, as affordability improves—wage…

Open-concept kitchen and living room space.

How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 28, 2025

One of the biggest homebuying advantages you can give yourself today is surprisingly simple: a flexible wish list. Think of it like this. Your wish list and your budget are the guardrails of your search. And when your budget needs to hold firm, there’s another lever you can pull. That’s seeing if you truly need all of your…

Person holding keys with house keychain.

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 27, 2025

You may not want to put your homebuying plans into hibernation mode this winter. While a lot of people assume spring is the ideal time to buy a house, new data shows January may actually be the best time of year for budget-conscious buyers.  Kind of surprising, right? Here’s why January deserves a serious look. 1. Prices Tend…

People walking in a modern office hallway.

Is Buyer Demand Picking Back Up? What Sellers Should Know.

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 26, 2025

The housing market hasn’t felt this energized in a long time – and the numbers backing that up are hard to ignore. Mortgage rates have eased almost a full percentage point this year, and that shift is starting to wake up buyers. Home loan applications have risen. Activity has picked up. And sellers who step in early…

Happy family sitting together on a couch.

Turning a House Into a Home: The Benefits You Can Actually Feel

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 25, 2025

There’s a lot of conversation about home prices, mortgage rates, and affordability right now – and those things are important. But if you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s worth remembering something the headlines rarely talk about: people don’t buy homes just for financial reasons. They buy them for their lives. Because while homeownership can absolutely be a smart long-term financial…

Newspaper headline: "The Sky Is Falling!

Headlines Have You Worried about Your Home’s Value? Read This.

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 23, 2025

Hearing talk about home prices falling? That may leave you worried about whether your house is losing value. But here’s what you need to know. While some local markets have seen small price dips this year, home prices are not falling nationally. So, don’t let the headlines scare you. The vast majority of the country is actually seeing prices rise.…

Inside Lending newsletter cover with portrait.

Housing Affordability Improves as Buyers Look Ahead to 2026

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 22, 2025

Inside Lending – Week of December 22, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Let’s have some new cliches.”—Samuel Goldwyn, Polish-born American film producer and pioneer in the American film industry NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Existing Home Sales gained in November, hitting a nine-month high. The median price is just 1.2% higher than year ago, as affordability improves—wage…

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!