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.
Why Pre-Approval Should Be Your First Step – Not an Afterthought
Finding the right home feels exciting – but being pre-approved for your loan is what makes it possible. Whether you’re planning to buy soon or still just thinking about it, getting pre-approved is one of the best moves you can make. Here’s why. 1. What Is Pre-Approval, Really? Pre-approval is much more than a guess. It means…
More Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2026. Here’s How To Get Ready.
Momentum is quietly building in the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home in the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%. That 2% increase might not sound like a big jump, but in a…
Not Sure If You’re Ready To Buy a Home? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions.
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot. But…
Understanding EPR™: The Hidden Cost of Your Mortgage
When most people think about the cost of a mortgage, they focus on one thing: the interest rate.But the interest rate only tells part of the story. There’s another number almost no one talks about, and it can quietly cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. It’s called EPR™, or Effective Percentage Rate.…
Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market
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 Too Quickly
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…
Your House Didn’t Sell. What Now?
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…
Housing Market Momentum Builds Heading Into 2026
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…
How To Stretch Your Options, Not Your Budget
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…
Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home?
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…
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!