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.

Women smiling at a doorstep with plant.

The 3 Housing Market Questions Coming Up at Every Gathering This Season

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 3, 2025

Whether it’s at a family gathering, your company party, or catching up with friends over the holidays, the housing market always finds its way into the conversation. Here are the top three questions on a lot of people’s minds this season, and straightforward answers to help you feel more confident about the market. 1. “Will…

Single-story house with manicured front lawn.

How To Find the Best Deal Possible on a Home Right Now

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 2, 2025

Want to know how to find the best deal possible in today’s housing market? Here’s the secret. Focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while. Because when a listing lingers, sellers tend to get more realistic – and, more willing to negotiate. And that’s where the savviest buyers are finding homes other…

Inside Lending: Affordability improves fifth month.

Affordability Improves for the Fifth Straight Month

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 1, 2025

Inside Lending – Week of December 1, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “If you want a guarantee, buy a toaster.”—Clint Eastwood, American actor and film director NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE The National Association of Realtors reported the October Pending Home Sales index of signed contracts on existing homes rose almost 2% for the month, indicating a…

Father baking with two children in kitchen.

Why So Many People Are Thankful They Bought a Home This Year

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 30, 2025

Homebuyers are weighing their options right now, and they certainly have a lot on their minds. With everything going on in the job market, the economy, and more – there’s a lot to think about these days. And maybe that’s making you wonder if it really makes sense to buy a home right now. But here’s what…

Pink piggy bank on orange background.

Why Buying a Home Still Pays Off in the Long Run

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 27, 2025

Renting can feel much less expensive and much simpler than buying a home, especially right now. No repairs, no property taxes, no worrying about mortgage rates – you just pay the bill and move on with your life. But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough: renting doesn’t help you build your financial future. Meanwhile, homeowners grow…

Home equity safety evaluation presentation slide.

How To Evaluate the Safety of Your Home Equity

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 25, 2025

A Certified Liability Advisor Breakdown When most homeowners think about “safety,” they think alarms, locks, and insurance. But as a Certified Liability Advisor, safety also means something deeper: How protected is the wealth you’ve built inside your home? The equity sitting in your house is real money… but it’s not always as safe as people…

Inside Lending market update, November 24, 2025.

Inventory Up, Prices Steady—A More Balanced Market Emerging

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 24, 2025

Inside Lending – Week of November 24, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Never fight an inanimate object.”—P. J. O’Rourke, American author and journalist NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Sales of existing homes scored a modest gain in October, reaching an eight-month high. Buyers are seeing more options—inventory is up almost 11% the past year—while the median price…

Modern living room with beige furniture.

4 Reasons Your House Is High on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 23, 2025

When the holidays roll around, travel plans, family gatherings, and all the chaos of the season may make you think it’s better to pull your listing off the market or to wait until 2026 to sell your house. But here’s the thing. Waiting could mean missing out on a great window of opportunity. Because while other…

Hillside with rows of colorful houses.

The Housing Market Is Turning a Corner Going into 2026

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 21, 2025

After several years of high mortgage rates and hesitation from buyers, momentum is quietly building beneath the surface of the housing market. Sellers are reappearing. Buyers are re-engaging. And for the first time in what feels like forever, there’s movement happening again. No, it’s not a surge. But it is a shift – and it’s one that…

Person in office overlooking cityscape through windows.

Most Experts Are Not Worried About a Recession

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 20, 2025

Homebuyers are watching the economy closely, and for good reason. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases most people ever make. And some recession talk in the media has made a lot of would-be buyers second guess their plans. In the latest LendingTree survey, almost 2 in 3 Americans said they think a recession is coming.…

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!