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.
Rates Down, Inventory Up—Buyers Regain Leverage
Inside Lending – Week of November 3, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Most of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get their work done.”—Peter Drucker, Austrian American management consultant NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE September’s Pending Home Sales index of signed contracts on existing homes was unchanged for the month, and…
🏡 The Emotional Home vs. The Financial House
Most people buy a home with their hearts—but it’s the house that impacts their financial future.Borrow Smart University teaches that understanding the difference between these two perspectives is one of the first steps to becoming a truly informed homeowner. The Emotional Home Your home is where you live your life. It’s where your family grows,…
Thought the Market Passed You By? Think Again.
If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone – and you’re definitely not out of options. In fact, now might be the ideal time to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is…
Why You Don’t Need To Be Afraid of Today’s Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates have been the monster under the bed for a while. Every time they tick up, people flinch and say, “Maybe I’ll wait.” But here’s the twist. Waiting for that perfect 5-point-something rate could end up haunting your wallet later. The Magic Number According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “. . . a 30-year fixed rate mortgage…
The 7 Financial Concepts Every Homeowner Should Master
When it comes to building wealth through real estate, most homeowners focus on their interest rate — but that’s only one small piece of the financial puzzle. The most successful homeowners think like investors. They understand the seven core financial concepts that turn a mortgage from a simple loan into a wealth-building tool. 1. Safety…
Why Some Homes Sell Quickly – and Others Don’t Sell at All
A few years ago, inventory hit a record low. Just about anything sold – and fast. But now, there are far more homes on the market. Listings are up almost 20% from this time last year. And in some areas, supply is even back to levels we last saw in 2017–2019. For sellers, that means one thing:…
Buyer Demand Surges as Affordability Improves
Inside Lending – Week of October 27, 2025 “Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?”—George Carlin, American stand-up comedian, actor, and author NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Existing Home Sales grew 1.5% in September as the median price declined and affordability improved.…
The Reason Homes Feel Like They Cost So Much (It’s Not What You Think)
By Kevin Brierton MLO NMLS 599873 | Your No Excuse Lender Scroll through your feed and you’ll see plenty of finger-pointing about why homes cost so much. And according to a national survey, a lot of people believe big investors are to blame. Even though data shows that’s not true, nearly half of Americans surveyed…
📉 Homebuilder Confidence Rises as Affordability Improves
Inside Lending for the week of OCTOBER 20, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Sometimes you lie in bed at night and you don’t have a single thing to worry about. That always worries me!”—Charlie Brown, Peanuts character created by Charles M. Schultz NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Housing Starts and Building Permits were off in September, as builders…
Planning To Sell in 2026? Start the Prep Now
You’ve got big plans for 2026. But what you do this year could be the difference between a smooth sale and a stressful one. If you’re thinking of selling next spring (the busiest season in real estate), the smartest move you can make is to start prepping now. As Realtor.com says: “If you’re aiming to sell in 2026, now…
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!