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.
The New “Location, Location, Location”: Borrow Smart, Repay Smart™
For decades, real estate success was defined by one phrase — location, location, location.But today, the smartest homeowners and advisors know the game has changed.The new mantra is Borrow Smart, Repay Smart™. True financial success isn’t about where you buy — it’s about how you borrow, manage, and repay. The old “location” used to refer…
The VA Home Loan Advantage: What Every Veteran Should Know Right Now
If you’ve served in the military (or if your spouse has), you have access to one of the most powerful homebuying tools out there. The chance to buy a home without having a down payment. Unfortunately, 70% of Veterans (that’s 7 out of every 10) don’t know about this benefit, according to Veterans United. And that’s a big…
Affordability Is Improving—And Buyers Are Taking Notice
Inside Lending – Week of November 10, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice.”—Saul Bellow, Canadian-American writer NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist noted that in the current market, on a median-priced home, a homebuyer could “save thousands annually compared to earlier this year,…
What a Government Shutdown Really Means for the Housing Market
There’s been a lot of talk lately about how a government shutdown impacts the housing market. You might be wondering: Is it causing everything to grind to a halt? The short answer? No. The housing market doesn’t stop. It keeps moving. Homes are still being bought and sold, contracts are still being signed, and closings are still…
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:…
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!