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.

Inside Lending cover, buyer demand increases.

Buyer Demand Surges as Affordability Improves

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 27, 2025

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.…

Woman drinking coffee in a cozy kitchen.

The Reason Homes Feel Like They Cost So Much (It’s Not What You Think)

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 24, 2025

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…

Inside Lending: Homebuilder Confidence Rises, Affordability Improves

📉 Homebuilder Confidence Rises as Affordability Improves

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 23, 2025

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…

Person painting wall in bright room.

Planning To Sell in 2026? Start the Prep Now

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 22, 2025

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…

Aerial view of suburban neighborhood with trees.

Is the Housing Market Going To Crash? Here’s What Experts Say

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 20, 2025

If you’ve seen headlines or social posts calling for a housing crash, it’s easy to wonder if home values are about to take a hit. But here’s the simple truth. The data doesn’t point to a crash. It points to slow, continued growth. And sure, it’s going to vary by local area. Some markets will see prices rise…

The Rule of 72 Explained presentation cover.

Rule of 72: The Fastest Way to Measure the Power of Time and Interest

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 19, 2025

By Kevin Brierton | Your No Excuse Lender | Branch Manager NMLS 599873 | CMPS | CLA Have you ever wondered how long it takes for your money to double?The answer might be simpler—and more powerful—than you think. In the Borrow Smart and Certified Liability Advisor programs, we teach that money is always moving. It’s…

Man promoting DSCR loans for investors.

How DSCR Loans Are Helping Investors Buy More Properties Without Tax Returns

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 18, 2025

By Kevin Brierton NMLS 599873 | Your No Excuse Lender | BM | CMPS | CLA If you’re an investor or thinking about becoming one, you’ve probably heard the term DSCR loan floating around. It’s one of the most powerful loan programs available today — especially if you want to expand your real estate portfolio…

Notepad with "Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 17, 2025

It’s one of the most common questions I hear:“Should I pay off my mortgage early?” On the surface, it sounds simple — who wouldn’t want to live debt-free? But as a Certified Liability Advisor, I’ve learned that the better question is:“Will paying off my mortgage make me wealthier… or just make me feel safer?” Let’s…

Welcoming guests into a bright living room.

The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 16, 2025

If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that’s the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier. Let’s break this down…

Key with house-shaped keychain in door.

2026 Housing Market Outlook

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 15, 2025

After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to move – and that could open the door for you to do the same. More Homes Will Sell With all of the affordability challenges at…

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!