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.

A hand holding a cube with percentages on it.

The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So High

By Kevin Brierton Team | June 7, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 6.7.2023 Today’s mortgage rates are top-of-mind for many homebuyers right now. As a result, if you’re thinking about buying for the first time or selling your current house to move into a home that better fits your needs, you may be asking yourself these two questions:  Here’s context you need to help…

A view of the sun setting over a neighborhood.

Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term Investment

By Kevin Brierton Team | June 6, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 6.6.2023 With all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in homeownership right now. A recent poll from Gallup shows the answer is yes. In fact, real estate was voted the best long-term investment for the 11th consecutive year,…

Blue dollar bills with a percent sign.

Oops! Home Prices Didn’t Crash After All

By Kevin Brierton Team | June 5, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 6.5.2023 During the fourth quarter of last year, many housing experts predicted home prices were going to crash this year. Here are a few of those forecasts: Jeremy Siegel, Russell E. Palmer Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School of Business: “I expect housing prices fall 10% to 15%, and the…

Two girls on a swing in front of a house.

The True Value of Homeownership

By Kevin Brierton Team | June 1, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 6.1.2023 Buying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. And with June being National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to think about all the benefits homeownership provides.  Of course, there are financial reasons to buy a house,…

A man is handing keys to two people.

Keys to Success for First-Time Homebuyers

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 31, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 5.31.2023 Buying your first home is an exciting decision and a major milestone that has the power to change your life for the better. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s a vision you can bring to life, but, as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares, you’ll have to overcome some factors that…

A white unicorn is walking in the grass.

Today’s Real Estate Market: The ‘Unicorns’ Have Galloped Off

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 30, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 5.30.2023 Comparing real estate metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market. That’s due to possible variability in the market making the comparison less meaningful or accurate. Unpredictable events can have a significant impact on the circumstances and outcomes being compared.  Comparing this year’s numbers to…

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The Benefits of Selling Now, According to Experts

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 25, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 5.25.2023 If you’re trying to decide if now’s the time to sell your house, here’s what you should know. The limited number of homes available right now gives you a big advantage. That’s because there are more buyers out there than there are homes for sale. And, with so few homes on…

A key is in front of a small house.

Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 24, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 5.24.2023 You’re probably feeling the impact of high inflation every day as prices have gone up on groceries, gas, and more. If you’re a renter, you’re likely experiencing it a lot as your rent continues to rise. Between all of those elevated costs and uncertainty about a potential recession, you may be…

A kitchen with a view of the beach

Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This Summer

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 23, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 5.23.2023 For many of us, visiting the same vacation spot every year is a summer tradition that’s fun, relaxing, and restful. If that sounds like you, now’s the time to think about your plans and determine if buying a vacation home this year makes more sense than renting one again. According to…

A woman is holding her tablet and smiling.

Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their Side

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 22, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 5.22.2023 The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today’s market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over the…

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!