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.
📈 Buyers Keep Coming: Purchase Apps Up 18% From Last Year 🏡
Buyers Keep Coming – Inside Lending Week of 5.19.25 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.”—John Wooden, American basketball coach and player NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE The Mortgage Bankers Association reports homebuyers came out in strength for the second week in a row, pushing purchase mortgage…
Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025
🏡 Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025 As we enter the latter half of 2025, the housing market presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. Understanding the current trends can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions. 📉 Mortgage Rates: A Gradual Decline Mortgage rates have been a significant factor in the…
📌 FHA Loan FAQ: Do I Need a Manual Downgrade for a Decline in Self-Employment Income?
Question:My client has W-2 income and some side self-employment income that declined by more than 20% this year. We’re not using that income to qualify — do I still need to downgrade to a manual underwrite? Answer:No — as long as the self-employment income is not used to qualify the borrower, a manual downgrade is…
Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?
Thursday May 15th, 2025 For Sellers, Mortgage Rates, Selling Tips If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?” But when you ask that question, you may be…
Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership
Wednesday May 14th, 2025 For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Buying Tips Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you’re wondering: Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase.…
Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now
Tuesday May 13th, 2025 For Buyers, Buying Tips Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive. What Are Concessions and Incentives? When a seller or builder…
Home Projects That Boost Value
Monday May 12th, 2025 For Sellers, Equity, Selling Tips Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains: “. . . not every home renovation…
Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year
Thursday May 8th, 2025 Mortgage Rates, Forecasts From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move. There is one place you can turn to for answers you want the most. And that’s the experts.…
Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others
Wednesday May 7th, 2025 For Sellers, Selling Tips As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says: “. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange…
Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t
Tuesday May 6th, 2025 Home Prices, Economy With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make…
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!