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 woman standing in front of a window holding a camera.

Should You Rent Your House or Sell It?

By Kevin Brierton Team | February 1, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 2.1.2023 If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years. According to a Harris Poll survey, 28%…

A person standing in front of a window with their arms outstretched.

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 31, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 1.31.2023 As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling. Now, however, rates are beginning to come down—and buyers are starting to reenter the market.…

A chalkboard with three houses and a question mark.

Where Will You Go If You Sell? You Have Options.

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 30, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 1.30.2023 There are plenty of good reasons you might be ready to move. No matter your motivations, before you list your current house, you need to consider where you’ll go next. In today’s market, it makes sense to explore all your options. That includes both homes that have been lived in before as well…

A woman holding onto boxes while moving.

Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 26, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 1.26.2023 Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year.…

A woman looking at her phone in front of a window.

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 25, 2023

kevin Brierton – 1.25.2023 If you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There’s no doubt, the stories in the media can be pretty confusing right now. They may even make you think twice about buying a home for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, the data shows…

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The 3 Factors That Affect Home Affordability

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 24, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 1.24.2023 If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to experts, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, shares: “. . . with slowly improving affordability and…

A house made of money with keys and a key hole.

Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 23, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 1.23.2023 Last year, the housing market slowed down in response to higher mortgage rates, and that had an impact on home prices. If you’re considering selling your house soon, you’ll want to adjust your expectations accordingly. As realtor.com explains: “. . . some of the more prominent pandemic trends have changed, so sellers might wish…

Two people sitting at a table looking at an ipad.

Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To Know

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 19, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 1.19.2023 One of the first steps in your home-buying journey is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to understand what pre-approval is and what it does for you. Business Insider explains: “In a preapproval [sic], the lender tells you which types of loans you may be eligible to take out, how much you…

A house with some graphs and lines on it

These 3 Tips Can Improve Your Credit Score by up to 30% 

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 18, 2023

Source: Momentifi THESE 3 TIPS CAN IMPROVE YOUR CREDIT SCORE BY UP TO 30% Your balance-to-limit ratio looks at the balance you owe vs. your available credit lines. This has a 30% impact on your score. Keeping your credit balances below 50% of your available limit is very important. Keeping your balances below 30% of your available…

A pie chart showing the factors that impact your credit score.

FIVE THINGS THAT IMPACT YOUR CREDIT SCORES

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 18, 2023

HOW ARE CREDIT SCORES CALCULATED? Your credit scores usually determine the price you pay for your money (mortgages, auto loans, auto leases, credit cards, business loans, etc.). Perhaps the most significant part of your credit report is your credit score. Credit scores range from 350 to 850, with 850 being the best possible credit score,…

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!