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.

Piggy bank wearing black-rimmed glasses.

Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 14, 2025

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.…

Couple touring modern kitchen with realtor guidance.

Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 13, 2025

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…

Organized walk-in closet with clothes and shoes.

Home Projects That Boost Value

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 12, 2025

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…

Aerial view of suburban houses and street.

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 8, 2025

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.…

Two women having a business meeting discussion.

Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 7, 2025

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…

Dollar bill folded into house shape.

Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 6, 2025

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…

Man smiling while working on laptop.

The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 5, 2025

May 5th, 2025  Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock. But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth. Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When…

Roof with chimney against blue sky.

What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 1, 2025

What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market Thursday May 1st, 2025  For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Rates, Economy Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and…

Illustration contrasting two different housing markets.

A Tale of Two Housing Markets

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 30, 2025

A Tale of Two Housing Markets Wednesday April 30th, 2025  For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more…

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign - Kevin brierton

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 29, 2025

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign Tuesday April 29th, 2025  Foreclosures, Economy When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to…

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!