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.

How a Reverse Mortgage Became a Wealth Transfer Tool

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 1, 2026

Most people hear “reverse mortgage” and think last resort. That’s incomplete. In the right situation, a reverse mortgage can become a tool to preserve other assets, create flexibility, and improve what eventually gets passed on to family. I recently reviewed a past client scenario that showed exactly that. A couple in their 80s had a…

This’ll Change What You Think About Investors in Today’s Housing Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 31, 2026

There’s a lot of noise out there right now about investors in the housing market. Some headlines make it sound like big Wall Street firms are buying up everything in sight. And if you’re trying to purchase a home yourself, that can make it feel like the odds are stacked against you. But when you…

The Housing Market Is Shifting Again—But Not How You Think

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 30, 2026

Inside Lending – Week of March 30, 2026 nside Lending – Week of March 30, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.”—Henry David Thoreau, Essayist, poet, and philosopher NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Inventory gains and declining home prices continue to create more favorable conditions…

The Best Week To List Your House Is Just Around the Corner

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 27, 2026

While the Spring season consistently offers up some of the best conditions for home sellers, Realtor.com says there’s one window where the stars really seem to align year after year. And it’s coming up fast. Based on their analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18. And here’s why this window stands…

You Can’t Control What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates. But You Can Control This.

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 26, 2026

Mortgage rates have been volatile lately. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, that can make it harder to plan. But there are still things you can do to get the best rate possible in today’s market. It starts with having the right information. So, what’s causing the bumps in rates? And what can…

The Remodel You’ve Been Dreaming About May Be Closer Than You Think

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 25, 2026

That kitchen you’ve been mentally redesigning… The bathroom that really needs a refresh… Or the outdoor space you keep saying you’ll get to someday… What if you already have what you need to finally make it happen? Because a growing number of homeowners are realizing just that. Homeowners are expected to spend over $522 billion on home…

The 3-Sided Balance Sheet: Why Advisors, Realtors, and Lenders Must Collaborate

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 24, 2026

Most people look at a home purchase like a one-person decision. Find the house, get the loan, close the deal. But that is too small of a view. A real estate decision affects far more than the address someone lives at. It impacts cash flow, liquidity, future borrowing power, retirement planning, tax strategy, and how…

Buyers Are Gaining Leverage Again—Right Before Spring

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 23, 2026

Inside Lending For the week of March 23, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot, but make it hot by striking.”—William Butler Yeats, Irish poet, writer, and literary critic NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Housing conditions continue to improve structurally, with inventory rising and listing prices declining year over year. These…

Affordability Has Improved in All 50 States

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 19, 2026

For the past few years, affordability has been what’s stopped a lot of buyers in their tracks. Maybe it stopped you, too. At some point you probably did the math, looked at the monthly payment, and decided to pause your search and wait for things to get better. But here’s something you may have missed while you’ve…

3 Must-Do’s for First-Time Home Buyers

By Kevin Brierton Team | March 18, 2026

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wrecking because it’s something you’ve never done before. And trying to think of everything you need to do can feel like a lot. But here’s the key. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t have to do it…

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!