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.
The 10 Best Markets for First-Time Buyers This Spring
For a while, buying your first home hasn’t just felt hard. It may have felt out of reach. Not because you weren’t ready. Not because you weren’t trying. But because every time you ran the numbers, they didn’t work. That’s why so many first-time buyers stepped back. But after years of sitting on the outside looking in, this Spring could…
Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About
You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now? It’s a question a lot of people are asking. With today’s home prices and mortgage rates, renting can feel like the easier path. In some cases, it might even seem like the only realistic option right now. And if that’s where you are,…
April 2026 Mortgage Market Update: Volatility Is Back… But Opportunity Is Too
If you’re waiting for the “perfect time” to make a move in this market, you might be waiting a long time. Because right now, the market isn’t perfect… it’s active. And for a lot of buyers and sellers, that’s actually creating opportunity. In my April 2026 Mortgage Market Update, I break down what’s really happening…
Turning Your Realtor Relationship Into a Long-Term Real Estate Wealth Relationship
Most people think of a Realtor as the person who helps them buy or sell a home. That is true, but I think that view is too small. The right Realtor should be much more than a transaction guide. They should be a long-term real estate advisor. Not in the sense of replacing a CPA…
Getting a Tax Refund? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home
If you’re getting a tax refund this year, here’s something worth thinking about. That money could actually help you get closer to buying a home. It may not be something you’ve factored into your plan yet, but it can give your savings a nice boost right when you need it most. And whether your refund…
Spring Buyers Have More Leverage Than They’ve Had in Years
Inside Lending – Week of April 13, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Success is where preparation and opportunity meet.”—Bobby Unser, American automobile racer NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Housing conditions remain favorable for buyers as inventory continues to exceed last year’s levels and prices trend lower. Even with recent rate volatility, the market is offering more options…
Wondering If You Should Still Buy a Home Right Now? Here’s What To Keep in Mind.
With economic headlines, global events, and near constant talk about affordability, you may be wondering if this is the right time to move. But here’s what you need to remember. While recent events do have some impact on the housing market, they don’t take buying off the table. You just have to use a different…
When Buying a Home Feels Out of Reach, Some Families Do This Instead
For a lot of people, the math on buying a home just doesn’t really work right now. Maybe that’s how it feels for you too. You look at the cost of buying. Then you look at the cost of childcare. And it starts to feel like you have to choose one or the other. But some…
Thinking About an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Here’s What You Need To Know.
If you’ve been looking for a home lately, you’ve probably felt how tough affordability still is. And that’s exactly why more buyers are opting for adjustable-rate mortgages, or ARMs. Here’s what you need to understand about how they work, and whether they make sense for you. What Is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Since a lot of people…
Rates Are Moving… But So Is Opportunity
Inside Lending For the week of April 6, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”—Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of the United States NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Rising inventory and softening prices continue to create more favorable conditions for buyers this spring. While mortgage rates have increased recently, they remain below last…
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!