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.

Man promoting DSCR loans for investors.

How DSCR Loans Are Helping Investors Buy More Properties Without Tax Returns

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 18, 2025

By Kevin Brierton NMLS 599873 | Your No Excuse Lender | BM | CMPS | CLA If you’re an investor or thinking about becoming one, you’ve probably heard the term DSCR loan floating around. It’s one of the most powerful loan programs available today — especially if you want to expand your real estate portfolio…

Notepad with "Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

Should I Pay Off My Mortgage?

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 17, 2025

It’s one of the most common questions I hear:“Should I pay off my mortgage early?” On the surface, it sounds simple — who wouldn’t want to live debt-free? But as a Certified Liability Advisor, I’ve learned that the better question is:“Will paying off my mortgage make me wealthier… or just make me feel safer?” Let’s…

Welcoming guests into a bright living room.

The $280 Shift in Affordability Every Homebuyer Should Know

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 16, 2025

If you paused your plans to move because of high rates or prices, it may finally be time to take a second look at your numbers. Affordability is improving in 39 of the top 50 markets, according to First American. And that’s the 5th straight month where buying a home has started to get a little bit easier. Let’s break this down…

Key with house-shaped keychain in door.

2026 Housing Market Outlook

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 15, 2025

After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to move – and that could open the door for you to do the same. More Homes Will Sell With all of the affordability challenges at…

Modern open-concept living room and kitchen.

Why More Buyers Are Turning to New Construction This Year

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 14, 2025

There’s a trend taking hold in real estate right now: more buyers are choosing newly built homes. And it’s not just about getting the latest technology or modern floorplans. It’s because they may be able to get a better deal. Builders are offering serious incentives today, and people are jumping on them. In fact, new home sales just…

Mortgage rates hit 1-year low headline.

Mortgage Rates Hit a 1-Year Low – Here’s What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 13, 2025

Your No Excuse Lender – Clear Communication, Great Follow-Up & On-Time Closings = No Excuses | Top 1% in US | Husband | Father | CLA | CMPS | Luminate Bank | NMLS 599873 NMLS 1281698 | Member FDIC October 13, 2025 Inside Lending For the week of OCTOBER 13, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Money…

Two women working on laptop and tablet.

Don’t Let Unrealistic Pricing Cost You Your Move

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 9, 2025

These days, you’re going to want to get your price right when you get ready to sell your house. Honestly, it’s more important than ever. Why? While you may want to list high just to see what happens, that’s a plan that can easily backfire, and it’s going to cost you in today’s market. And the risk…

Aerial view of peaceful suburban neighborhood.

Why Home Prices Aren’t Actually Flat

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 8, 2025

If you’ve been following real estate news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. And at first glance, that sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing. The reality isn’t quite that straightforward. In most places, prices aren’t flat at all. What the Data Really Shows While we’ve definitely seen prices moderate from the rapid…

Percentage symbol dice scattered on blue background.

Why Experts Say Mortgage Rates Should Ease Over the Next Year

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 7, 2025

You want mortgage rates to fall – and they’ve started to. But is it going to last? And how low will they go? Experts say there’s room for rates to come down even more over the next year. And one of the leading indicators to watch is the 10-year treasury yield. Here’s why. The Link…

Inside Lending report, October 6, 2025.

Home Sales Strengthen as the Market Finds Its Balance

By Kevin Brierton Team | October 6, 2025

Inside Lending For the week of OCTOBER 6, 2025 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, it’s just possible you haven’t grasped the situation.”—Jean Kerr, American author and playwright NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE The Pending Home Sales measure of signed contracts on existing homes ended the summer…

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!