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 man sitting at a table with a laptop and phone.

Things To Consider If Your House Didn’t Sell

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 2, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.2.2024 If your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. Understandably, you’re probably wondering what may have gone wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next. Did You Limit Access to Your House?…

A woman standing on top of a balcony looking at the sky.

3 Keys To Hitting Your Homeownership Goals in 2024

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 1, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.1.2024 If buying or selling a home is your goal for 2024, it’s important to understand today’s housing market, know your why, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus. Over the last year, the economy had a big impact on the housing market, and likely on your…

A living room with a couch, table and windows.

What You Need To Know About Saving for a Home in 2024

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 28, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.28.2023 If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be. One way to ease those concerns is to make sure you understand some of the costs you may encounter upfront. And to do that, always turn to…

Smiling man in orange shirt playing cards.

Retiring Soon? Why Moving Might Be the Perfect Next Step

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 27, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.27.2023 If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, it’s a good time to consider if your current house is still a good fit for the next chapter in your life. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few things…

A red and blue paper airplane is flying in the air.

Get Ready To Buy a Home by Improving Your Credit Score

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 26, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.26.2023 As the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind. It’s an exciting goal to set, and it’s never too early to start laying the groundwork. One crucial step to prepare for homeownership is building a solid credit score. Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make…

Three people in pajamas are holding cups of coffee.

These Non-Financial Benefits Turn a House into a Happy Home

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 25, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.25.2023 There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of homeownership are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too. Here’s why. The word home truly means something different to everyone. Whether it’s sharing memories with loved ones…

A white picket fence is in front of the house.

Sell Smarter: Why Working with a Real Estate Agent May Beat Going Solo

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 21, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.21.2023 If you’re thinking about selling your house on your own, called “For Sale by Owner†or FSBO, there are some important things to consider. Going this route means taking on a lot of responsibilities by yourself – and that can be a bit of a headache. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found…

A black and white photo of a sign with the symbol for percent.

Why Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Decline

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 20, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.20.2023 When you read about the housing market, you’ll probably come across some information about inflation or recent decisions made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how do those two things impact you and your homebuying plans? Here’s what you need to know. The Federal Funds Rate Hikes Have Stalled One of the Fed’s primary goals…

A woman sitting at a table with her laptop.

Expert Quotes on the 2024 Housing Market Forecast

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 19, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.19.2023 If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market in 2024. In 2023, higher mortgage rates, confusion over home price headlines, and a lack of homes for sale created some challenges for buyers and sellers looking to make a move. But what’s on the horizon…

A woman shaking hands with an older man.

Why Now Is Still a Great Time To Sell Your House

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 18, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.18.2023 If you were worried buyer demand disappeared when mortgage rates went up, the data shows there are plenty of interested buyers still out there. The housing market isn’t as frenzied as it was during the â€˜unicorn’ years when buyer demand was through the roof, mortgage rates were historically low, and home values rose like we’ve never seen before. But…

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!