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.

Three people sitting at a table with a laptop

If Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet, It May Be Overpriced

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 14, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.14.2023 Has your house been sitting on the market for a while without selling? If so, you should know that’s pretty unusual, especially right now. That’s because the supply of homes available for sale is still far lower than what we’d see in a normal year. That means buyers have fewer options than they usually would, so…

A bird 's eye view of houses and trees in the evening.

The Surprising Trend in the Number of Homes Coming onto the Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 13, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.13.2023 If you’re thinking about moving, it’s important to know what’s happening in the housing market. Here’s an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you’re buying or selling, the number of homes in your area is something you should pay attention to. In the housing market, there are regular patterns that happen every…

A small house sitting on top of stacks of coins.

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave the Way to Homeownership

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 12, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.12.2023 If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need to put down as much as you think:…

A family sitting on the floor in their new home

The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 11, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.11.2023 There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still fewer homes available for sale than the norm. These are two of the biggest hurdles buyers are facing today. But there are ways to overcome these things and…

A man and woman in business attire holding papers.

Why You Should Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 7, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.7.2023 If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone. When it comes to buying a…

A green door is in front of the house.

How To Turn Homeownership into a Side Hustle

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 6, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.6.2023 Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach? According to Bankrate, many people are seeking additional income through side hustles, possibly to cope with those increasing expenses and save for a home. This trend is particularly popular with younger individuals…

A couple of people standing in a room.

When You Sell Your House, Where Do You Plan To Go?

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 5, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.5.2023 If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard the supply of homes for sale is still low, and that means your house should stand out to buyers who are craving more options. But you may also be wondering, once you sell, how does the current supply impact your own move? And,…

A hand holding keys with the words no cost refinancing now, build equity and big in 2 0 2 1.

Why The No-Cost Refinance Makes Sense – Buy Now, Build Equity, and Save Big in 2024

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 5, 2023

Owning a home is a crucial part of finding financial freedom, but deciding when to make the move into homeownership is never an easy decision. That decision is especially hard today with home prices and mortgage rates at record highs. Buying a home now would likely come with a housing payment that is significantly higher…

A wooden easel with money and some houses

Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years

By Kevin Brierton Team | December 4, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 12.4.2023 Even with so much data showing home prices are rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae shows that 23% of consumers think prices will fall over the next 12 months. That’s nearly…

A house with a lawn and patio furniture.

Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers?

By Kevin Brierton Team | November 30, 2023

Kevin Brierton – 11.30.2023 Everyone has their idea of the American Dream, and it’s different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims the #1 spot for many Americans today (see graph below):…

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!