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.
10 Conversation Triggers That Signal a Reverse Mortgage Might Help
Every day we talk with homeowners, families, Realtors, and financial pros about money decisions. One tool that gets overlooked is the reverse mortgage. It is not a fit for everyone, but for many homeowners 62+ it can solve real problems by improving cash flow, reducing monthly obligations, or creating a safety net. The key is…
Becoming Your Own Bank: How One Couple Reengineered Their Liabilities
Most homeowners think the only way to manage a mortgage is to make payments and slowly pay it down. One couple learned there was another option: restructure how their debt worked so it supported their long-term plan instead of fighting against it. They didn’t want more debt. They wanted better control of their money. The…
The Real Reason Home Sales Slowed in January. And It’s Not What You Think.
If you saw headlines that talked about how “home sales fell sharply in January,” it probably raised an eyebrow – especially if you’re thinking about selling your house. But context matters. Yes, in January, home sales declined. But that has more to do with seasonality and the weather than it does with any big drop off…
More Listings. Steady Buyers. Spring Is Quietly Taking Shape.
Inside Lending For the week of February 17, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.”—Lily Tomlin, American actress and comedian NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Inventory continues to trend higher. Weekly Housing Trends report shows active listings remain above last year’s levels, giving buyers…
Move-Up Buyers Are Choosing New Construction
At some point, a house that once felt perfect just… doesn’t anymore. Maybe you need more space. Maybe working from home turned your dining room into a permanent office. Maybe the layout just doesn’t match how you live now. If your current house is starting to feel like it’s holding you back instead of supporting…
Four Ways Your Home Equity Can Work for You
You may have heard homeowners today have a lot of equity built up. But what does that really mean? Let’s break it down. Because your equity isn’t just a number, it’s a powerful asset that can help you take your next big step in life. How Much Equity Does the Typical Homeowner Have? Here’s how…
Reverse Mortgage Helped a Couple Stay in Their Home for Life
For many retirees, the home is their biggest asset. But when income drops and expenses rise, that same home can feel like a burden instead of a blessing. That was the situation for one retired couple in their 80s. They owned their home outright. No mortgage. But their monthly income was limited to Social Security,…
Inventory Is Making a Comeback in 2026
After a long stretch where buyers were competing for too few homes, inventory has made a comeback over the past year. And depending on where you live, that’s opening up your options in a meaningful way. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes available for sale in January was the highest it’s been since 2020. Here’s why that’s such…
Why Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers
Buying your first home can feel frustrating when the numbers don’t line up the way you expected. You may know you’re ready but finding something that fits your life and your budget is the hard part. That’s where townhomes come in. Townhomes are becoming a bigger part of today’s housing supply, and that shift is opening doors for first-time…
Early-Year Momentum Is Quietly Building in the Housing Market
Inside Lending – Week of February 9, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I didn’t fail the test. I just found 100 ways to do it wrong.”—Benjamin Franklin, American statesman and inventor NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE Housing inventory continues to improve. Weekly Housing Trends report shows active listings remain well above year-ago levels, giving buyers more options…
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!