Saturday Strategy
Mortgage FAQ's, did you knows and much more...
3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House in 2024
Kevin Brierton – 1.22.2024 If one of the goals on your list is selling your house and making a move this year, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement about what’s ahead and feeling a little sentimental about your current home. A great way to balance those emotions and make sure you’re confident in your decision is to keep…
3 Key Factors Affecting Home Affordability
Kevin Brierton – 1.18.2024 Over the past year, a lot of people have been talking about housing affordability and how tight it’s gotten. But just recently, there’s been a little bit of relief on that front. Mortgage rates have gone down since their most recent peak in October. But there’s more to being able to afford a home than…
2 Reasons Why Today’s Mortgage Rate Trend Is Good for Sellers
Kevin Brierton – 1.17.2024 If you’ve been holding off on selling your house to make a move because you felt mortgage rates were too high, their recent downward trend is exciting news for you. Mortgage rates have descended since last October when they hit 7.79%. They’ve been below 7% for over a month now (see graph below): And while…
Why You May Want To Seriously Consider a Newly Built Home
Kevin Brierton – 1.16.2024 Are you putting off your plans to sell because you’re worried you won’t be able to find a home you like when you move? If so, it may be time to consider a newly built home and the benefits that come with one. Here’s why. Near-Record Percentage of New Home Inventory Newly built…
Homeownership Is Still at the Heart of the American Dream
Kevin Brierton – 1.15.2024 Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of belonging, stability, and freedom. According to Nicole Bachaud, Senior Economist at Zillow: “The American Dream is still…
HOW TO CALCULATE THE AFTER-TAX COST OF YOUR MORTGAGE
Kevin Brierton – 1.15.2024 YOUR COST OF BORROWING MAY BE LOWER THAN YOU THINK Homeowners who itemize tax deductions can deduct the interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage balances used to buy, build, or improve a qualified home. Here’s how to figure out the impact of that tax deduction: WHAT IS YOUR MARGINAL TAX…
WHEN IS MORTGAGE INTEREST TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
Kevin Brierton – 1.12.2024 CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, MORTGAGE INTEREST IS NOT ALWAYS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. HERE’S THE INSIDE SCOOP. DO YOU ITEMIZE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIONS? You cannot take the mortgage interest deduction if you are taking the standard deduction. For 2024 tax returns, the standard deduction is $14,600 for single taxpayers, $21,900 for heads of household,…
The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth
Kevin Brierton – 1.11.2024 If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here’s a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares the net worth of homeowners and renters. The latest report…
Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage
Kevin Brierton – 1.10.2024 If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional path, there are some key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Here’s…
Ways Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goals
Kevin Brierton – 1.9.2024 If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about – and that’s home equity. If you’re not familiar with that term, Freddie Mac defines it like this: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth…
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!