Saturday Strategy

Mortgage FAQ's, did you knows and much more...

What is prescreenopout and why it is important to you

Last week, we covered identifying questionable mail, and now let's focus on Prescreenoptout.com and trigger leads.

Prescreenoptout.com offers an easy way to safeguard your privacy by opting out of pre-approved credit offers. This reduces unwanted mail and gives you control over your personal data. In this weeks Saturday Strategy video I talk about how and why you want to do this.

Trigger leads occur when a credit inquiry is made on your report, indicating potential credit or loan interest. Companies sell your information to lenders, leading to a barrage of loan offers. Be cautious about sharing your credit data with callers, as they may not be from the company you think. Stay informed and protect your personal information!

**We want to assure you that we do NOT sell any of your information after we have pulled your credit. However, we would like to inform you that the credit bureaus keep a record of the credit inquiry, which they unfortunately sell to bidders in the form of "trigger leads." This often results in receiving numerous spam calls from online lenders. Although every bank is actively fighting against this, we currently have no control over stopping it. We understand that this can be frustrating, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused.**

To help prevent this I recommend doing these 2 hacks...

Register with the Do-Not-Call Registry here: donotcall.gov

Complete the Op Out Prescreen - https://www.optoutprescreen.com/

P.S. Can I count on you to call us when any friends, family or coworkers are looking to buy, sell or refinance a home?  We'd love to help! You can just text/call me at 480.553.8770.

* Did you know we can finance in 45 states?

A stack of coins with the words, " is mortgage interest tax deductible ?" on top.

WHEN IS MORTGAGE INTEREST TAX DEDUCTIBLE? 

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 12, 2024

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,…

A man and woman looking out of the window at something.

The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 11, 2024

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…

A group of people sitting around a living room.

Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 10, 2024

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…

A kitchen with white cabinets and blue chairs

Ways Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goals

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 9, 2024

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…

A yellow calculator sitting on top of a table.

What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing Power

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 8, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.8.2024 If you want to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below): This recent trend is…

A blue and white poster with houses in the background.

2023 Housing Market in Review: Looking Back on a Rough Year for Buyers

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 5, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.5.2024 Things are finally turning around for the better as far as housing is concerned – and it looks like they might actually stay that way this time! Mortgage rates have continued to drop over the last couple of weeks, and we are now in the ninth consecutive week of improvement. The…

A white model house sitting on top of a table.

Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 4, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.4.2024 If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you don’t want to skip. So, before you start picturing yourself in your new living room or dining on your future all-season patio, be sure you’re working with a trusted lender to prioritize this essential step.…

A house with a driveway and lawn in front of it.

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 3, 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.3.2024 If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage…

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…

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!