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 man and his daughter are reading together.

The Dream of Homeownership Is Worth the Effort

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 27, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.27.2022 If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful…

A red toy house sitting on top of a table.

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 26, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.26.2022 If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases…

A woman sitting at a table with a cup of coffee.

Is It Enough To Offer Asking Price in Today’s Housing Market?

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 25, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.25.2022 If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and…

A house with bubbles coming out of the window.

Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 21, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.21.2022 Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream. Prior to the 1950s, less than half of the country owned their own home. However, after World War II, many returning veterans used…

A woman sitting in front of a laptop computer.

How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 20, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.20.2022 In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in…

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Why Pre-Approval Is an Important Step for Today’s Homebuyers

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 19, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.19.2022 Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this season. That’s why pre-approval is so important today. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Peter Warden, Editor of The Mortgage Reports, explains: “The lender will check…

A man and woman hugging in front of a window.

Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home?

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 18, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.18.2022 Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies.…

A sign that says understand your home appraisal

How to Understand Your Home Appraisal

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 15, 2022

COMPS, ADJUSTMENTS, AND THE APPRAISER’S ESTIMATE OF VALUE WHAT IS AN APPRAISAL? A home appraisal is an estimate of your home’s value. It’s simply a professional appraiser’s opinion of what he/she thinks your home may be worth. Mortgage lenders base your loan amount on the LESSER of the appraised value or the purchase price. HOW…

A house with flowers growing around it and a white picket fence.

On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 14, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.14.2022 If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes. But why are conditions so good for sellers today? And what can you expect when you move? To help answer both of those questions, let’s turn to the data.…

A close up of the keyboard keys with percent symbol

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?

By Kevin Brierton Team | April 13, 2022

Kevin Brierton – 4.13.2022 There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American: “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don’t ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you’re a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will…

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!