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?

Man smiling beside tweet about MBS announcement.

Trump’s $200B MBS Announcement – What It Really Means for Rates

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 11, 2026

Read Time: ~3 Minutes Here’s a quick breakdown of the recent announcement around a potential $200B purchase of mortgage-backed securities through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and how to talk about it with clients. The headline: Yes, the administration announced plans to support lower mortgage rates by buying MBS. The reality behind it: Fannie Mae…

Suburban neighborhood at sunset with sun rays.

Expert Forecasts Point to Affordability Improving in 2026

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 10, 2026

Wondering what to expect from the housing market in 2026? You’re not the only one. For the past few years, affordability has been the biggest barrier standing between most people and their next move. And a lot of buyers and sellers have been holding their breath waiting for things to get better. The good news?…

The true cost of paying cash article.

The True Cost of Paying Cash for a Home

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 9, 2026

Paying cash for a home sounds smart. No mortgage. No interest. No monthly payment. For many buyers, it feels safe and simple. But what most homeowners and first-time buyers don’t realize is this: paying cash has hidden costs that don’t show up on the closing statement. What Happens When You Pay Cash When you pay…

Three question mark cubes on blue background.

Thinking about Selling Your House As-Is? Read This First.

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 8, 2026

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, you may be torn between two options: In 2026, that decision matters more than it used to. Here’s what you need to know. More Competition Means Your Home’s Condition Is More Important Again Over the past year, the number of homes for sale has been climbing. And this…

Inside Lending: Housing Market 2026 Outlook.

Housing Market Enters 2026 With Improving Balance and Opportunity

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 7, 2026

Inside Lending For the week of JANUARY 5, 2026 QUOTE OF THE WEEK “’Expert: a person who makes three correct guesses consecutively.”—Laurence J. Peter, Canadian educator and “hierachiologist” NATIONAL MARKET UPDATE The Pending Home Sales index of signed contracts on existing homes shot up more than 3% in November and is up almost 3% annually. That’s…

Smiling woman using tablet on balcony.

Why Pre-Approval Should Be Your First Step – Not an Afterthought

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 6, 2026

Finding the right home feels exciting – but being pre-approved for your loan is what makes it possible. Whether you’re planning to buy soon or still just thinking about it, getting pre-approved is one of the best moves you can make. Here’s why. 1. What Is Pre-Approval, Really? Pre-approval is much more than a guess. It means…

Couple touring empty modern home with realtor.

More Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2026. Here’s How To Get Ready.

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 4, 2026

Momentum is quietly building in the housing market. New data from NerdWallet shows more Americans are starting to think about buying a home again. Last year, 15% of respondents said they planned to buy a home in the next 12 months. This year, that number rose to 17%. That 2% increase might not sound like a big jump, but in a…

Man in coat smiling at smartphone outdoors.

Not Sure If You’re Ready To Buy a Home? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions.

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 3, 2026

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to become a homeowner in the next twelve months, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates, home prices, the current state of the economy, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. It’s a lot. But…

Man smiling beside mortgage cost message.

Understanding EPR™: The Hidden Cost of Your Mortgage

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 2, 2026

When most people think about the cost of a mortgage, they focus on one thing: the interest rate.But the interest rate only tells part of the story. There’s another number almost no one talks about, and it can quietly cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over time. It’s called EPR™, or Effective Percentage Rate.…

House roof with wooden beams and sky.

Reasons To Be Optimistic About the 2026 Housing Market

By Kevin Brierton Team | January 1, 2026

If a move is on your radar for 2026, there’s a lot more working in your favor than there has been in a while. After a stretch where many people felt stuck, 2026 is shaping up to be a year with more balance, more options, and more clarity for people who want to make a…

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!