Saturday Strategy

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

What to do if you change insurance companies and you get a refund check?

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?

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 17, 2025

🏡 Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025 As we enter the latter half of 2025, the housing market presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. Understanding the current trends can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions. 📉 Mortgage Rates: A Gradual Decline Mortgage rates have been a significant factor in the…

📌 FHA Loan FAQ: Do I Need a Manual Downgrade for a Decline in Self-Employment Income? Kevin Brierton FHA lender

📌 FHA Loan FAQ: Do I Need a Manual Downgrade for a Decline in Self-Employment Income?

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 16, 2025

Question:My client has W-2 income and some side self-employment income that declined by more than 20% this year. We’re not using that income to qualify — do I still need to downgrade to a manual underwrite? Answer:No — as long as the self-employment income is not used to qualify the borrower, a manual downgrade is…

Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 15, 2025

Thursday May 15th, 2025  For Sellers, Mortgage Rates, Selling Tips If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: â€śwhy would I give that up?” But when you ask that question, you may be…

Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 14, 2025

Wednesday May 14th, 2025  For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Buying Tips Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you’re wondering: Having questions like these is normal, especially when you’re thinking about making such a big purchase.…

Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 13, 2025

Tuesday May 13th, 2025  For Buyers, Buying Tips Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive. What Are Concessions and Incentives? When a seller or builder…

Home Projects That Boost Value

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 12, 2025

Monday May 12th, 2025  For Sellers, Equity, Selling Tips Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains: “. . . not every home renovation…

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 8, 2025

Thursday May 8th, 2025  Mortgage Rates, Forecasts From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move. There is one place you can turn to for answers you want the most. And that’s the experts.…

Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 7, 2025

Wednesday May 7th, 2025  For Sellers, Selling Tips As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says: “. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange…

Stocks May Be Volatile, but Home Values Aren’t

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 6, 2025

Tuesday May 6th, 2025  Home Prices, Economy With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make…

The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked

By Kevin Brierton Team | May 5, 2025

May 5th, 2025  Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock. But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth. Do You Really Have To Put 20% Down When…

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!