The Lending Coach

Coaching and teaching - many through the mortgage process and others on the field

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Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You More Than You Think

person holding hour glass

In today’s uncertain market, it’s easy to understand why many would-be buyers are pressing pause. Headlines talk about rising interest rates, affordability challenges, and fears of a housing bubble.

person holding u s dollar banknotes

But while the idea of “waiting for things to get better” might feel safe, it can quietly cost you thousands—and delay your long-term wealth goals.

As a mortgage coach, I work with buyers every day who are trying to make the smartest financial decisions possible. The truth is, and more often-than-not, waiting isn’t the money-saving move people think it is.

Return on Investment

Let’s break it down simply. When you delay buying a home, you’re not just waiting—you’re most likely renting in the meantime. And rent isn’t just a monthly expense; it’s a payment with zero return on investment.

plant growing in coins

Meanwhile, home prices have historically risen over time. Even if appreciation slows, homes tend to gain value over the long run. So while you’re waiting for rates to drop or for a “perfect time” to buy, the price of the home you want may continue to climb.

That home that costs $450,000 today could easily cost $480,000 next year—and now you’ve missed out on both price and equity growth.

Mortgage Rates

Another key factor? Interest rates are unpredictable. Many buyers assume that mortgage rates will drop significantly soon—but the truth is, no one can accurately time the market.

If rates do drop later, the good news is you can refinance. But if they stay the same or go up further, you’ll have missed out on today’s pricing and rates. Acting now gives you the power of choice, not dependence on something out of your control.

Building Equity – Now!

One of the most overlooked advantages of buying sooner is building equity right away. Every month you own your home, you’re putting a portion of your payment toward your future.

That equity can later be used for renovations, investing in more real estate, or consolidating higher-interest debt. You’re not just buying a place to live—you’re making a step toward long-term financial security.

Options That Can Help

There are also smart tools available right now that can help make buying more affordable in today’s market. I regularly coach clients through strategies like temporary rate buydowns, seller credits, and customized loan structures that ease the initial payment and create a stepping-stone to refinance later.

These aren’t one-size-fits-all tactics—they’re tailored plans that align with your short- and long-term goals. That’s where having a trusted lending coach in your corner really makes a difference.

Long Term Benefits

hourglass and house

Remember, buying a home isn’t just about timing the market—it’s about timing your life. If your job, family, or financial picture says you’re ready, then the right time might be now.

The sooner you step into homeownership, the sooner you start creating stability, tax benefits, and equity growth for yourself—not your landlord. There’s real opportunity in today’s market for those willing to look past the noise and take action with guidance.

In Conclusion

If you’re unsure whether now is the right move, let’s talk…and you can reach me here. I’ll walk you through the numbers, talk through your goals, and we can build a plan that makes sense.

My role is to coach you toward the smartest mortgage decision for your future. Let’s make sure waiting isn’t costing you more than you realize.

The Lending Coach

The blog postings on this site represent the positions, strategies or opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Each loan is subject to underwriter final approval. All information, loan programs, interest rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.

Why Homeownership Is Still Worth It—Even Beyond the Finances

high angle photography of village

In today’s market, many buyers are asking: “Is homeownership still worth it?” With rising costs and economic uncertainty, it’s a fair question.

But let’s pause for a moment—because homeownership has never been just about the money. In fact, recent studies show that the emotional, mental, and lifestyle benefits of owning a home are among the top reasons people choose to buy.

grayscale of man woman and dog on window

From mental health benefits to stronger communities, homeownership offers more than just a return on investment—it offers a better quality of life.

Here’s what the research says—and why it still makes sense to consider homeownership, even in a complex market.

Homeownership Improves Mental Well-being

A study from Habitat for Humanity found that 57% of homeowners report feeling more secure, stable, and happier in their lives than when they were renting.

According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 93% of homeowners say owning a home makes them feel proud.

The Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health reported that homeowners experience lower levels of psychological distress compared to renters.

When you own, your home isn’t just a space—it becomes a place of safety, peace, and personal identity. That matters, especially in times of uncertainty.

You Have Full Creative Control

Homeownership means freedom. Want to paint your kitchen teal? Go for it. Need to build a nursery or create a meditation space? You can. According to a Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report:

brown wooden welcome wall decor
  • 74% of homeowners say they value “having control over their living space” as one of their top reasons for buying.
  • This same survey found that renters ranked “freedom to customize” as a top motivator for wanting to buy.

That ability to express yourself and shape your space fosters deeper satisfaction and comfort—something many renters say they’re missing.

Privacy and Peace Go Hand in Hand

When you own your home, you often gain more personal space, more privacy, and less exposure to external disruptions (no more surprise maintenance calls or upstairs neighbors at 3 a.m.).

According to the Urban Institute, one of the biggest complaints among renters is lack of privacy and unpredictable disruptions—key stressors that impact daily life.

Owning your home allows you to create a stable, peaceful environment tailored to your needs—and that affects everything from sleep quality to productivity.

You Become Part of a Community

welcome to our home print brown wooden wall decor

When you buy, you’re not just investing in a house—you’re planting roots. A Pew Research Center study shows:

  • Homeowners are more likely to volunteer, vote in local elections, and engage with their neighbors.
  • Communities with higher homeownership rates tend to have lower crime rates and more stable school systems.
  • This sense of belonging and connection to a neighborhood is something that can’t be measured in dollars—but it adds lasting value to your life.

You Gain a Deep Sense of Accomplishment

Finally, homeownership comes with an emotional milestone: the feeling of “I did this.”

couple packing books in a box

According to Realtor.com, first-time buyers describe owning a home as one of the most rewarding life experiences—comparable to graduating college or getting their first job.

It’s a personal victory. It represents hard work, resilience, and the beginning of a new chapter—something renting often doesn’t offer in the same way.

Final Thoughts: Why It’s Still Worth It

Yes, it takes patience and strategy to buy a home in today’s market. But the non-financial rewards—from emotional wellbeing to life flexibility—remain stronger than ever.

In a world full of uncertainty, a home provides grounding, purpose, and peace of mind.

Want to talk about whether homeownership makes sense for your life—not just your finances?

Let’s connect

I’m here to help you explore your options and take the next step with confidence.

The Lending Coach

The blog postings on this site represent the positions, strategies or opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Each loan is subject to underwriter final approval. All information, loan programs, interest rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.

Lending Coach Podcast – 2025 Mid Year Real Estate and Mortgage Forecast Review

Podcast image

Well, 2025 is past the halfway point, so how does my original forecast look relative to what’s transpired in the real estate and mortgage world?

Mosaic Podcast image

And what can we expect moving forward into the 2nd half of 2025?

I’d invite you take a listen!

Here’s the link:

Specific Podcast Timestamps:

  • 0:34 – Introduction
  • 2:35 – Interest Rates So Far in 2025 and Real Estate Activity
  • 10:30 – The Fed and Reliable Data – Inflation and Employment
  • 19:50 – US Debt and Inflation
  • 22:56 – Re-visiting January’s Forecast – How Did We Do?
  • 39:40 – What Can We Expect in Mortgage Rates for the 2nd Half of 2025
  • 40:20 – Can Rates Get to the Low 6% Range?  What Might Happen in Real Estate?
  • 41:20 – Pent-up Demand and Home Prices/Buying Opportunities
  • 46:25  – Final Thoughts on the Forecast

I hope you find it interesting, and feel free to reach out directly to me to discuss it further.

As always, you can set up an appointment with me here…

The Lending Coach

The blog postings on this site represent the positions, strategies or opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Each loan is subject to underwriter final approval. All information, loan programs, interest rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.

Why the Housing Market Isn’t Crashing in 2025

yellow flowers in bloom

With rising home prices and fluctuating mortgage rates, it’s understandable that some are wondering whether a housing market crash is on the horizon. The good news…

a person giving a bundle of keys to another person

Multiple key indicators show that today’s market is fundamentally different—and more stable—than what we saw in 2008.

Discover why the housing market isn’t crashing in 2025—and why now might be a smart time to buy.

Lending Standards Are Much Stronger

One of the biggest reasons for the 2008 crash was irresponsible lending. Today, the average loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is around 28%, compared to 55% in 2008.

That means today’s homeowners have far more equity, which reduces their financial risk and helps maintain market stability.


Risky Loans Are a Thing of the Past

Loans that contributed to the previous crash—like no-document or stated-income loans—are rarely used in today’s lending environment.

person putting coin in a piggy bank

And if they are, they typically require large down payments, which keeps borrowers better protected and less likely to default.


Homeowner Equity Remains Strong

If a homeowner today encounters financial hardship, odds are they can still sell their home and walk away with equity in hand.

That’s a big difference from the Great Recession, when many owners were underwater on their mortgages. Equity equals options—and stability.


Most Homeowners Have Locked in Low Rates

Many current homeowners have locked in historically low mortgage rates, and that’s keeping inventory low.

orange model house among black miniatures

With fewer homes going up for sale and continued buyer demand, home prices are being supported, not pressured downward.


The Bottom Line

Today’s housing market is built on a stronger foundation. Tight lending standards, stable equity, and healthy demand are keeping things balanced.

While no market is entirely immune to change, all signs point to resilience—not a crash.


Ready to Make Your Move?

If you’ve been waiting on the sidelines or worried about “what ifs,” now’s a great time to get expert insight.

Reach out to me and let’s explore your options, understand what you qualify for, and put together a plan that works for your goals and budget.

The Lending Coach

The blog postings on this site represent the positions, strategies or opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Each loan is subject to underwriter final approval. All information, loan programs, interest rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.

A Game Changer for Borrowers with Limited Down Payment Options – The HOPER FHA Mortgage

HOPER graphic

I have a new mortgage product available that can give up to $13,000 in down payment or closing funds for FHA borrowers.  

Best of all, it isn’t a down payment assistance program, it’s actual earned income that is used for qualification purposes and can be utilized any way the borrower would like.

shopping cart with money on top of a laptop

HOPER allows homebuyers to earn up to $13,000 (3.5% of the home purchase price) toward the home purchase—with no repayment, no liens, and an interest rate that’s 1%-2% lower than standard down payment assistance (DPA) options.

Unlike standard DPAs, which often come with higher interest rates and restrictions, HOPER gives buyers real financial flexibility.

Additionally, homebuyers qualify for $10,000-$12,000 in tax credits on average within the first year, allowing them to replenish their savings to create an emergency fund. This financial boost can help set them up for long-term success as a homeowner.

Click here for the link to view a video of the program:

HOPER video link

Who is HOPER, and why are they paying FHA homebuyers?

HOPER is a socially-innovative research organization, studying the positive impact that two cash inflows —up to $13,000 at closing and $10,000-$12,000 within a year after closing—along with financial mentorship has on loan performance. Their goal is to prove, through real-world data, that:

  • Savings rates go up
  • Default rates go down

To conduct this research, they pay FHA homebuyers for their participation, much like a second job.

How can borrowers use the 3.5% up to $13,000 from HOPER?

This isn’t a loan—it’s earned income, meaning borrowers have full control over how they use it:

  • Down payment & closing costs – Reduce their upfront cash needed to close.
  • Interest rate buy-down – Lower their monthly mortgage payment.
  • Paying off high-interest debt – Improve their overall financial standing.
  • Savings – Strengthen their emergency fund.
How HOPER funds can be used

Why would a borrower choose the HOPER program when buying a home?

Here’s why HOPER is a game-changer for FHA homebuyers:

HOPER benefits
  • Receive up to $25,000 in financial support—$13,000 upfront + $10,000-$12,000 in tax credits.
  • Lower monthly costs—Reduce or eliminate their electric bill, protect yourself from rising utility costs.
  • Better loan terms—No liens, no repayment requirements, lower interest rates than DPAs.
  • Flexibility—Use their funds strategically to reduce debt, cover costs, or save.

A Real Example

HOPER example

What is required to participate in this project?

1. Buyers are to complete an online financial education course before buying their home (4-6 hours). This equips them with smart money habits and unlocks the 3.5% of the purchase price up to $13K, which is deposited into their savings club account to be used at closing.

2. Sign up for an online financial mentorship course (to be completed within one year of purchasing your home). This prepares them to make wise financial decisions with the $10,000-$12,000 tax credit they will receive, ensuring they build savings instead of spending it.

3. Undergo an energy assessment on the home they are buying. If solar can offset most of their expected electricity use, your home qualifies for the program.

HOPER requirements

Why is solar a required component of the program?

HOPER’s research focuses on reducing loan default risk. The #1 reason homeowners’ default is a lack of savings, especially in the first five years of purchasing the home.

Many new homeowners report having less than $1,000 in liquid savings, meaning any unexpected expense—a job loss, medical emergency, or car repair—can quickly put them at risk of missing mortgage payments.

man wearing safety glasses and gloves holding solar panels on the roof

Here’s how solar helps:

Immediate savings boost: Home buyers receive a 30% tax credit for their solar system, averaging $10,000-$12,000, which can be used to build an emergency fund. This equates to roughly 5-6 months of mortgage payments, providing a financial safety net in the crucial early years of home ownership.

Long-term affordability: Their electric bill is typically the second-largest home expense after the mortgage. By generating most of their electricity from solar, you lock in energy savings and protect yourself from rising utility rates over time. This makes home ownership more sustainable, reducing the risk of financial strain in the future.

How is the solar paid for?

FHA has made it seamless to include the cost of installing solar directly into your mortgage. This means:

  • The solar system is fully paid for on day one—no separate loan, no extra payments.
  • The cost is simply rolled into your mortgage, so you own the system outright.
  • You still benefit from solar incentives, including tax

What will happen to the monthly mortgage payment?

Mortgage bill and calculator

The borrower’s total housing expenses (mortgage + utilities) will remain roughly the same whether they participate in the HOPER program or not.

For example: if adding solar increases the mortgage by $200/month, their electricity bill will typically decrease by roughly the same amount, keeping the overall monthly costs stable.

Who installs the solar?

To ensure compliance with FHA guidelines and timelines, AHA (Attainable Housing Advocates) will get the buyer an energy assessment with a state-approved solar installer.

Once their home’s energy assessment is completed, AHA will provide a solar quote and breakdown of HOPER benefits, allowing them to make an informed decision.

In Conclusion

Do reach out to me for more on this incredible opportunity.  As a reminder, this is not a down payment assistance program, it’s earned income that can be utilized for a down payment or closing costs. 

Finally, the installed solar system is OWNED BY THE HOMEOWNER – there is no lien on the property whatsoever, so selling the home down the road becomes much easier.

The Lending Coach

The blog postings on this site represent the positions, strategies or opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the positions, strategies or opinions of Guild Mortgage Company or its affiliates. Each loan is subject to underwriter final approval. All information, loan programs, interest rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deductions.

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