Your Money, Your Future – Money Basics

Managing your money like a pro is the key to owning your future. Mess it up, and things can get stressful real fast. But get it right, and you’ll have way more freedom and control over your life.At the end of the day, it’s all about the choices you make. And guess what? We’re here to help. We’ll break things down in a way that actually makes sense, give you fresh ways to think about your finances, and hook you up with fun, interactive tools to help you hit your goals.Your future is yours to design—so let’s make it happen!Money = Freedom: Here’s How to Take ControlLet’s be real—understanding money is the key to real stability and freedom. But the way our parents or teachers handled their finances might not work for us. Luckily, we have the internet and social media at our fingertips, giving us access to all the info we need. The catch? There’s also a ton of misinformation and unrealistic expectations floating around. So, let’s cut through the noise and focus on the basics:1. Save & Budget Like a Boss – Spend less than you make. That’s the golden rule. Once you’ve got your budget locked in, you can start putting money toward bigger things—investments, travel, or whatever matters most to you.2. Build That Emergency Fund – Life happens. Make sure you have 3–6 months’ worth of expenses saved up. And don’t just let it sit—put it in a High-Yield Savings Account so it grows while staying safe.3. Credit = Adulting Power – A solid credit score can make or break your ability to rent an apartment or buy a home. Pay your bills on time, don’t max out your credit cards, and use credit wisely.4. Invest, Invest, Invest – Your money should be working for you. Stocks, bonds, real estate—whatever fits your style. The earlier you start, the better your returns.5. Retirement Isn’t Just for Boomers – The sooner you start saving for retirement, the more your money grows (thank you, compound interest!). Look into a 401(k) or IRA and let time do the heavy lifting.Bottom line: Money doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Get these basics down, and you’ll be setting yourself up for the financial freedom you deserve.

2025 Housing Market Insights: Get Ahead of the Game!

Waiting Game is Over & Rates are Moving – Dec 9th

Last week, it looked like mortgage rates were holding steady, but the real test was waiting for this week’s jobs report. Spoiler alert: THEY PASSED!The jobs report, officially called "The Employment Situation," is a big deal because no other economic report has as much power to move rates up or down. This month’s report was SUPER important because it could clear up some mixed signals we’ve been getting lately. Plus, the timing was critical since everyone’s wondering if the Fed will cut rates on December 18th.The report has two main parts:The number of jobs added to the economy (aka "nonfarm payrolls" or NFP)The unemployment rateThe jobs report showed 227k jobs were added, but a lot of that came from workers returning after strikes or hurricanes.Let’s break it down even more. The average job count for the first half of the year was 255k per month, but the second half has dropped to 148k. That’s not a terrible number, but it shows the job market is cooling off.Then there’s the unemployment rate. It’s now at 4.2%, which is the second highest since the pandemic lockdowns. While 4.2% is still low historically, unemployment doesn’t change direction quickly, so it’s clear the labor market is cooling compared to last year.This cooling is one reason the Fed started cutting rates back in September. Markets tend to predict these decisions, so rates often move before the Fed makes it official. That’s likely what’s happening now.This week also included comments from Fed officials, like Waller, who said he’s leaning toward voting for a rate cut in December.When it comes to mortgage rates, the key indicator is the 10-year Treasury yield, not the Fed’s short-term rate. Treasury yields and weaker economic data, like Wednesday’s ISM Services index, have been good news for rates.Mortgage rates have been dropping since the jobs report and are now the lowest they’ve been in over a month and a half.Next week, we’ll get an even better idea of what’s coming. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which tracks inflation, drops on Wednesday. Inflation is the Fed’s main focus, so everyone will be watching to see if it stays flat or starts moving back toward target levels. Either way, the markets will react, and we’ll get a glimpse of what rates will do before the Fed meets the week after.Take a look at the graphs for further insight ------->

Four Fed Members Speak Out

How does this impact you? Let's take a look at your home, the equity you may have, investment properties or rental locations - What's the right move? Should you refi, purchase your next primary residence or investment opportunity? Call Me or send a text!

Why The Fed Rate Didn’t Help Mortgage Rates This Week

I will make this short, sweet and as easy to read as possible! Below, are several strategies for understanding disconnect between Fed Funds Rate and Mortgage Rate. Also included are some graphs for visuals -------->Strategy 1: Think of mortgage rates as broadly correlated with the Fed Funds Rate, but with the important ability to adjust for probable changes in the Fed Funds Rate well before the Fed actually cuts/hikes.Mortgages are based on bonds and bonds can move continually on any business day. Contrast that to the Fed Funds Rate which can only move once every 6 weeks. That means mortgage rates can react to all of the news and data that will eventually lead the Fed to cut rates, which is exactly why mortgage rates have been moving lower recently. Bottom line: the Fed was getting caught up to movement that already took place in the rest of the rate market. In fact, the rest of the rate market is already planning on several more cuts. Strategy 2: Understand that the Fed Funds Rate is like a 1 day loan whereas the average mortgage lasts a number of years. Loans with short and long time frames have different rates and can behave differently on any given day. Sometimes, longer term rates like mortgages can move in completely different directions from the shortest-term rates. This wasn't necessarily a major factor this week, but it's another reason for potential disconnects to be aware of. Strategy 3: Understand that financial markets were already well aware the Fed was going to cut.You may have heard the term "buy the rumor, sell the news." This refers to traders acting upon events that have a high likelihood of playing out as expected (i.e. "buying the rumor"), thus participating in a wave of momentum that makes those trades more and more profitable before ultimately exiting those trades (i.e. "selling the news") when the news finally happens. Strategy 4: Consider the nuances in Fed day information.In addition to the Fed rate cut itself, which was widely assumed, there were other more important aspects of Fed day. These included the member's rate forecasts via the "dot plot" as well as Fed Chair Powell's press conference. The dot plot was actually somewhat beneficial for bonds/rates, but Powell's press conference took things back in the other direction.   Last but not least...If you happened to see news headlines the day after the Fed announcement that suggested mortgage rates had, in fact, moved significantly lower, it was likely due to Freddie Mac's weekly mortgage rate survey--the one that uses a 5 day average through each Wednesday before being reported on Thursday. As such, Freddie's rate can be very stale compared to daily changes in rates.  It is true that we saw the lowest rates in a year and a half last Thursday and Friday. Some lenders were at the same levels again on the Tuesday before the Fed announcement, but the average moved higher after that.  Even so, rates remain very close to long-term lows with the average lender more than 1.5% below the long-term highs from late 2023. Incidentally, this remarkably similar to amount the Fed expects to cut rates in the coming years... almost as if the mortgage market can get in position for future Fed rate cuts well in advance?The chart below shows the dot plot from this week's Fed meeting compared to the next most recent dot plot released in June 2024. Blue dots are new. Red dots are old. Note the downward migration. Each dot is one Fed member's outlook:

Federal Rate vs. Mortgage Rate

Bringing you the latest with the new federal rate slashing!

New paperwork to buy and sell your home

Buying or selling a home just got an update! There are some important new forms that your agent will be sharing with you, thanks to the latest NAR guidelines. Don't worry, we've got you covered—watch these quick video to see what’s new and how it affects your transaction. Let’s keep your journey smooth and informed!It's best NOT to amend Buyers agent compensation, after you have signed a contract. Check out the video below. The APOR test will need count changes in Buyers agent comp too, regardless if the seller or buyer is paying for the compensation. Changing compensation, after the contract is signed, results in NON customary fees, and puts the client in a additioanl Federal qualification.In a National meeting last week, Fannie had a few clarifications. This is true with FHA and VA also.Warm regards, Patty Newby & theLoanDesigners

Behind the Scenes – Your mortgage team and the Federal process

Hello, as we prepare your loan, you may wonder, what is all this paperwork and why? What are we doing? We are following the law and working to Design your loan to save you money. I hope this is helpful and we are always here for questions.*Home insurance - if you are closing fast, please confirm your home insurance in 48 hours. If you are building 30-45 days prior to completion is perfect.I hope these videos' help.Two easy emails to remember:Before your contract, [email protected] Rates, downpayment or changes, email or call us please and we will stay in proactive communication with you too.After your contract and you have a question, about your closing, amendments or repairs, we are hear for you too.Our office number reaches us all, 972-534-5626. (You can call this number or text this same number)We are grateful for your trust and aim to make your mortgage and financial experience fun and easy!Warm regards,Patty Newby & theLoanDesignersStart@theLoanDesigner or 972-534-5626 (Text or call)

Who’s Who?! on the team and what they are doing for you.

Welcome to our Mortgage  Behind the scenes, into the heart of the mortgage process. Think of it like buying a home or building a car – it takes a whole team to make your dream a reality. Let's meet the squad!1. The Mortgage Advisor We design your loan to save you money, looking at all the options for you, and your go-to guru for all things mortgage-related. We help you navigate the options, answer your questions, and tailor solutions to fit your unique needs. Think of me as your financial coach, guiding you every step of the way.2. The Loan Processors Meet your paperwork powerhouse! The Loan Processor gathers and verifies all your documents, making sure everything is in tip-top shape for a smooth approval process. They're the detail-oriented whiz who keeps things moving behind the scenes.3. The Underwriter Our meticulous investigator! The Underwriter reviews your application to ensure everything meets the necessary criteria. They're the ones who give the final thumbs-up on your loan, making sure it's a perfect match for you.4. The Appraiser The property expert! The Appraiser evaluates the home you’re looking to buy, ensuring its value aligns with the loan amount. They help protect your investment by making sure you’re getting a fair deal.5. The Closing Coordinator Your finishing line hero! The Closing Coordinator ensures all the final documents are in order and guides you through the last steps. They make sure the closing process is seamless, so you can get those keys in your hands.6. The Realtor Your house-hunting partner! The Realtor helps you find the perfect home and negotiates the best deal for you. They're your trusted ally in making your homeownership dreams come true.Each member of this dream team plays a crucial role in getting you into your new home. Stay tuned for more videos where we’ll dive deeper into what each of these amazing professionals does to make your mortgage journey smooth and successful.Thanks for watching and we hope this helps! Warm Regards, Patty Newby & theLoanDesigners

LEADING THE NATION – Net Migration moving to TX

Texas is leading the Nation STILL with positive net migration!Welcome to Texas if you are joining us. Interested on how we can structure your mortgage to get you into your dream home and save you money? Give us a call and let us help your offer stand out.Warm regards, Patty Newby & theLoanDesigners972-534-5626 (text or call) or [email protected]

Home Availability on the Rise

If you’re considering whether or not to list your house, today’s limited supply is one of the biggest advantages you have right now. That’s because your house stands out more when the inventory is low, ESPECIALLY if it’s priced right.But, the supply of homes for sale is growing. According to the latest data from Realtor.com, new listings (homeowners who just put their house up for sale) are trending up (see graph to the right). The graph shows more homeowners are putting that sale sign up in their yards compared to the same time last year. As Realtor.com says:“. . . sellers turned out in higher numbers this March as newly listed homes were 15.5% above last year’s levels. This marked the fifth month of increasing listing activity after a 17-month streak of decline.”WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU?If you’ve been putting off selling your house, maybe it’s time to start thinking about it again – before your neighbors do. While we’re not going to suddenly have a surplus of homes for sale, each house that pops on the market in your area runs the risk of pulling buyer attention away from yours.A great agent can make your home STAND OUT among the others, but it always helps when the supply is limited! Agents will help you get your house ready to list, draw attention to everything today’s buyers are looking for, and help you price it right. That way buyers are really drawn to your listing and eager to make it their home.If you’re ready and able to sell now, here’s your chance to get the best of both worlds. Since the supply of homes for sale is growing, you’ll have more options for your own move. But you’ll also be able to sell while your house will still stand out.BOTTOM LINE: Looking to get your house out in the market? Reach out to your realtor or us and we can run through the numbers on your current home and help you make the BEST decision possible!

EQUITY

If you’ve been a homeowner for at least a couple of years, keep reading. You may be sitting on a solid amount of equity. And if so, there are a few different ways you can use it to fuel your next move.Over 2/3 of homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgage or have at least 50% equity. 38.7% own their home free and clear, 32.6% of those who mortgage their home have more than 50% equity! Chat with us about our different loan programs that can help you put an awesome down payment on your next home OR save some of that for an awesome start of renovating your new home! Wanna know what your equity might look like for you? Let’s talk through it.

Student Loans and Homeownership

Don't let student loans delay your homeownership goals! If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you've paid off those loans before you can buy your home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? You should know, even with student loans, waiting to buy a home may not be necessary. While everyone's situation is unique, your goal may be more within your reach than you realize. Here's why:Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student Loans?According to an annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time buyers had student loan debt and the typical amount was $30,000.That means other people in a similar situation were able to qualify for and buy a home even though they also had student loans. And you may be able to do the same, especially if you have a steady source of income. As an article from Bankrate says:“. . . you can have student loans and a mortgage at the same time. . . . If you have student loans and want a mortgage, there are multiple home loan programs you might qualify for . . .”The key takeaway is, for many people, homeownership is achievable even with student loans. Everyone's finances are unique - we can walk you through your options based on your situation, and share what’s worked for other buyers!

Are you a Millennial looking for a home?

It's not your parents market and we recognize that! BUT that doesn't mean homeownership is out of reach! Send me a message so we can answer any questions you may have!

Americans Sitting on Tremendous Equity

Ready to make a move? Your current house could be the key to overcoming today’s affordability hurdles. As you’ve paid down your mortgage and home prices rose, your equity grew. Right now, over two-thirds of homeowners are holding at least 50% equity in their homes - that’s a huge advantage when looking to move. DM me to learn how much equity you have!!

VA funding fee lower

Hello Effective April 7th, 2023, the VA funding fee will be lower. This will save you, and our clients month. Patty

FHA Mortgage insurance reduced

HelloEffective Monday, Feb 27th, 2023, we can help you lower your monthly mortgage payment. Why? The FHA monthly premiums have been reduced. This will save you, and our clients month.Patty

Build your Dream home – Construction lending – A One Time Close

Are you ready to build your dream home? When you customize your home, many builders want you to carry the interim loan. It is called Construction lending. I have been focused on Construction lending since 2004. Here is some helpful information. Thanks Patty Newby & theLoanDesigners

Build your Dream home with Construction lending

Are you ready to build your dream home? When you customize your home, many builders want you to carry the interim loan. It is called Construction lending. I have been focused on Construction lending since 2004. Here is some helpful information.Thanks Patty Newby & theLoanDesigners

Balanced Housing Market, what does that even mean?

We left wild and crazy market behind in house, to get back to a normal market, so what does that mean for you?

Are you dreaming of owning a home?

We'll start with the basic's. Ask lots of questions ,then Design a loan that provides the cash to close, home payment and ultimately solutions to help you build your Net Worth. We'll share all this in a color coded, detailed presentation.

Do this and Do not do this while buying a home or refinancing

Once you apply for your mortgage, please remember the Do's and Dont's. Making changes to the details of your mortgage application, will impact your loan. In some cases your rate may go up, your cash to close could change or in some cases, you may not be able to close at all. Please always call us 1st so we can offer some advice.972-534-5626 text or call or email us at [email protected] regards,Patty Newby & theLoanDesigners

Construction Lending (building on your own lot)

You may own your own land or buy land. Then select a builder and let the fun begin.