On this episode, I sit down with Jake Arey of Verity Mortgage, a loan officer who makes mortgages actually make sense.

We break down, in plain language:

• Why “waiting for rates to go down” usually costs you more than it saves
• Renting vs buying: how long you should plan to stay before buying makes sense
• Local lender vs big box: what really matters (and red flags to watch for)
• VA loans: multiple VA loans, Guard/Reserve rules, disability, and myths that won’t die
• USDA and the truth about “first‑time homebuyer programs”
• How self‑employed people, creators and cash‑heavy businesses can still get approved
• What not to do during the loan process (job changes, cars, credit cards, hiding info)
• How Jake uses content and personal brand to stand out in a “boring” industry

If you’re renting, in the military, self‑employed, or just confused by the noise around rates and the housing market, this conversation will give you clear, no‑BS answers and a better way to plan your next move.

Guest – Jake Arey (Jake Arey Mortgage Team, Verity Mortgage)

• Website (apply or book a discovery call): jakearey.com
• Phone: (501) 326‑2700
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: 101 N East St, Benton, AR 72015
• Instagram: @jakeareyteam

Jake serves buyers across Arkansas, with options in nearby states, and helps with VA, FHA, Conventional, USDA, bank‑statement and asset‑depletion loans.