In highly competitive real estate markets, it's not uncommon to hear Realtors advocating for a strategy that involves offering the highest price, waiving contingencies, and closing the deal faster than other buyers. But is this approach suitable for everyone, or even advisable? In this episode, we'll uncover the strategies and techniques you can employ to effectively manage your personal risk when considering the option of waiving contingencies or shortening timelines.

You don't want to find yourself blindsided by more fees than you bargained for when you sit down to close the deal. In this episode of Mortgage Secrets, John Downs of Downs Capital talks all about closing costs. What are they? What kinds are there? How much does it vary? From insurance options to title company costs, John breaks down the nitty-gritty of the different fees associated with closing, and he explains what why your estimate might change if your loan officer isn't paying attention to the details. If you are leaning towards settling with the "lowest price available," you might find yourself sorry when it comes time to sign the paperwork. This episode covers what you need to know before you make a final decision on a lender, so you don't end up surprised!

Mortgage rates can be pretty confusing, particularly if you're a first-time home buyer being overwhelmed with "lowest rates available." It doesn't seem to help that many lenders use misleading marketing tactics! Do you wonder how loan officers even come up with those numbers that make up your mortgage quote? In this episode of Mortgage Secrets, John Downs of Downs Capital breaks down what all goes into a mortgage loan rate, why the best available rate on a given day may not be as significant as you think, and how choosing the best loan product (like anything else in the home-buying process) really comes down to what your life goals are.

While you might think that the mortgage rate is the most important aspect of your loan shopping experience, there are several things to consider before jumping for the cheapest available. In this episode of Mortgage Secrets, John Downs of Downs Capital shares stories from his 17 years of experience in the mortgage lending industry to illustrate how numbers shouldn't be the only deciding factor in your loan decision. Signing up for a mortgage is a hefty commitment that goes beyond a monthly payment. You'll be starting a long-term relationship with a loan officer, so you'll want to make sure you pick the right one. This episode dives into what makes a loan officer worthy of your business—and friendship.

By taking that first step, you're on the path to building equity over time, which you can use to expand your personal empire. Whether your hesitation is fueled by a low down payment or by wanting to buy in a seller's market, John explains why it's probably still a good idea to invest in property sooner rather than later. They say that time solves all problems in real estate, and this episode takes a look at how and why.

There's more that goes into choosing the right house than the perfect neighborhood and curb appeal. You might be ambitious enough to want to take on a fixer-upper as your first home. Before you jump to any quick decisions on buying (or not), take a look at your finances—and not just what you're making and spending today!

In this episode of Mortgage Secrets, John dives into the world of mortgages and picking the right property, explaining what most people don't know about construction loans (and why you probably won't get one without a plan) and how buying instead of renting can actually save you money. Regardless of what you end up choosing, remember: Buying a house is all about you and your long-term goals!

One of the biggest conversations you will have about buying a home is around how much money you should or shouldn't put down on your home loan. Putting a chunk of money down on a mortgage is a pretty impactful decision, of course. Once you sign the dotted line and hand over the check, the money you put down is no longer easy to access.

If you're thinking about buying a house, this episode of Mortgage Secrets will clear up some of that confusion. "Limiting factors" may seem a daunting phrase, but the secret to finding what works for you is exploring where you are financially and what options you have available. Sharing his knowledge from 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry, John Downs of Downs Capital explains how you can figure out how much you should put down and where your money should come from.

We've all heard the word "mortgage," but what's really included in all of that? Why do homeowners find themselves surprised when their monthly bill ends up being way more than they bargained for?

In Episode #2 of the Mortgage Secrets podcast, John Downs of Downs Capital breaks it all down for you, sharing nuggets from his 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry to keep you awake and aware throughout your home buying process. Before you find yourself completely blindsided with an inflated bill, find out everything that goes into your monthly house payment.

John explains in this episode what the heck amortization is, who might not want an escrow account, why online mortgage calculators are usually misleading, and other factors that might cause your monthly house payment to fluctuate. Be aware, know what your fees look like, and you'll never be surprised!

Think you can't get a mortgage? Blow up the top six mortgage myths (from not having enough of a down payment to why your credit score is probably just fine the way it is) and learn why virtually everyone can get a mortgage to start building wealth right now.