Ready to buy a house, but worried about your rate? 📉

Your credit score is the #1 factor dictating how much you'll pay over the next 30 years. On this week's episode, we're doing a Credit Score Deep Dive with a top mortgage lender!

We cover the simple mistakes buyers make before they even apply (like opening a new credit card!) and share the full pre-approval checklist.

💡 Listen Now: Learn the magic number you need to hit to save $10,000s on your mortgage.

Meghan Shigo, Realtor

Century 21 Affiliated

DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #straighttalkwithrickandmeghan #realtor #realestate #credit #lender #mortgagebroker #creditscoresmatter #housing

FHA loans — you've probably heard of them, but do you really know what makes them different from conventional mortgages? 🤔 In this week's episode, Rick breaks down everything you need to know about FHA loans — from their history and requirements to the biggest misconceptions out there. We talk about why these loans are often a great option for buyers with lower credit scores or smaller down payments, and how they can actually offer better rates and more flexible terms than you might expect! Whether you're a first-time buyer, a realtor helping clients, or just curious about your financing options, this episode is packed with useful insights to help you make confident home-buying decisions. 🎧 Tune in now to Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan — available wherever you listen to podcasts! Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #straighttalkwithrickandmeghan #fha #loan #lender #homebuyingprocess #housingmarket

The future of housing is being built by Millennials and Gen Z! 🚀

On today's episode, we explore how these two powerful generations are not just buying homes, but redefining what homeownership even means. From prioritizing sustainability and smart tech to embracing co-buying and non-traditional markets, their influence is undeniable. What are their motivations? What are their financial hacks? And how are they navigating a market that feels stacked against them?

Get ready for an insightful listen!

Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803

#meghanshigo #housingmarket #realtor #realestate #homebuying #homeselling #anaheim #mortgage

Thinking about waiting for mortgage rates to drop more? You could be making a costly mistake. 📉 A small drop in rates might not save you as much as a rise in home prices could cost you. For example, a 5% annual increase on a $600,000 home is an extra $30,000—which costs you more than a small rate improvement would save. Don't get caught in the waiting game. The best time to buy is when you find the right home at a payment you can afford today.

Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803

#meghanshigo #realestate #realtor #mortgage

Welcome back to 'Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan!' We're talking about the biggest financial decision of your life: buying a home. And the first step is choosing the right partner to guide you through it. This isn't about personality—it's about performance. Here's what we'll cover: 1. Not Checking an Agent's Track Record and Reviews Everyone checks reviews for a new restaurant or a contractor, but many people don't do the same for their real estate agent. This is a huge mistake. Reviews and track records are a window into an agent's real-world performance. 2. Hiring an Agent with a Passive Approach A lot of agents will simply set up an automated search for you and wait for new listings to pop up. This is a passive approach that can cause you to lose out on your dream home. A great buyer's agent is a hunter. They are actively seeking out properties that might not be on the market yet, using their network, and getting you in the door first. 3. Not Understanding the Role of a Fiduciary The first and most critical mistake is not understanding the legal definition of a buyer's agent. A good agent is a fiduciary, which means they are legally and ethically bound to put your interests above their own. They must be transparent with you and maintain strict confidentiality. 4. Failing to Have a Face-to-Face Meeting This is the person who will be representing your largest financial decision. Don't base your choice on a phone call or a few emails. 5. Working with an Agent Who Is Not Locally Grounded The real estate market is hyper-local. An agent who is not actively working in your desired area may not have a finger on the pulse of inventory, pricing trends, and neighborhood nuances. A great local agent knows the schools, the local businesses, and the community—all of which are invaluable resources that a non-local agent can't provide. Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803

Everyone's talking about a possible Fed rate cut, but what does it really mean for the housing market and your mortgage? On this week's episode of "Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan," we dive deep into the impending possibility of a rate cut. We'll break down the factors influencing the Federal Reserve's decision and discuss how it could affect housing, from mortgage rates to buyer demand.

Rick and I will answer the most pressing question: has the market already started reacting? We'll explain the connection between the federal funds rate, bond yields, and mortgage rates, and give you the clear, straightforward information you need to understand today's lending landscape.

Don't miss this crucial conversation that could impact your next real estate move! Tune in and find out what's really happening.

Meghan Shigo, Realtor

Century 21 Affiliated

DRE 01243803

Are you a home seller about to interview a listing agent? Don't make a costly mistake! In this episode, Rick and I tackle the top 5 red flags you should watch out for when choosing a Realtor to sell your home. We're cutting through the noise to deliver the brutal truth. This isn't about personality—it's about performance. We'll reveal why you should never hire an agent based on what they charge and why communication skills are a non-negotiable. We'll also expose the risks of working with a part-time agent who is out of touch with today's fast-paced market. Tune in to discover the critical mistakes sellers make and learn how to spot a top-notch professional who will protect your investment and get your home sold right. Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803

🤯 Winning Bidding Wars: The TRUTH About Escalation Clauses! 🏡📈 Are you a homebuyer navigating a competitive market? You've heard about escalation clauses, but do you really know how they work – and if they're right for your offer? 🤔 This week on "Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan," we're breaking down everything you need to know about this powerful, yet often misunderstood, bidding strategy! We'll cover: What IS an Escalation Clause? (And how it works in practice!) The PROS: How it can help you win in a multiple-offer situation and potentially save you money. 💰 The CONS: The hidden risks, like revealing your top budget or facing appraisal gaps. 🚧 When to Use It (and When to AVOID It!): Strategic insights for competitive markets. Don't go into your next offer blind! Tune in for expert advice that could make or break your home purchase. 👇 Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #straighttalkwithrickandmeghan #escalation #homebuyingjourney #homeselling #realtors #realestate #anaheim #downtownanaheim

🤯 Beyond Traditional Mortgages: Unlocking Unique Loan Solutions! 🏡💰 Tired of hearing 'no' from big banks? 😩 This week on "Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan," we're diving deep into a world of mortgage options you might not even know exist! Rick Dennis from Rate.com pulls back the curtain on exclusive portfolio loan products designed for unique financial situations. Discover how you can buy a home even if: You're Self-Employed: Learn about Profit & Loss (P&L) Statement Loans (using current income, not old tax returns!) and Bank Statement Loans (qualify using your business deposits!). 📈 You're an Investor: Explore DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) Loans where your property's cash flow is the key to approval – no personal income verification needed! 🏘️ You Need a Jumbo Loan with Less Down: Find out how to secure financing for higher-priced homes with as little as 10% down, even when big banks say it's impossible! 🔑 Rick explains why large, specialized lenders like Rate.com have the volume and expertise to offer these competitive, non-conventional solutions that often stump traditional banks. Don't let outdated loan myths hold you back from homeownership or expanding your portfolio! Tune in to get informed and make the best real estate decisions! 👇 Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803

🏡💰 The Big Beautiful Tax Bill: How the IRA Impacts Your Home & Investments! ⚡

This week on "Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan," we're breaking down the game-changing Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – also called the "Big Beautiful Tax Bill"! 📜

Tune in as we reveal how this monumental legislation directly affects local homeowners and savvy investors in the real estate market.

Discover:

• Mortgage Interest Deduction Lives On Homeowners can still deduct mortgage interest on loans up to $750,000 — a key tax-saving and homeownership incentive.

• Mortgage Insurance Deductions Are BACK Permanently reinstated for households earning under $100K. This includes: - Conventional + FHA mortgage insurance - VA funding fees - USDA guarantee fees Translation: More tax savings for buyers!

• Property Tax Deduction QUADRUPLED Cap increased from $10,000 → $40,000 for households earning under $500K/year. Higher-income buyers now get bigger write-offs = more affordability.

• 100% Bonus Depreciation Returns Investors can write off 100% of qualifying renovations in year one. Perfect for BRRRR buyers and fix-and-flip pros .

• QBI Tax Break is Bigger & Permanent Real estate pros (yes, YOU!) now get a 23% deduction starting in 2026. - Applies to agents, brokers, small biz owners, investors - Can reduce your effective tax rate below 29%

Don't miss our expert insights on navigating these changes to save money and maximize your property's potential! 📈

PS this information is not tax or legal advice! Contact your tax advisor for more info on how this effects you!

Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #meghanshomes #bigbeautifulbill #ira #taxes #anaheim #downtownanaheim