🏡 STOP! Are You TRULY Pre-Approved?

This week on the podcast, we're pulling back the curtain on the most confusing part of buying a house: the mortgage pre-approval. 😫

A computer approval (AUS) is NOT the same as an Underwriter's approval, and that little detail can crush your dreams at closing!

Rick and I discuss why accurate income data and PROPER financial planning before house hunting are non-negotiable. Don't wait until the last minute—listen now to ensure you're working with a pro who knows the difference! 👇

Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803

#meghanshigo #straighttalkwithrickandmeghan #realtor #realestate #anaheim #downtownanaheim

Full video on my YouTube!

https://youtu.be/CTzChknzjJ4 Want to pay LESS tax on your rental properties? 🚨 The rules on depreciation, write-offs, and avoiding capital gains are confusing—but they can save (or cost!) you thousands. We just put a tax expert in the hot seat to answer the toughest questions. Here are the 3 must-know topics we covered: DEPRECIATION: How long should you hold a property to maximize your write-offs, and what is the recapture cost? THE EXPENSE SECRET: We break down the difference between a repair (instant write-off!) and an improvement (depreciated over years). Don't confuse the two! 1031 LEGACY: The strict timelines to defer taxes + how "stepped-up basis" can wipe out taxes for your heirs. Tune in and make sure you're not making the biggest tax mistake that could jeopardize your next deal! Louie Vazquez III / 714-440-4839 https://www.profitwealthtaxadvisors.com/ Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #taxes #realestate #realtor #homebuyingjourney #anaheim #downtownanaheim

The "Winter Lock-In" isn't a bad thing. It's an opportunity! 🏡💰 Our new podcast episode reveals why the winter real estate market is different—and how smart buyers and sellers can use it to their advantage! ❄️ Buyers: Less competition means more leverage for YOU. Learn to negotiate better deals & score concessions! 📈 Sellers: Uncover what truly motivated buyers are looking for during the holidays AND get your ultimate spring prep checklist. Stop waiting for spring! Your next move could be now. Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #meghanshomes #straighttalkwithrickandmeghan #homebuyingprocess #homeselling #housingmarket #realtor #realestate

This week, Rick and I break down the newly proposed 50-year loan program that's gaining support from Freddie, Fannie, and other secondary market investors. Rick explains how this option could help buyers by lowering monthly payments, especially for people who don't plan to stay in their homes for the full 50 years but want short-term affordability. But — as always — there's a flip side. 🌀 While the 50-year mortgage might benefit some buyers, it also means paying more interest over time, and it's definitely not the right fit for everyone. I also share my concerns about what this program says about today's affordability challenges… because if we need 50-year mortgages to make housing attainable, what does that really mean for the bigger picture? 🤔 If you're curious about where the market is heading and how this could impact homebuyers, you won't want to miss this one! 🎧 Tune in to Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan — available on all podcast platforms. Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #meghanshomes #realtor #realestate #straighttalkwithrickandmeghan #housingmarket #homebuyingprocess #mortgage

🎙️ Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan presents... Seller Negotiation Strategies! STOP! Don't just take the highest offer. On this week's podcast, we dive into the ultimate seller playbook for negotiation. Most sellers think the highest price wins, but that's a rookie mistake. In this episode, you will learn: The "Multiple Offer Scorecard": How to weigh financing, closing timelines, and contingencies against the raw price. The 3 Riskiest Contingencies (Home Sale is a deal killer!) and how to counter them. tune in before you put your home on the market—this episode could save you weeks of stress and thousands of dollars. Listen now! Link in bio. YouTube: @Meghan Shigo Spotify: @ Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan iTunes: @ Straight Talk with Rick and Meghan Meghan Shigo, Realtor Century 21 Affiliated DRE 01243803 #meghanshigo #meghanshomes #straighttalkwithrickandmeghan #homeseller #housingmarket #negotiation

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