Townstone Financial

Townstone Financial

By Barry Sturner and Zach SchwartzBusiness
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Townstone Financial episodes

  • Don’t Believe Everything You Read (Especially Today)
    You should ALWAYS be vigilant when browsing the internet, but today is April Fool’s, so you should probably wait until tomorrow for confirmation if you hear about something that doesn’t pass the smell test.
    Mortgage rates start the week higher along with treasury yields while equities fall. Gold is breaking records, currently trading at over $2,200 per ounce.
    Announcing a NEW segment: “This or That: Barry Vs. Zach” where we’ll argue opposing sides on everything from future interest rates to movies and politics. It’ll be one place on the show where we’ll find absolutely no common ground!
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    37 min
  • No Such Thing as a Free Lunch!
    Who Pays Realtor Commissions?
    With the National Association of Realtors agreeing to pay $418 million in damages along with other rule changes, some housing experts are saying this will drive down housing costs. But what does it actually mean?
    Barry and Zach are here to discuss!
    Who pays Realtor commissions now?
    Who will pay Realtor commissions in the future?
    How does this impact home sellers?
    How does this impact home buyers?
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    22 min
  • Inflation Heating Up, Again?!?!?
    Don’t say we didn’t tell you! Stocks are down with Treasury yields higher after the release of PPI (Producer Price Index) data reflecting hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation. As the last major piece of economic data to be released prior to the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting, set for March 19-20, it’s hard to argue that a “fed rate cut” is in the cards for next week.
    That said, we’re still seeing increased activity in both purchases and refinancing.
    Purchases are expected this time of year as buyers and sellers come out of their winter hibernation.
    Refinances are up because American consumer debt continues to rise and it’s simply better to pay 6%-7% on a mortgage than 20%+ on outstanding credit card debt.
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    31 min
  • March (Purchase) Madness!
    Winter coats are going into the closet while home buyers, and home sellers are coming out!
    Are you ready to pounce on your dream home? A prequalification from Townstone is FREE and completed within 24 business hours!
    SCAM ALERT: Fake property sellers, landlords, and squatters.
    Buyers and Renters - make sure the person you’re sending money to (earnest money, apartment application/security deposit) is actually the owner/agent!
    Landlords – make sure you actively monitor any vacant property! A trespasser can be dealt with by the police, but a squatter needs to be legally evicted which takes time and money.
    To our Chicago-based viewers and listeners: construction on the Kennedy starts (again) next week, so plan your commutes accordingly.
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    35 min
  • Townstone Financial Show: 2024 LEAP YEAR EDITION!
    🎙️ AND WE’RE LIVE!!!! NMLS#136639
    📅 Today’s Episode: “Mortgage Rates: Riding the Roller Coaster—What’s Next?”🎢
    In a world of economic twists and turns, mortgage rates have been on a wild ride. Let’s explore the latest trends and what lies ahead. Buckle up! 📈📉
    After rising sharply through October 2023, mortgage rates trended back down. As of January 31, 2024, the average rate on a 30-year mortgage was 6.84 percent, which represented a welcome drop from 8.01 percent on October 25th 2023. Rates have climbed back up with a reported 7.13% average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage as of February 21, 2024.
    But it’s not all doom-and-gloom for homeowners and future homebuyers: A spiraling CRE (Commercial Real Estate) office market threatens the stability of regional banks, who may lobby for lower rates from the Fed to help valuation in the office market space and avoid a banking crisis. “Return to office” is being pushed by the higher-ups to avoid further meltdown in the CRE sector. And you thought it was just your boss who missed seeing your face in the office!
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    30 min
  • Townstone Financial Show 2/22/24
    AT&T Celler Outage Disrupts Vital Services!
    In 2024, I like to say that only 3 things in life are certain:
    1. Death
    2. Taxes
    3. Call phone Service
    Well, AT&T sure made me look like a fool this morning!
    It only goes to show how fundamental technology has become in our modern age. Millenials/Gen Z simply can’t fathom a world before smartphones, Uber/direct-to-doorstep delivery, and 30 second youtube videos to explain even the most advanced concepts.
    At Townstone , we pride ourselves on offering the best in home financing. You get to work directly 1 on 1 with a Loan Officer who will take care of your purchase, refinance, home equity line/loan, or reverse mortgage.
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    31 min
  • Townstone Financial Show 2/12/24
    Friendly Reminder: Valentine's Day is on Wednesday (2/14)... Is it one of those holidays where it's only possible to "lose"?
    Barry and Zach react to "The Big Game" Spoiler: one watched the football, the other watched the ads and the halftime show.
    Are you prequalified for purchase season? If not, we might have a mortgage company to recommend.
    US consumer credit card debt remains at all-time highs (about $1.1 trillion) as Americans deal with lingering inflation and the ongoing rise in interest rates, which forces them to depend more heavily on credit cards.
    The average annual percentage rate is now more than 20% — also an all-time high.
    We happen to know a GREAT mortgage company you can contact to see if a home equity line or loan can save you money, three guesses which company.
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    25 min
  • Debt-Consolidation 101
    Don't wait until it's too late!!!
    The BIGGEST mistake people make when looking to consolidate debt is waiting too long before reaching out to Townstone for help.
    Once you’re late on your mortgage there often is little we can do since an on-time mortgage is one of the biggest factors in qualifying for a new mortgage, home equity line, or home equity loan.
    You and your family should strive to have a 3-6 months emergency buffer of money in checking or savings to pay your mortgage and other unavoidable monthly expenses and should reach out to Townstone BEFORE you’ve even needed to tap these funds to make your payments. Worst-case, reach out to us immediately after that first month of dipping into your emergency funds.
    There is no cost or commitment when you reach out to Townstone for a consultation. We’ll simply review your scenario, see what program(s) you qualify for, and present you with the mathematically-best proposal that you can then decide to proceed with or not.
    We understand that there is sometimes shame or embarrassment being in some of these financial situations, but we don’t judge, we only want to help!
    So don’t wait until your bills are unmanageable and you’re ineligible for help! Contact Townstone Today!
    https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    20 min
  • So Zach had a run-in with the police...
    Today is the start of the Federal Reserve Meeting! Were YOU invited?
    Traders are watching for updates out of the Federal Open Market Committee’s two-day policy meeting that got underway Tuesday. The fed funds futures market has priced in a 97% probability that the central bank will leave rates unchanged, according to the CME FedWatch tool, so investors are instead left anticipating a shift in the policy statement that will close out the meeting.
    With the economic outlook and consumer confidence improving, rate-cuts seem unlikely in the months to come.
    But guess what? Apple is selling a $3,500 virtual reality headset that early reviewers are calling the “future of computing and entertainment”! That’s one product that Barry and Zach will not be standing in line for on release day.
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    27 min
  • Make sure your "Attorney" is actually an Attorney!
    Make sure your "Attorney" is actually an Attorney!
    With over 35 years of combined experience in the mortgage industry, Barry and Zach have seen a lot. But this one might take the cake...
    It's easy to look up to make sure your Attorney, Real Estate Agent, Loan Officer, CPA, etc... is in-fact licensed. So please do your due diligence!
    As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
    27 min

About Townstone Financial

From the publisher's feed

Whether you are purchasing a new home or refinancing your existing home, the Townstone Financial team of state and nationally licensed, FBI background checked mortgage professionals will find a loan program which best fits your specific financial situation.