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Liberty Under Fire: Protect and Proclaim It! Topics discussed include: Defining Liberty. Modern Day Threats to Liberty. Why Do We Need to Speak Up about Liberty? Fear of God and Liberty. 

Did you hear about the mortgage broker who always ate lunch alone? Yep—it turns out he was a loaner.

Okay, a bit of levity to start the program today, but you know what’s serious business? Buying or selling a home. Are spring and summer still prime seasons to jump into the market? Dale Vermillion joins us for insight on today’s real estate and mortgage trends. 

Dale Vermillion is the author of Navigating the Mortgage Maze: The Simple Truth About Financing Your Home. This book covers everything you need to know about securing a mortgage—all from a biblical perspective.

While spring and summer are still active seasons, seasonality in real estate isn’t what it used to be. The rise of online listings means people shop for homes year-round. However, warmer weather, the end of the school year, and a desire for fresh starts still push many families to buy and sell during this time.

There’s a lot of activity right now. Listings are up over 700,000—33% more homes than last year. And new home sales? Up to 76,000 in just the last 30 days.

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers competing, this may be the best opportunity to buy a home since 2021.

If you’re on the selling side, you’ll need more than a “For Sale” sign. Here are a few key steps to rise above the noise:

• Price your home right from day one. Use recent comps, a professional appraisal, and work with a local agent who knows your area.
   
• Stage your home well. With more buyers relying on online home tours and 360° walkthroughs, curb appeal and clean, well-lit interiors matter more than ever.
   
• Declutter and simplify. Remove excess items and ensure the space feels open and welcoming—both inside and out.

For starters, you need to understand that pre-approval is not the same as pre-qualification. Pre-qualification is often based on unverified info. You want a full pre-approval, where your application, income, credit, and down payment are all verified.

This not only makes your offer more attractive to sellers but also helps you understand what you can realistically afford. And that’s the other key point—know your budget. Don’t rely solely on what a lender says you qualify for.

• Create a detailed budget based on your actual income and expenses.
• Consider your long-term financial goals, not just your current desires.
• Most importantly, pray about your decision. Ask God for wisdom and peace before making such a significant commitment.

Many are still waiting for interest rates to drop—but experts say don’t hold your breath.

The Fed rate may drop a few times this year, but that mostly affects short-term debt like credit cards and auto loans. Mortgage rates, on the other hand, are driven by the 10-year Treasury note.

As inflation eases, mortgage rates may follow, but they’re expected to remain relatively stable for now.

If you’re a buyer, now could be the right time to act, with high inventory and lower competition. But as always, make sure your decision is rooted in financial wisdom and prayerful dependence on God. Only buy what you can afford, and trust the Lord through the process.

Our earliest childhood interactions will shape how we connect and communicate with each other as adults. The Yerkoviches and Camerons call these ways we interact “love styles,” and they describe how we can overcome wounds of our past to improve and strengthen our relationships, especially in marriage. 

Receive the book How We Love plus a free audio download of "How Love Styles Can Help You Grow Closer as a Couple" for your donation of any amount! Plus, receive member-exclusive benefits when you make a recurring gift today. Your monthly support helps families thrive.

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This hour, we get a report from Dr. Hormoz Shariat, of Iran Alive ministries, as he shares how the average Iranian is handling the mounting tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. We then lengthen your prayer list by getting a report from Todd Nettleton on how the Persecuted Church is both suffering and surviving. Don’t miss a great hour of conversation.

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