Mortgage Secrets With John Downs

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.

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!

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.