Townstone Financial: Recent Episodes
Barry Sturner
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.
https://www.townstone.com
Townstone Financial was created in 2002 with the goal of offering the best service in the mortgage industry. We accomplish this goal through attention to detail and living by the motto that the customer is always right. Townstone Financial is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Florida.
https://www.townstone.com
Licensing Townstone Financial Inc. is a licensed mortgage broker/banker NMLS #136639. Florida Mortgage Lender MLD38, Michigan 1st Mortgage Broker/Lender License FL-3832, Wisconsin Mortgage Broker/Banker #3684BR and #136639BA, Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee #6629; IL Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulations, Division of Banking, 100 West Randolph, 9th Fl, Chicago, IL 60601, (888) 473-4858, Indiana-DFI First Lien Mortgage Lending License #16368. equal_housing_lender_TFS.
https://www.townstone.com
On today's episode of the Townstone Financial Show, Barry and Zach dive into the hot topics shaping the mortgage market on the eve of Election Day! With the final votes being cast tomorrow, they discuss how the potential election results might impact mortgage rates, the housing market, and the financial landscape as a whole. Will new policies or economic shifts come into play? And what should homeowners, buyers, and investors expect? Barry and Zach bring their expert insight and analysis to help listeners prepare for what’s to come. Don't miss this timely conversation!
On today’s Halloween episode of the Townstone Financial Show, Zach and Barry tackle some of the "spookiest" misconceptions haunting the mortgage and housing markets. From fears of skyrocketing rates to concerns about an impending market “crash,” they shed light on the truth behind these eerie assumptions. Plus, they’ll reveal why some “tricks” in the industry may have hidden “treats” for savvy buyers and homeowners. Grab your favorite Halloween candy and tune in for a show filled with facts, fun, and financial insight—no tricks here!www.townstone.com
Townstone is still helping our customers close on their purchases, home equity lines/loans, and refinances in 30 days or less. With our 24 hour prequalification guarantee, there is still time to purchase your dream home or condo before the end of the year!Consumer credit cards continue to hit record balances and record interest rates! If you have equity in your property, we can help you with a new home equity line of credit or home equity loan to consolidate your debt, lower your monthly payment, and put you on the best possible financial footing before we hit 2025. Call Zach at 312-896-2114 to discuss your scenario. A preliminary chat only takes 5-10 minutes and is FREE with absolutely zero commitment.We start the week with stocks showing moderate weakness while the 10 Year Treasury Yield is fighting to stay below 4.2%. With the next FED announcement still over 2 weeks away, the odds of further cuts has dropped to 85% according to the CME FedWatch, with 15% of respondents expecting no further cuts at the next meeting.www.townstone.com
The S&P 500 hits another record high along with Barry’s favorite Nvidia. Gold is also trading at a record high on election and inflation uncertainty.The 10 year Treasury yield is back above 4% after better-than-expected retail sales and a drop in jobless claims. Does this impact the trajectory of future possible Fed rate cuts?FTC announces new “Click to Cancel” rule helping consumers with those pesky subscriptions that are easy to signup for but seemingly impossible to cancel. Highlights:“Important information must be truthful, clear, and easy to find. People have to know what they’re agreeing to before they sign up. Sellers have to be able to show that people knew what they agreed to before they signed up. There always has to be a way to cancel that’s as quick and easy as it was to sign up. Sign up online? Click to cancel. Signed up in person? Cancel online or over the phone. Violators can be liable for redress and civil penalties.”Zach likes it, Barry….?12 million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products recalled over listeria risk?!?! The company BrucePac is responsible, but they don’t sell directly to consumers. They supply the chicken used in products sold by Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, 7-Eleven, Kroger, Walmart, Aldi, Meijer, Giant Eagle, Amazon, Target, and more. Some of the recalled chicken was even distributed to schools! You can find the list of recalled products online at the USDA’s website, but good luck scrolling through those 343 pages of products….www.townstone.com
U.S. Treasurys aren’t trading today, and the USPS isn’t delivering mail. But the stock market and pretty much everything else is open, making this one of the least observed Federal holidays on the calendar.This week Zach and Barry do their best to stay on topic and discuss the current housing market, interest rate trends, and money saving tips as we head towards the holiday season.We’ll remind you that Townstone Financial is the #1 independent mortgage company offering our clients the lowest rates and closing costs combined with the best customer service. So head to www.townstone.com for a FREE consultation. We’re offering same-day prequalification for purchases, debt-consolidation refinances, home equity lines, home equity loans… You name it and we offer it or can refer you to someone who does.
Last week’s payroll report showed:Nonfarm payrolls surging by 254,000 in September, up from a revised 159,000 in August and better than the 150,000 Dow Jones consensus forecast.The unemployment rate falling to 4.1%, down 0.1%, as the survey of household employment showed an even stronger picture, with a gain of 430,000.Average hourly earnings increased 0.4% on the month and were up 4% from a year ago. Both figures were ahead of respective estimates.And this weekend, Goldman Sachs lowered their odds of a recession to just 15%, meaning there’s no better chance of a recession now than there is under any other normal circumstances.This might all seem like GOOD news, and it is for the country at large. But those of us in the mortgage world, see things a bit differently. Good news for jobs, payrolls, and recession risk is BAD news for those of you hoping for lower interest rates. As a result, mortgage rates are higher today vs. just a week ago and lots of people have been sitting on the sidelines watching rates drop and holding off on their purchases and refinances because they were expecting rates to drop further.Here at Townstone, we don’t pretend to be fortune tellers, but we have been advising our clients to lock-in over the past few weeks knowing that rates are never guaranteed to go down.The one thing we WILL promise you: complete transparency on your next mortgage transaction. The best possible rate at any given time in the market. The lowest closing costs. The best mortgage process and customer service in the country.We’ve been doing this for over 22 years and our results speak for themselves.Fill out your request for a FREE consultation today at: www.townstone.com
Barry and Zach are live with the latest in mortgages, real estate, finance, and everything else!With a current Fed Funds rate of 525-550, CME FedWatch is now predicting for the 9/18/24 meeting:a 61% drop to 475-500a 39% drop to 500-525That’s a complete reversal from last week when the market likelihood was 70% for 500-525 and only 30% for 475-500. So what has changed in the last 7 days?The 10 year treasury yield has pretty much stayed below 3.7% for the last two weeks. Are we due for a reversal or will it continue to trend downward?Finally, we are now offering higher maximum conforming loan limits! $802,650 and lower for a 1-unit residence is now considered “conforming” and not a “jumbo mortgage”.So visit www.townstone.com for a FREE 1 on 1 consultation for your next purchase, refinance, home equity loan, reverse mortgage, or home equity line of credit. We have the best rates, the lowest closing costs, and unparalleled customer service. See for yourself why we’re the #1 independent mortgage company for over 20 years.
It’s Barry vs. Zach every week talking mortgages, real estate, finance, and going on tangents. Actually, the tangents are probably 90% or more of the show’s runtime.Inflation appears to be cooling according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.We have Apples down 14%, Gasoline down 10%, Used cars/trucks down 10%Other products don’t seem to be moving much like new cars, utility gas service, and breakfast cereal (or dinner cereal depending on the time of day you eat it)Social Security recipients could be seeing a low cost-of-living adjustment this year at 2.5%, says independent analyst Mary Johnson. Compare that to a 5.9% increase in 2022, 8.7% increase in 2023, and 3.2% increase in 2024.Remember to visit www.townstone.com for a FREE mortgage consultation. We'll help you on your next purchase, refinance, home equity product, reverse mortgage... basically all of your residential real estate financing needs under one roof!
Happy Monday! Stocks are up, Bond Yields are down, Oil is still below $70 per barrel, and Zach and Barry are LIVE!The Chicago Bears edged out the Titans to start the season 1-0 while both American finalists in the U.S. Open (tennis) came in 2nd…Apple, the maker of iPhones/iPads/Etc… (not the fruit) announces new watches, AirPods, and iPhones. Zach is excited, Barry is indifferent.Fill out a FREE consultation at www.townstone.com for your next purchase, refinance, home equity product, reverse mortgage, or with tips for Zach’s upcoming trip to Italy.
Payrolls, Payrolls, Payrolls!We all love Rolls. Dinner Rolls. Cinnamon Rolls. Tootsie Rolls.... But today, Barry and Zach are discussing PAYROLLS! According to ADP, private sector payrolls grew at the weakest pace in more than 3½ years in August, providing yet another sign of a deteriorating labor market. But Barry says to "hold your horses" because ADP's numbers are often wrong. What we're REALLY looking at is the upcoming jobs report from the Labor Department which may set the tone for Federal Reserve policy and possible rate cuts through the end of the year. Remember to visit townstone.com for your FREE mortgage consultation. We've been the #1 independent mortgage company since 2002 and will make sure to get you the loan and customer service that you deserve!
After Monday’s mid-podcast tantrum, Barry is back talking to his best buddy Zach about mortgages, real estate, economics, and anything else that suits their fancy.Tip for anyone communicating with Zach and the English language in general: Don’t use the word “literally” unless you mean it.Correct use of literally: “Barry and Zach are literally recording the Townstone Financial Show at their studio located in the City of Chicago.”Incorrect use of literally: “I’m so tired that I could LITERALLY sleep for a year.” Or “That guitar solo LITERALLY melted my face off”The guys also talk about the ongoing US Open (Zach talks, Barry rolls his eyes). Remember, FREE consultations available at townstone.com Have a great rest of your week and happy Labor Day!
Barry STORMS out of the podcast because he doesn't want to hear about the difference between "literally" and "hyperbole". But if you can't handle the heat, get out of the podcast studio!Compared to the 1968 Democratic National Convention, 2024 came and went without a hitch!Regardless, Zach was out of town because he hates traffic!A FED rate cut in September seems like a foregone conclusion at this point, so it can only have a negative impact on mortgage rates if they don't follow through.The US Open starts today and Zach will be watching his favorites: Djokovic and Alcaraz (sorry Americans, we haven't been at the top of global tennis since the days of Sampras and Agassi)As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
AND Barry and Zach are LIVE again!!!The Olympics came to a close this weekend with Team U.S.A dominating the total medal count! That closing ceremony and subsequent “handoff” to L.A. was interesting to say the least…Mortgage rates are back in the news as the 10-Year Treasury Yield has held below 4% for the last 2 weeks or so. CME FedWatch is predicting that the Federal Reserve will ease rates at their September meeting next month, but by how much? Looking ahead to the end of the year, we’re seeing predictions for everything from 3.75%-4.75%.Remember though, MORTGAGE RATES ARE NOT CONTROLLED BY THE FED! Current mortgage rates already reflect the market expectations of future Federal Reserve cuts. That means that mortgage rates won’t change if the FED does everything the market already expects, mortgage rates are more likely to change if the FED (or other current events) go against the predictions that are already built-in to the market.There is still time to get prequalified and into a home before the leaves start to fall. We offer free consultations so you can be confident in your eligibility for a mortgage, compare buying vs. renting, or if it’s worthwhile to take advantage of current rates to refinance.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
It’s finally happened! The US 10-Year Treasury Yield has dropped below 4%! This is exactly what Zach and Barry have been telling our audience for months.Did you purchase or refinance between October-December 2023? NOW is the time to reach out to Barry or Zach (or fill out a FREE consultation request at Townstone.com) to see about refinancing to a lower rate so you can save money and interest! Refinancing can significantly reduce your monthly payments and the total interest paid over the life of your loan. Why pay more when you can pay less? Trick question! You shouldn’t!In unrelated news, guess whose air conditioning went out yesterday during one of the hottest and most-humid days of the year? If you guessed “Zach”, you win a pat on the back from yourself. After 2 hours of troubleshooting, turns out it was the thermostat itself that went bad. Who’d imagine?So tune in to the Townstone Financial Show this week (and EVERY week) for real estate insight, mortgage tips, and occasionally comedy!Have a great rest of your week! Be sure to set up your FREE consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Happy Monday! In today’s episode, Barry and Zach dive into a mix of financial insights and pop culture fun. First up, we break down what to expect from the upcoming July Federal Reserve meeting which starts tomorrow. The CME FedWatch isn’t expecting any change from the Fed until September, but we won’t know for sure until the announcement on Wednesday.Next, Zach shares his thoughts on the latest Deadpool & Wolverine movie. And Robert Downey Jr. is coming back to the MCU, just not as Ironman? Whether you’re a fan of the Marvel universe or just curious about the film, Zach’s review offers a blend of humor and critique that you won’t want to miss. Just know there might be a few spoilers, so don’t say we didn’t warn you!And as always, we bring you the latest updates on mortgages and the real estate market. From interest rates to housing trends, we cover everything you need to know to make informed decisions in today’s market.Join us for an episode that’s both informative and entertaining, blending serious financial talk with a touch of superhero excitement. 🏦🎬🏡FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
The 2024 Summer Olympic Games are upon us! Zach wonders why the “Opening Ceremony” is scheduled for 7/26, but events Soccer, Rugby, Archery, and Handball are currently ongoing. What is Handball anyways?Barry and Zach also dive into the latest economic news and its implications for the mortgage and housing markets. With the U.S. economy showing a 2.8% growth rate in the last quarter (gross domestic product as reported by the Commerce Department), Barry and Zach discuss how this unexpected economic strength, coupled with easing inflation, might influence mortgage rates and home affordability.What does it all mean for potential homebuyers, current homeowners, and renters alike? Today’s housing market is filled with both challenges and opportunities, including the impact of high home prices and mortgage rates on buyer sentiment.Tune in to hear Barry and Zach’s predictions for the coming months and practical advice for navigating these turbulent times. So sit back, enjoy the show, and GO TEAM USA!!!Townstone is the #1 independent mortgage company, helping people like you since 2002. Visit www.townstone.com for a FREE consultation.
Did you manage to snag any good deals? U.S. shoppers spent a record $14.2 billion online during Amazon’s two-day Prime event, up 11% year over year, according to Adobe Analytics data. Remember, it’s only a “deal” if you’re buying something you would’ve already bought, not some “chazerai” that’ll only be collecting dust in the garage next week.More important than saving money on your TV, vacuum, paper towels, etc… is saving money on your mortgage! Instead of saving $10, $50, or even $1,000, you could save multiple thousands of dollars with a lower mortgage rate or closing costs by working with Townstone.This week the Midwest saw a series of storms (tornadoes, rain, wind, hail, cats/dogs….) Hopefully you and your family made it out unscathed along with your property. We like to take events like these as a good reminder to review your homeowner’s insurance policy to check your deductibles, premium, and possible exclusions.Housing inventory in the Chicago area seems to be picking up as many of our prequalified clients are getting properties under contract. Zach has a client paying $3,200 in monthly rent set to buy a similar condo where the total housing payment (including taxes, insurance, HOA) will be $2,800. Saving money AND building equity at the same time, it’s a no-brainer!As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
The consumer price index (CPI) rose 3% in June 2024 compared to the 9.1% pandemic-era peak in 2022. We are nearing the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%, so what comes next?After years of waiting, this is the best sign yet that the Fed will enact a rate cut in September with the possibility of further cuts as we head into 2025.We continue to see lots of purchase activity as inventory increases, but let’s talk about home equity products for a moment. Two big misconceptions we’re seeing right now:1.Can you refinance your 1st mortgage after opening a home equity line or loan? Yes. It simply requires what is called a “resubordination” where the 2nd mortgage holder agrees to remain in 2nd lien position. What you can’t do is a cash-out refinance of a 1st mortgage without paying off the 2nd mortgage because then it weakens their 2nd lien position.2.Will you lose your home if you default on your home equity line or loan? While you can theoretically be foreclosed on if you default on the 2nd mortgage, it’s nearly unheard of. What generally happens is the 2nd mortgage (home equity line or loan) remains a lien on the house accruing fees/interest (assuming you continue not to pay it) and it gets settled/paid-in-full when the house is sold.So remember, Townstone = Mortgages We are here to help on your next purchase, refinance, home equity line/loan, or reverse mortgage. With the most products, the lowest rates/costs, and the best customer service, the choice couldn’t be easier. And you can take that guarantee to heart because Barry has owned the company since its founding in 2002!www.townstone.com
Freddie Mac gets conditional approval to enter the Home Equity Market, what does that mean for you? We’ll continue to watch this development, but in the meantime, it’s still a GREAT time to look at a home equity line or loan. Why? You can use your equity to consolidate credit card debt, make home improvements, or even gamble on cryptocurrency!We even now have a FIXED-RATE Home Equity Line of Credit! Practically unheard of until now! Call Zach at 312-896-2114 for the details and to see if you qualify.Are you building Social Security into your retirement plans? Not so fast! According to the SSA Board of Trustees' latest estimates, released in May 2024, the OASI (Old-Age and Survivors Insurance) fund -- which covers retirement and survivors' benefits -- is expected to be depleted by 2033. That’s less than 10 years for those of you who are too lazy to count.In items that grind Zach’s gears: Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBOMax, Amazon Prime, Paramount+… what do they all have in common? Yes, they’re all streaming services. But they have all increased their monthly subscription fees in the last 12 months. Most are now even offering plans with ads! Wasn’t the whole point of streaming to watch shows and movies without ads? Pretty soon we’ll be wishing for the days when all content just came with your cable subscription…As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Mortgage Rate Watch: With markets closed yesterday for Junteenth, we’re ending the week with slightly higher mortgage rates vs. Monday/Tuesday.According to First American Data & Analytics’ latest Home Price Index (HPI) report, home price appreciation appears to be “normalizing” nationwide with a few interesting tidbits:1.Home prices are now 54.6% higher than pre-pandemic levels2.Homes in the Starter Tier appreciated in price at a much higher rate than those in the Mid-Tier and Luxury-Tier.Lack Of Financial Knowledge Leads Borrowers To OverpaySurvey data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia revealed that a large fraction of borrowers overpay for their mortgage, varying with borrower types and with market interest rates. Researchers call this “financial sophistication” and say it is the key reason for overpayment.Townstone has been helping people secure mortgages with the lowest rates and costs, combined with the best customer service since 2002. You don’t have to be sophisticated to fill out a request for a FREE consultation at Townstone.com. Stop overpaying on your mortgage!
Will that impact real estate showings? I know Zach wouldn’t venture from his climate controlled environment, but what about the average homebuyer? At least you can make sure the property you want to buy has working A/C!Do you carry a balance on your credit card? Well, credit card delinquencies continue to rise according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. A year ago, just 8.2% of credit card debt was severely delinquent (90+ days overdue), but that figure is now 10.7%.Please help us stop this trend and contact us about a possible home equity loan or line of credit. Lower your monthly payments AND interest rate! Get out from under the boot of those trying to trap you in the vicious debt cycle.Looking at the larger picture: After a brief scare in April and late May, the 10 Year Treasury seems to be comfortably below the 4.5% yield threshold which is good news for future homebuyers and home sellers alike! Supply and Demand, yadda, yadda, yadaa….As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Like Garfield, Zach loves lasagna and hates Mondays.Burying the lead: Mortgage rates start the week lower! Investors are digesting the latest manufacturing data, pushing the 10-Year Treasury Yield down to almost 4.4%Computex, a computer expo held annually in Taipei, Taiwan is nearly upon us! But that hasn’t stopped companies like Nvidia, AMD, Intel, Microsoft, etc… from making some “pre” announcements. Looks like they are all doubling-down on AI; integrating it into their upcoming chips and software. Lots of talk about how AI will be taking people’s jobs, but why stop there? Pretty soon you won’t need to talk to friends, watch movies, or listen to music because the AI will handle all of that for you!We’re still seeing lots of purchase activity as our prequalified buyers find properties they want to buy, some within days, others after years of searching. Credit card debt remains at all-time highs, so it might be time to take a look at one of Townstone’s Home Equity products to let you consolidate your debt and save money on interest and monthly payments.Zach has jury duty next week and he’s already nervous that he won’t reach the right verdict. Remember, you can now buy official Townstone merch from Townstone.redbubble.comAnd as always: FREE mortgage consultations are available at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Barry vs. Zach: the Pay-Per-View you can watch for FREE!The 10-year Treasury seems befuddled: closing under 4.5% last week, spiking above 4.7% to start this week, and now trending back down to 4.5%.Pending home sales in April are down 7.4% compared to last year, but the share of sellers cutting prices this month in May has hit 6.4%. Supply and Demand at work!Zach describes his car dealership/servicing nightmare, unbelievable right?We’re proud to announce: OFFICIAL TOWNSTONE MERCH! Now you can show off your support for the #1 mortgage company since 2002 by following this link https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/161479917
Barry and Zach have a beautiful feelin’!Everything’s goin’ their way!Memorial Day is right around the corner! Intended to be a day of honoring and mourning U.S. military personnel who died while serving, most Americans use it as a day to eat too many hotdogs and drink too many beers! And isn’t that truly what America is about?While we may be stuffing our faces Monday, we truly thank the vets for their service. Townstone has been taking care of veterans with the lowest rates and costs on VA loans since 2002! Just imagine the alternate history without the brave service from these men and women; we might’ve been eating bratwurst and schnitzel.Barry’s favorite stock Nvidia (NVDA) hits a new all-time high. The rest of the market seems pretty tame by comparison, while the yield of the US 10-YR Treasury flirts with 4.5%. Gold and Silver are down a bit for the day, but still near all-time highs as well.Conspiracy Alert: cicadas are supposedly out in the trillions, but have you seen any yet? Barry and Zach give their top tips for avoiding becoming a victim of the cicada brood!As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research group now expects the 30-year fixed rate to close 2024 at 6.4%. This is an upward adjustment from the group’s previous 6% forecast, but is still predicting lower rates by the end of the year.But here on the ground, the fluctuations in rates are not deterring potential buyers. We’re still seeing tons of potential buyers getting prequalified with many of those prequalified buyers getting a property under contract to buy within days or weeks.First with Kobe Bryant and now the President of Iran, Zach vows to never step foot in a helicopter.Homeowner’s insurance has often been of little concern for buyers and owners not in coastal states vulnerable to catastrophic hurricanes. But losses for homeowner’s insurance companies are starting to mount in the traditionally “safer” states like Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin (just to name a few). But as insurers around the US bleed cash, homeowners lose. How’s your premium looking today vs. just a couple of years ago?As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Barry and Zach have a candid session covering a variety of topics starting with Barry’s gripes about bureaucracy and red tape. He sheds light on the often complex and frustrating processes that is especially burdensome for individuals and small business.With a couple of personal victories under his belt this week, Zach shares his recent experience with DIY car and HVAC repairs, offering insights into the challenges and rewards of tackling such tasks without professional help. Who doesn’t love a good fixer-upper story?But mortgages and real estate remain the heart of the show, as Barry and Zach discuss the latest developments in mortgages and the real estate market. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or simply keeping an eye on market trends, we hope to provide valuable perspective on the current state of real estate and what it means for your wallet.Tune in for an episode that’s hopefully as educational as it is entertaining. We promise to leave you happier and better informed to navigate the complexities of modern finance and homeownership. 🏡💼As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
After sharp increases in mortgage rates last week, we’re starting the week with some much-appreciated relief from the market.But what’s good for mortgage rates may not be good for the overall economy. “Stagflation” is quickly becoming the new economic buzzword, meaning an economy plagued by a combination of inflation AND slower growth.And we had our 1st official bank failure of the year Friday 4/26, as regulators seized Republic First Bancorp, a troubled Philadelphia lender.Townstone Financial NMLS#136639 is an Independent Mortgage Broker: that means offer our customers more products, better rates, lower costs, and a higher level of service when compared to the competition. If you haven’t discovered this for yourself yet, set-up a FREE consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/Purchase MortgagesRefinance MortgagesHome Equity Lines/LoansReverse MortgagesDon’t settle for less!
Lions and Tigers and 10-year Treasury Yields Surpass 4.5% (Oh My!)So, what’s the ACTUAL impact on the economy and consumers? As Treasury yields rise, interest rates on consumer loans, such as mortgages and car loans, often increase. This can lead to higher borrowing costs for mortgages, cars, credit cards, and more.Middle East Tensions get hotter! Escalations between Israel and Iran have already led to a selloff in Iranian currency and stocks, indicating increased market volatility and investor concern over the stability of the region. We expect this to put pressure on oil prices/outflows from emerging markets. Also, is it time to buy some defense stocks like weapon manufacturers?Real Estate Insights -Home Prices: Home prices nationwide were up 6.4% year-over-year in February. Sales Volume: The number of homes sold rose 2.8%, and the number of homes for sale rose 4.9%Market Predictions: Experts predict a slower rise in home prices this year compared to recent years, but price fluctuations will continue to vary regionally and depend strongly on local market supply.Market Size: The Residential Real Estate Market in the United States is estimated at USD 2.53 trillion in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 2.80 trillion by 2028, 2.04% estimated growth during the forecast period (2023-2028).These trends indicate a market that is still adjusting to post-pandemic conditions, with a mix of rising prices and increasing sales volume, alongside predictions of a more balanced growth in the coming years.
Just in case you didn’t pay attention in class: Except during the brief total phase of a total solar eclipse, when the Moon completely blocks the Sun’s bright face, it is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection for solar viewing.Mortgage rates start the week higher as the 10-year Treasury yield is above 4.4% (highest YTD, but nowhere close to the 5% we saw last October)Handyman Zach! Replaces his car’s wiper blades/air filter, and Nintendo Joy-Con stick drift fixed by replacing them.This or That: Barry Vs. ZachBarry’s favorite: the Chicago Cubs might be finding their groove with a 6-3 record to date, how far does he think they’ll go this year?Biden’s new plan to reduce student loan balances for approximately 23 million borrowers, is trying to buy votes?Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday that nonfarm payrolls grew by 303,000 in March, far above expectations, but will we have another downward revision next month as is becoming the norm?Friendly Reminder: Townstone is a mortgage company NMLS#136639. Purchases, refinances, home equity lines/loans, reverse mortgages. Low rates, low costs, highest level of service.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Townstone Financial has more products for home purchases, refinances, home equity line, home equity loans, reverse mortgages, down payment assistance, and more! Low rates, top-notch services, and Barry and Zach (what more could you ask for?)Don't settle for any other mortgage company when you can be working with the BEST!As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
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/
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/
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/
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/
🎙️ 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/
AT&T Celler Outage Disrupts Vital Services!In 2024, I like to say that only 3 things in life are certain:1.Death2.Taxes3.Call phone ServiceWell, 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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
Townstone has the mortgage products to help you qualify! Fill out a free consultation request at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you're eligible for an FHA mortgage or one of our many other products and programs.
Townstone has the mortgage products to help you qualify! Fill out a free consultation request at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you're eligible for our self-employed bank statement mortgage or one of our other many products and programs.
Affordable Purchase Programs are here at Townstone! Fill out a free consultation request at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you qualify for this or one of our other many products and programs.
Affordable Purchase Programs are here at Townstone! Fill out a free consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ to see if you qualify for this or one of our other many products and programs.
Did you complete your annual mortgage and financial check-in? If now, set up an appointment today at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/We will help you with your home purchase, refinance, cash-out, debt-consolidation, and movie recommendations!Starting with some good news: Mortgage rates start the year at their lowest point in the last 6 months! But the bad news: Insurance for home and autos is becoming the new “pain-point” for consumers as insurance companies are increasing premiums and even canceling renewals outright! Many home and car buyers don’t even consider their insurance cost when making their purchases, but that will be changing quickly.Boeing is in the news again as the Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to ground dozens of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft for urgent inspections. This order comes after a door plug blew out in the middle of a flight on Friday when the nearly brand-new aircraft was flying at around 16,000 feet.Fortunately, no person was hurt, but we can’t say the same thing about the stock. Writing this before the show airs: Zach predicts Barry will see this as an opportunity to buy some Boeing stock on discount (UPDATE: he was wrong).As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Let’s start with some facts: 1. Interest Payments - Analysis from Bloomberg last month estimated that annualized interest payments on the US government debt pile topped $1 trillion. This is consistent with the $981 billion that the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported for July 1st, 2023.2. The 2023 budget of the United States federal government has total expenditures at around $6 trillion3. The cost of servicing US government debt is about 16% of total US government spendingThat 16% could be going to fixing roads and schools, providing healthcare, or anything else you want your government to be doing. Instead, it’s going towards nothing, just paying interest.If you want to look on the bright side, at least treasury debt isn’t at 100% of domestic GDP… but take that with a grain of salt. The data from the Fed for 2023 isn’t available yet, but as of 2022: total federal debt was 94% of the total GDP. The only other time it was this high was during WWII and the economic boom that followed allowed the government to bring that back down almost immediately following the war.Where is the next economic boom coming from? Now, the government can simply print more money to pay the increasing debt service, but how does that work when the Fed is trying to limit inflation?As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Yesterday (12/14/2023) was the 3rd time in a row that the Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee didn’t raise rates. Did we just go from a “pause” to the official end of the tightening cycle? If Zach was a gambler, he thinks we did….The Fed Funds rate at 5.50% is the highest level since 2001. There have been 11 rate increases during this cycle. What’s notable is that this “pause” that started a few meetings ago allowed the market to develop a hypothesis that the Fed could cut rates more aggressively in 2024. In late October, the 10Y Treasury yield touched 5% but has since moved below 4%!Some further thoughts/analysis:1. Restarting the tightening cycle could be hard for the Fed. It’s likely we’re done increasing rates and yesterday’s statement is very “dovish.”2. Inflation hasn’t slowed to the 2% range the Fed is seeking. This will keep the market/traders/borrowers trying to interpret what “higher for longer” means in Fed-Speak.3. Expectations of rate cuts in 2024 were already reflected by the drop in rates we’ve seen since November, but the FED’s comments yesterday has further solidified those 2024 expectations.WATCH THIS SPACE! THINGS ARE GETTING SPICY!As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Purchase Program RundownHere's just a TASTE of our purchase mortgage products:"ONE+" gives you a credit of up to 2% of the purchase price with NO PMI"Purchase Plus" gives you a credit up to $5,250 of the purchase price with discounted PMI pricing"HomeRady/Homepossible" gives you reduced PMI pricing along with a great base rate with only 3% downpayment requiredHow do you know if you qualify? Well, you fill out a free consultation at townstone.com for a 1 on 1 where we discuss your scenario and options to make sure you get the best possible loan for your situation.With mortgage rates at their lowest levels since September, it might seem like a boon for upcoming homebuyers, but there's another side to that coin: Zach and Barry discuss those implications.As for this week's non-mortgage gripe: Did you know about 10% of US Government spending is for debt servicing/interest on the money it owes? Like many economists, we argue that this is simply unsustainable. So, what do we do? Cut spending? Increase tax rates? Default on the debt?There's no easy answer, so the best thing you can do is make sure you get the best rate and program in your personal life by working with Townstone on your next mortgage.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Do you know what's better than a discounted TV this Cyber Monday? A lower rate or payment on your monthly mortgage!You could save thousands of dollars over 30 years vs. the 1-time savings you get with one of these so-called deals from Amazon or Wal-Mart.Rates continue to drop as we head towards the end of the year. If you haven't checked on market rates recently, you should absolutely fill out a free consultation request at Townstone.com to see what we can do for you.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
So about The Beatles…Paul, John, George, and Ringo (better known as The Beatles) released a new single. Zach is unimpressed.Mortgage rates hold steady as we start the week, but there's no telling where things will go from here.Thanksgiving is coming up, but are you more excited for the sales that come the day after on black-Friday? Let us know if there's any good ones out there!Speaking of deals though, saving on your mortgage is much more important than ANY of those deals you'll find in the weeks to come.For the best deal on your mortgage or home equity line/loan, you gotta go with Townstone.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Barry and Zach do a brief rundown of the variety of mortgage and equity products Townstone can offer:1. Purchases - 1st time or 100th time 2. Rate and Term Refinances3. Cash Out Refinances4. Home Equity Loans5. Home Equity Lines of Credit6. Reverse Mortgages7. Business Bank Statement8. Investor/Rental PropertyOr just go to townstone.com and fill out a request for a FREE consultation and you'll be speaking with one of us in no time at all!
After hitting the highest levels in 20+ years, mortgage rates are easing!But would lower rates improve affordability for buyers or could there be some unintended consequences as more buyers come off the sideline to take advantage.Artificial Intelligence is coming for your job! How to mitigate the potential damage from Skynet.Realtors are feeling the heat as a federal jury ruled that the powerful National Association of Realtors and several large brokerages had conspired to artificially inflate the commissions paid to real estate agents, a decision that could radically alter the home-buying process in the United States. The almost 2 BILLION dollar ruling might only be the first domino to fall.Townstone has the best products to fit your needs: Home Equity Loans, Home Equity Lines, 1% down payment purchases, conventional, FHA, VA, reverse mortgage, and many more!We know you're a smart person and smart people use Townstone.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Cook County tax bills are out payable due 12/1/23. It seems like everyone is dealing with higher taxes, but what about the lucky few who saw their bills decrease? We know you're out there!Anecdotally, we're seeing upticks in refinance activity as people look to take advantage of their home equity to consolidate debt or build a cash-cushion for the future.Townstone offers multiple 1st and 2nd lien products to help you achieve this as we head towards the holiday season.Bonds/Mortgages hold steady as market awaits FED decision on Wednesday. No increase is expected.Also coming later this week: several key employment reports, including ADP’s employment change figures and JOLTS job openings on Wednesday, and the September jobs report on Friday. The data will give investors hints about the state of the labor market after last week’s weekly initial jobless claims suggested it may be cooling slightly.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
While mortgage rates are starting the week lower compared to the last, they are still near their highest levels in 20 years. But home values don’t seem to be dropping as a result. Housing inventory remains low and as long as that remains the case, we can expect a continued “stalemate” between lending rates and home prices.If you want to be optimistic, there is some evidence that the worst is over. Mortgage News Daily is reporting that “the balance of recent Fed comments suggest the Fed is done hiking rates unless inflation flares up in an unexpected way. As of Friday 10/20/23, the market saw next year's Fed Funds Rate about a quarter of a point lower.”The 10yr Treasury at 5% is an important psychological level as it becomes an attractive entry point for bond buyers, which puts resistance/a ceiling at 5% and could help prevent higher mortgage rates for borrowers. We all wish we had a magic 8-ball and could predict the future, but the FED’s future actions will be driven by economic data.The next FED rate announcement is on November 1st which means we are now in the scheduled “blackout” period and shouldn’t expect drastic movement until next week. Of course, “shouldn’t” is not the same as “won’t” and we continue to watch the charts.Fill out the form for a FREE consultation at Townstone.com to see if you qualify for one of our many products including:1% Down-Payment PurchaseHome Equity Loans and LinesReverse MortgagesAnd you can always call us at 312-896-2100 with your thoughts, questions, scenarios, or anything else we can help you with. FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Happy Monday!We start the week with the stock market showing about 1% gains across the DOW, NASDAQ, and S&P 500.The 10 Year Treasury is hovering above 4.7% after closing last week at 4.6%.Tech employees continue to struggle with Microsoft-owned LinkedIn laying off nearly 700 employees.With Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Lululemon is set to replace them in the S&P 500 at open on 10/18.Purchase contracts are still coming in as Townstone continues to offer the best in service, products, rates, and costs.Debt-consolidation also seems to be a major need right now as high interest rate debt crushing many consumers.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Mortgage rates and bond yields are higher Monday after Congress managed to avoid a government shutdown Saturday night, less than three hours before the deadline. But are we in for the same down-to-the-wire brinksmanship in 45 days when the temporary funding bill expires?Consumer spending in August 2023 was up 5.8% compared to August 2022. Per the Wall Street Journal, the "experience economy" boomed this summer, with Delta Air Lines reporting record revenue in the second quarter and Ticketmaster selling over 295 million event tickets in the first six months of 2023, up nearly 18% year-over-year. But is it truly sustainable as U.S. household credit card balances rise and their savings account balances drop?As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Today is National Cheeseburger Day which perfectly encapsulates the adage "penny smart, dollar foolish".Sure, you can save a couple of dollars on a cheeseburger today, but you can save $40 each month just by getting a 0.25% decrease on your mortgage rate (assuming $250,000 balance).Here at Townstone, we ENCOURAGE our customers to shop for the lowest rate! Why? Because we know we have the best in the industry. Combine that with our variety of loan products and unparalleled customer service, the only reason you wouldn't use Townstone is Zach's insistence on wearing black every day....As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Mortgage Rates are straddling a range around 7%-7.25% according to Mortgage News Daily and homebuyers are scrambling to find properties before winter.Inflation Watch: The producer price index increased a seasonally adjusted 0.7% in August, higher than the 0.4% estimate. However, excluding food and energy, core PPI rose 0.2%, in line with the estimate. The European Central Bank increased their rate another .25%. What does that mean for Americans watching the Federal Reserve?Average credit card balances continue to increase, is the consumer spending boom over?To those who celebrate Rosh Hashanah: Wishing you and your families a sweet and happy new year!As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Mortgage rates started the week higher on Tuesday, but we're seeing some softening in the days since. Lots of purchase activity as the summer ends, are buyers settling or are more sellers coming to the table?We need to correct one of the biggest misconceptions about the current market: underwriting guidelines have NOT gotten stricter for residential mortgages. Commercial loans are another thing entirely...Future of the Fed? While 93% of traders are pricing in a rate pause at September’s Fed meeting, futures hikes aren’t off the table. Expectations for an additional increase in November have risen to 45%, according to the CME Fed Watch tool.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
With 30 year mortgage rates hitting almost 8% for some borrowers, relief for borrowers might be in sight!
It's a big week for economic data with ADP payroll and Q2 GDP set to report on Wednesday followed by ISM Manufacturing on Friday.
Inflation expectations are around 2% month-over-month, but the FED seems hesitant to signal anything to the market.
As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
The last two weeks have been UGLY for the mortgage market. The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage hit 7.48%, according to Mortgage News Daily.
But lack of inventory and rising rents are keeping home prices steady. It's still a seller's market here in the Midwest.
But it's not only mortgage rates that are higher. Credit card debt is reaching record highs with many rates exceeding 20%!
Here at Townstone, we're seeing a ton of activity with our fixed-rate home equity loan program that lets you take advantage of the equity in your home to help you consolidate your debt, lower your payments, make home improvements, etc...
Purchases, refinances, home equity lines/loans, reverse mortgage, we have it all! As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Have a great week!
Barry and Zach are back!
Mortgage Market Update: rates, products, trends, and more.
When does it make sense to rent vs. own?
Credit card debt is increasing nationally, if this applies to you: tap into your existing equity with a HELOC or a HELOAN!
As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
“Barbenheimer” dominated headlines this week as people went to the movie theaters in droves.
But here in the mortgage world, we’re all waiting for Wednesday to watch what the Fed’s latest rate call will be. Another quarter-point hike has been priced in, but further moves are unclear, and their forward guidance will be key.
Bank of America is in the news again. I think we all know it wasn’t GOOD news. Per Barron’s “Bank of America has been fined $150 million by regulators, who said the bank had wrongly charged customers with so-called junk fees, withheld credit card points, and used customer data to open unauthorized accounts.” You’d think these major banks with in-house legal departments would be following all rules and regulations, but alas…
Do you have an adjustable-rate mortgage? Might be time to get out: 5-year ARMs from 2018 are set to adjust this year. 7-year ARMs from 2016 are set to adjust this year. 10-year ARMs from 2013 are set to adjust this year.
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit remain a great way to tap the equity of your home to consolidate debt, lower your payments, improve your home, or any other reason you could use some additional cash-on-hand.
As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Monday Blues? Turn that into GREEN when you tap the equity in your home with a home equity loan or line of credit. Consolidate those payments into a single new mortgage with fixed or variable terms!
Inflation at Wimbledon? The price of strawberries and cream remains frozen for a tenth consecutive year – locked in an inflation-proof bubble at £2.50 (just over $3). Congrats to Carlos Alcaraz on his victory over Novak Djokovic in a match that almost lasted 5 hours!
How loyal are you to your bank? Per Matt Levine of Bloomberg: “Relationship businesses in general are on the decline. In a world of electronic communication and global supply chains and work-from-home and the gig economy, business relationships are less sticky and ‘I am going to go into my bank branch and shake the hand of the manager and trust her with my life savings’ doesn’t work. ‘I am going to do stuff for relationship reasons, even if it costs me 0.5% of interest income, or a slightly increased risk of losing my money’ is no longer a plausible thing to think.” Do you agree?
Townstone has the most-loyal customers in the mortgage business because we have the most programs, the lowest rates, the cheapest costs, and the best customer service. Maybe it’s time you find that out for yourself?
Free consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
NASCAR comes to Chicago in what appears to be a successful event that brought life-long fans of racing together with first-time locals. The city was a great backdrop, and it was nice to have good news coverage of Chicago for a change!
4th of July weekend brought some significant purchase activity to the Midwest. Some of you were enjoying BBQs with family and friends, while others were placing bids on new properties. While there may have been a slight slowdown in June, there’s been a flurry of buying and selling activity the last two weeks.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE SHOPPING FOR THE BEST DEAL ON YOUR MORTGAGE! We’d like to think that every mortgage company out there is looking out for you, but the truth is: they aren’t. Here at Townstone, we are happy to step in and review the Loan Estimates from our competitors to tell you if you’re truly getting a square deal on your loan.
Don’t settle for 2nd-rate service, higher closing costs, or higher rates! Townstone Financial has been helping people like you save money on their mortgage since 2002.
https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
In this era of divisiveness, it was nice to see the world come together last week to speculate on the fate of the adventurers who perished in the Titan “submarine” after paying $250,000 for the privilege.
Barry and Zach are considering starting a rocket company to offer trips to the moon out of Barry’s garage, any takers?
In real estate news: May 2023 saw listings of existing homes plummeting while at the same time, homebuilding projects surged in by the most in more than three decades.
Mortgage rates have held relatively stable since the last Fed meeting when they decided against another immediate increase, but they did expect a further 2 increases before the year was out.
If you’re in the market for a home purchase, refinance, home equity line or loan, reverse mortgage, or trip to the moon: make sure you head to Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation.
We have more products, lower rates, lower costs, and better haircuts than the competion. So the decision is EASY!
Smog! Hazardous air quality continues to hit parts of the eastern U.S.
Euro-zone OFFICIALLY hits a recession, but what about here?
Investors flee Phoenix real estate market, but we're not seeing the same for residential real estate in the midwest.
Taylor Swift brings hotel occupancy in Chicago to all-time highs!
1% downpayment purchases are still our latest and greatest offer to qualifying borrowers, while home equity loans continue to be a great solution for debt-consolidation or home improvements.
As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
What would happen to real estate and mortgage markets?In other news: Townstone has an incredible 1% downpayment purchase program for eligible borrowers. You put down 1%, the lender gives you an additional 2%, and the loan doesn't even have PMI (mortgage insurance)As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Real Estate and Mortgage Market Updates!Lack of housing inventory keeping home prices stable. Upcoming casino in Chicago redesign, will it help or hurt?Purchases and Cash-Out/Debt-Consolidation seem to be the name of the game lately.Townstone is always expanding our product portfolio to make sure you have the loan that's the best fit for you and your family.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Tucker is out at FOX and Lemon is out at CNN, but Barry and Zach are still here for you at Townstone!The spring purchase market is in full swing! It might be a good time to take another look at housing inventory that came to market this last month or two.Rents (at least in Chicago) continue to rise! We're hearing from people with landlords asking for 30% or higher year-over-year increases!Mortgage rates seem to have stabilized vs. the roller coaster we were dealing with at the start of the year, but is this new "normal" sustainable?We continue to expand our menu of loan products and options, so be sure to contact us for your next purchase, refinance, home equity line, home equity loan, reverse mortgage, bank statement loan, investor loan, and more!As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Mortgage rates are falling, but where is the bottom? Barry and Zach talk real estate, finance, and politics on this stormy election day from Townstone's studio in Chicago.We've been offering our clients the best in mortgage, home equity lines/loans, and reverse mortgages since 2002. Remember to fill out a FREE consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
The Federal Reserve released its decision to hike interest rates by a quarter percentage point following a two-day meeting, but indicated only 1 more increase this year. This is what we expected, but Barry and Zach have their thoughts.Cook County IL property tax bills are due 4/3! On that same note, the income tax filing due date is next month on 4/18! Be sure to make your payments on time and avoid the penalty.As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Silicon Valley Bank Is For Sale! Are you in the market for a bank? Barry and Zach discuss the fallout and impact it's had on the mortgage market.FHA loans require 3.5% downpayment, but now Townstone is proud to offer a program that includes 3.5% downpayment assistance in the form of a forgivable 0% loan!It seems like we're getting new products and options for our borrowers every day, so be sure to fill out a free consultation request form on our website to stay in the loop. https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Zach and Barry go through the mortgage and real estate process when working with Townstone Financial.Free Consultations Available by filling out the form at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Barry and Zach discuss credit scores, how they're calculated, and some basic steps you should take to make sure you get the best possible rate on your next loan.Remember, we offer FREE 1 on 1 consultations through our website: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Whether you're just starting your homebuying journey or a seasoned pro, here are the top "Townstone Tips" to help you make the process easier.Barry and Zach share their top homebuying tips to help you navigate the complex and often overwhelming world of real estate.We discuss everything from understanding your budget, getting pre-approved for a mortgage, negotiating with sellers, and avoiding common pitfalls. Barry and Zach cover all the essential information you need to know to make your homebuying experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Election Day in Chicago! Townstone product changes and additions! Mortgage market updates and predictions!As always, FREE 1 on 1 consultations available at: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Happy New Year! The stock market is already off to a rocky start but mortgage rates are holding steady for now. But what about property values? Will they retain their gains from the last few years? Barry and Zach are LIVE with their thoughts and predictions for 2023.Remember, we offer FREE consultations at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity Lines/Loans... get in touch TODAY!!!
Republicans take the house, Democrats keep the Senate, and life goes on!
Mortgage rates take a temporary break from their 20-year highs, but is the relief only temporary?
JPMorgan is about to spend $1 billion on hundreds of rental homes across the US on the way to becoming a “megalandlord”
So how’s your day going?
Let Townstone help you become your own landlord before these mega-corporations make it impossible for you and your family: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
It’s election day here at Townstone!
2022 has been a rough year for real estate and mortgages as the average rate for a 30 year fixed pretty much doubled. Will Republicans take the House? Will they take the Senate? Will any outcome in today’s election help move interest rates back towards their 2021 lows?
Barry and Zach discuss!
Townstone CEO Barry Sturner talks about paying off credit card debt with WGN's Steve Bertrand.
Fed increases its target rate yet again! Barry and Zach discuss how something feels "wrong" with the economy.
With the future of mortgage rates and real estate being impossible to predict, the only risk is sitting on the sidelines!
Set up a FREE mortgage consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Inflation and the end of the middle class in America. Food, shelter, and energy prices are three of the “stickiest” since they are not optional expenses for the vast majority of people. We continue to watch these prices increase, the affordability index for homes at the worst level since before 1990, and almost every economic indicator pointing towards a recession in the near-future (or being in one already!), what can you do to best protect you and your family in the months and years to come?
Zach and Barry discuss their thoughts on this exciting episode of the Townstone Financial Show.
Townstone has been your #1 mortgage company since 2002! Remember to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase, refinance, home equity line, or home equity loan at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ Don’t settle for less than Townstone!
Zach HATES to admit it, but BARRY WAS RIGHT!
Mortgage rates continue their upward march and 8% doesn’t seem so unrealistic anymore. So what can homeowners do to minimize the pain?
Refinancing generally doesn’t make sense for homeowners if their existing rate is below the current market. But a new home equity line or loan could be the answer if you’re looking to consolidate other debt and/or lower your overall monthly payments.
Purchase, refinance, home equity line, home equity loan, self-employed bank statements, rental income investment property cash-flow purchase…. We’ve got it all!
Fill out a free consultation today: https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
The HIGHEST mortgage rates in 20 years?!?!
Barry and Zach discuss if these increases are stopping any time soon (hint: nobody knows!)
What we do know is that it's still a great time to purchase a home and stop handing your money over to your landlord!
Credit card debt is increasing to pre-pandemic levels and those 18% or higher rates are not good for anyone!
Get a free consultation TODAY with Townstone Financial to discuss your specific scenario and we will figure out the best way to help you during these uncertain times. https://townstone.com/consultation-request/
Rail Strike is Averted! That could’ve been rough… In other news, how does one apply to be King? Decree #1: instruct the Fed to continue buying mortgage-backed-securities because inflation doesn’t seem to be tamed yet there seems to be pain in the housing market. Zach thinks this talk of a “soft landing” is bologna and it’s looking more like a hard landing or simply a crash which can hardly be considered a “landing” at all… Fortunately, homeowner’s still have time to tap the equity in their homes with one of the home equity lines or loans Townstone can help you with. Unfortunately, renters might continue to feel the pain as costs for landlords increases and they pass those costs on. If you’re looking to change your trajectory and go from a renter to an owner, make sure to fill out a free consultation at https://townstone.com/consultation-request/ today!
Rates might be increasing, but people are sitting on record-levels of equity in their homes. A home equity line or loan can help you access that equity without impacting the rate of your primary mortgage.
Purchase activity is slowing down, but does that mean a price-drop is in the cards for the real estate market? Right now, doesn't seem like it's happening due to supply constraints.
Remember to visit http://townstone.com for a FREE CONSULTATION!
The BEST time to buy a home? Mortgage interest rates, housing inventory, builder expectations, and what you should be doing!
Now offering home equity loans and lines of credit!
Free consultation with a mortgage expert for your next refinance or purchase by visiting www.townstone.com
Have a great rest of your week!
The market giveth and the market taketh away...
2022 has not been pretty for mortgage rates as the average 30 year fixed shot past 5% borrowers have (understandably) been hesitant to refinance their lower-rate existing mortgages, but as the global economy slows, will 3% rates be here again sooner rather than later?
Even if you already have a great rate on your mortgage, you've likely gained significant equity in your home these last few years and it's an excellent time to consider a home equity line of credit or a home equity loan in order to consolidate debt or to simply increase your liquidity.
Finally, believe it or not, inventory is still tight out there! Make sure you're working with the BEST on your next home purchase by filling out a free consultation at www.townstone.com That goes for ALL purchases, refinances, scenarios, questions, even recipes (if you have good ones). FREE CONSULTATIONS at our website www.townstone.com
After 3 months of rising mortgage rates, might there be an end in sight? Barry sees some possible support levels in the bond market that might indicate mortgage rates have found their new "normal".
Bank Statement loans are still available for self-employed borrowers! Why this could be your path for qualifying.
Debt-Consolidation: should you do a cash-out refinance, home equity line, home equity loan fixed 2nd?
Remember, visit www.townstone.com for a FREE consultation and speak to a mortgage expert today!
The Fed Speak!
Today, the Federal Reserve approved its first interest rate increase in more than three years!
Kermit the Frog once said, "it ain't easy being green" and his sage wisdom can be applied to the Fed: they have a tough job. A REALLY tough job. How do you address spiraling inflation without torpedoing economic growth? Buckle-up folks because there are no easy answers.
But do you know what is easy? Getting a mortgage through Townstone. Just head to www.townstone.com and fill out a request for a FREE consultation. A fixed rate mortgage and payment is one of the BEST ways to eliminate a source of uncertainty when everything else today seem so uncertain.
Let Townstone help you on your next purchase, refinance, home equity line, or home equity loan TODAY!
Have a great rest of your week.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQPktDPNIEE
It's been a bit of a wild ride for mortgages this past week with rates rising-falling-rising again. Zach has no answers but asks Barry for his insight. A Reuters poll property analysts recently indicated home prices would rise 10% this year (compared to 17% in 2021). While buyers are hoping for a "dip", they might be waiting for a while. We are hearing first-hand reports from our purchase clients that inventory is still tight and houses that do come to market are going under contract quickly! Remember, Townstone offers FREE consultations on purchases, refinances, home-equity lines and home-equity-loans! Just visit www.Townstone.com for your next home loan and speak with a mortgage expert TODAY!
Townstone Financial's "State of the mortgage and real estate market" (recorded LIVE 2/24/22)
Barry and Zach discussing recent developments in the mortgage and real estate markets. BUY vs. Rent. Inflation. Higher interest rates. Higher home prices. Ukraine. FREE CONSTULTATIONS AVAILABLE AT WWW.TOWNSTONE.COM Let us help you with your next purchase, refinance, or home equity loan/line!
https://youtu.be/306fx1LMKnQ
Townstone Financial Inc. Team Site - Documents\Podcast and radio
Mortgage Rates Continue to Test All-Time Lows! Great news for current homeowner's looking to refinance to save money or get cash out. Also great for upcoming home purchasers who are already applying in higher numbers than even before COVID.
CNBC reported Tuesday that about 30% of Americans missed their housing payment this June. Barry has some serious concerns about the survey they used, but what does that mean for you and the larger real estate market?
Remember, Townstone.com is the ONLY place you can fill out our FREE consultation request for your next home purchase or refinance. Stay safe and have a great rest of your week!
Mortgage rates hold steady with a refinance boom continuing and purchase activity ramping up quickly!
We’ve all heard of the 30-year mortgage, but have you heard about a 29-year mortgage? Lower rate than a 30-year, no higher on the monthly payment. This previously unheard-of great deal is currently set to expire June 30th, so make sure you head to Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation to see how much money this can save you.
Finally, some clarity on your ability to refinance while in forbearance: On any loan currently in forbearance where you are making payments on time, the loan can proceed. You're good to go. For any loan currently in forbearance where you are not making payments: The loan must be brought current in order to close. On conventional loans: If you have entered a workout plan (post forbearance), we have to show underwriting three consecutive payments on the new plan. On FHA or VA loans: if you’ve entered a workout plan (post forbearance), all payments on the plan must be complete.
Either way, make sure you have the best team in the mortgage industry working on your behalf for your next home purchase or refinance. FREE consultations available at Townstone.com, fill yours out TODAY! Have a great week.
Mortgage rates hold steady with a refinance boom continuing and purchase activity ramping up quickly!
We’ve all heard of the 30-year mortgage, but have you heard about a 29-year mortgage? Lower rate than a 30-year, no higher on the monthly payment. This previously unheard-of great deal is currently set to expire June 30th, so make sure you head to Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation to see how much money this can save you.
Finally, some clarity on your ability to refinance while in forbearance: On any loan currently in forbearance where you are making payments on time, the loan can proceed. You're good to go. For any loan currently in forbearance where you are not making payments: The loan must be brought current in order to close. On conventional loans: If you have entered a workout plan (post forbearance), we have to show underwriting three consecutive payments on the new plan. On FHA or VA loans: if you’ve entered a workout plan (post forbearance), all payments on the plan must be complete.
Either way, make sure you have the best team in the mortgage industry working on your behalf for your next home purchase or refinance. FREE consultations available at Townstone.com, fill yours out TODAY! Have a great week.
As we shuffle back to something resembling “normal” after staying home the past few months, it’s time for your mortgage check-up!
Rates are at/near all-time lows, so chances are that you could save money by refinancing your current loan. As our current clients can attest, working with Townstone is most-painless mortgage process in the industry. Fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com and it’ll take 2 minutes on the phone to determine how much we can save you with a new loan.
Purchases are BACK after a small drop-off in late march/early April. In such uncertain times as these, do you want your landlord controlling next year’s rent? Become a homeowner and lock-in a fixed mortgage payment that will NEVER change until you pay off the loan in full, future you will be happy you did.
SPECIAL PRODUCT ALERT: We’ve all heard about the 30 year mortgage, but what about a 29 year loan? Good on rate-locks now through 6/30: get a 29 year amortizing mortgage with the SAME payment as a 30 year! Head to Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation to see how much you can save with a 29 year mortgage.
So remember: Townstone.com for a free and personal consultation for any purchase or refinance scenarios and questions, your wallet will thank you later. Have a great rest of your week!
States are beginning to open up again, but is "work from home" here to stay?
COVID or NOVID, spring purchase market is in full swing! We are seeing no let up in the amount of borrowers looking to prequalify themselves for a new purchase. Add yourself to the list by filling out a free consultations at Townstone.com
And of course, refinancing should be on your mind since we are near all-time low rates and it's always a good time to save!
Are interest rates really that low, can you still take cash out of your home to pay bills? What if I lost my job or got laid off can I still get a mortgage?
Let's take a step back and analyze the chain of events: 1. Coronavirus scares the market 2. Stocks and Mortgage Rates down 3. Market forgets about coronavirus 4. "Buy the dip"?
It's probably a bit more complicated than that, but it's pretty confusing from where we're sitting.
The good thing, mortgage rates are still LOW! Make sure you're not overpaying on your mortgage by filling out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com
And we can't forget about you purchasers out there! There might be a weather advisory warning today, but spring is around the corner and it's time to get prequalified.
Where, you ask? Townstone.com of course!
Have a great rest of your week. Stay Warm!
Coronavirus health scare also spooks the markets and Halloween isn't for another 10 months!
Refinance activity slowed the past few weeks, but anyone with a mortgage dated before September 2019 should contact us to see if they're eligible for a refinance to a lower rate. Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation.
MAKE SURE TO CHECK ON YOU HOME EQUITY LINE/LOAN! Many are getting a nasty surprise in the mail when their mortgage company is demanding the entire balance of the loan in 30 days. This is called a "balloon payment" and you don't want it to catch you unprepared.
It's cold outside, but the purchase market is heating up! Don't be left in the cold this spring, get pre-qualified TODAY by filling out a free consultation at Townstone.com
Jim has a new phone and is really missing his old "home" button.
Economic data is still looking good but doesn't the party have to end at SOME point?
Along with a huge influx of purchase activity, we're still seeing even more refinances to lower rates, payments, or debt consolidation.
Don't pay higher rates or closing costs with WORSE customer service somewhere else, make sure your next refinance is through Townstone.
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Does your mortgage company teach you how to shop for the best possible deal on your purchase or refinance? Townstone does!
It shouldn't be a secret at this point since we have been beating the banks since 2002. Maybe they don't want you to shop around because they're scared that they'll get beat? Make sure to ask them next time, or better yet: CALL TOWNSTONE!
Free consultations available by filling out a request at Townstone.com or just call 312-896-2100.
Don't pay more for worse. You wouldn't do it at the grocery store, you shouldn't do it on your mortgage.
Designed by clowns who in turn are supervised by monkeys". Not a great look for Boeing unfortunately.
Possible escalation with Iran dominated the headlines at the start of the week pushing mortgage rates lower. They came back up by the end of the week once it looked like things were calming down.
A lucky few locked-in Friday-Tuesday but those that missed out are still in a great mortgage market with plenty of opportunity for qualifying, saving money, debt consolidation, and more.
Don't be left out of the spring purchase market! Go to Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation for your next purchase, refinance, or reverse mortgage to speak with an expert.
New Year, New You? Time for the annual rush to the nation's gyms as new member's make good on their resolutions before canceling their membership in March.... oh well, looks are fleeting anyways.
You know what isn't fleeting? A fixed-rate 30 year mortgage! One day into the New Year and we're already seeing a huge up-tick in clients looking to qualify for a home purchase. The spring buying season seems to start earlier and earlier every year and it's never too early to see what you could qualify for on a new home purchase.
Refinances, too many of you are still groggy from the holidays, but there is money to be saved for MANY via a mortgage refinance. Maybe you simply have a rate or payment that's too high. For others, we're consolidating credit cards, student loans, you name it!
Reverse mortgages fall into their own unique category, but every scenario is unique so you need to make sure you or your loved one fills out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com to make sure your family is making the best financial decision possible.
Wishing you all a happy, healthy, and profitable 2020!
Get out of that eggnog slog!
Christmas 2019 is over and by the time we're sitting down to do the podcast next week, 2019 will be over too! Time sure does fly when you're having fun.
Do you want to make sure you and your family start the new year off right? Can't imagine anyone answering "no" to that question, but you can close out of this video by clicking the "x" in the top right of your screen.
For everyone else, a few points as we head into the new decade:
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Renters! Have you done the math? How much extra is it costing you to line your landlord's pockets each month?
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Homeowners! Do you have a mortgage? Are you SURE that you aren't overpaying each month?
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Everyone Else! Thinking about buying a home? Refinancing your current mortgage? Taking cash-out for home improvements? Consolidating credit cards? Reverse Mortgage questions? HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO AN EXPERT?
The answer is easy: www.townstone.com
Why? You fill out a FREE consultation taking no more than 30 seconds of your time. Next, an expert Loan Officer will reach out to you for a personalized, hands-on mortgage experience where we make sure that you're happy when your loan closes and that it puts you on better financial footing as we head into 2020.
Too busy to fill out a free consultation until after the new year? We'll still be here and are looking forward to helping.
Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!
Back in 2015, we started streaming the Townstone Financial Show LIVE over Facebook. Many have tried to copy, but none have a claim to being the original live Mortgage, Real Estate, and Finance Podcast. Thank you for 4 incredible years! Here's to another 40!
They say everything old is new again. Another Star Wars film hits theaters this weekend, is there any franchise left that Disney doesn't own?
The President has been impeached by the house, but today's markets don't seem to care.
Mixed opinions on where rates are heading, but one thing is certain: fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com to see if we can save you money on your mortgage.
Purchases, refinances, reverse mortgages? Stop searching the internet and speak with an expert TODAY!
s we sprint to the end of 2019, rates are heading upwards.
But we are still around the 4-year lows for rates, so make sure you visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation to see if you can save money!
Uber users in Chicago are in for a surprise next year if the $3 surcharge is actually implemented. The city needs money, but is this the way to do it?
Our eyes are on the possible trade deal with China as we head into next week. Not expecting much movement on mortgage rates for the next week unless the deal falls through completely, and even then we might not see a significant drop if any.
Home-buyers are opting for "move-in ready", smarter home-buyers are listening to Barry's advice from today on buying a "fixer upper".
Purchases, refinances to lower rates, lower payments, debt consolidation, reverse mortgages, the list goes on.... Check out Townstone.com to see what we can do for you.
Final Call! Last chance to close your mortgage before 2020!
With rates slowly creeping up this week, there is still just enough time to refinance or purchase before we ring in the new year. Make sure you fill out your FREE consultation at Townstone.com TODAY to maximize your odds of closing in 2019.
After the best year for stocks on record, have we hit a ceiling or will the good times continue up to infinity?
We're doing a ton of year-end mortgage and financial check-ups, but we would love to help you too. Fill out the consultation request at Townstone.com to speak with an expert.
Millions of Americans will fight their Turkey hangovers this Friday to wait in line for a chance at a discounted TV or other consumer product. Isn't getting a great deal on Black Friday what the American Dream is all about?
Joking aside, while it IS nice to get a discount on anything you're buying this season, please don't miss the forest for the trees.
A mortgage refinance could save you hundreds monthly and tens of thousands over the life of the loan. While everyone else is busy elbowing each other for position in line, you can sit comfortably at home knowing you've saved more on your mortgage than you ever will on holiday purchases.
Speaking of holiday shopping, a recent survey shows that nearly 3 in 5 (59%) holiday shoppers incurred some credit card debt during the 2018 holiday season, and 35% of those who did say they’re still working to get it paid off. If you haven't looked at a debt-consolidation mortgage yet, do yourself a favor and fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com because credit card debt can be a financial pit that's nearly impossible to pull yourself out of.
To our listeners, customers, family, and friends: wishing you all a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving.
Heading into the New Year on a high note and a low rate! Abridged show today, Barry had to leave and Zach had to get back to his files.
Are you working with Townstone right now on a refinance or new home purchase? Why not? All it takes is a quick visit to Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation.
We'll see if we can save you money! Don't spend an hour waiting in line next Friday for a discounted TV when you can spend 5 minutes at home and potentially save WAY MORE than any Black Friday deal.
A Special and SPOOKY edition of the Townstone Financial Show! Wishing our clients and listeners a happy Halloween.
First day of snow in Chicago seems like it's coming earlier and earlier every year. Walking or driving, just go slowly and get readjusted to the slippery roads and sidewalks.
Remember, there is STILL time to purchase a home or refinance your current loan before the end of 2019, so fill out your FREE consultation at Townstone.com today.
Have a great rest of your week.
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but inside you can go to Townstone.com, fill out a FREE consultation, and save money by refinancing before the year is out! Let it snow savings! Strangely enough, home buyers do not seem to be letting the frigid weather slow them down. Looking to buy a home? FREE consultation at Townstone.com
It's time for your year-end financial check-up! Spending too much on rent? Let us help you become a homeowner. Too much each month on the mortgage payment? Let us see if a refinance would benefit you.
Pocket listings? National Association of Realtors says "No More!" but what does that even mean?
WeWork doesn't seem to be working with their 1.25 BILLION (with a B) loss last quarter. Don't be like WeWork and spend more money than you make, Townstone can help you save on your mortgage whether you're refinancing or purchasing.
Where can you request your FREE consultation? That's right, Townstone.com
The FED lowers their rate, but mortgage rates creep higher! We've said it for years, but the FED does not control mortgage rates and this week makes it easy to see.
Infinite Money Glitch? No, we're not talking some video game here. Trading platform RobinHood has recently been dealing with the fallout from a "glitch" in their system that was allowing individuals to leverage themselves up to infinity. Some reports showed people with $1,000 initial investments being allowed to take leveraged positions over 1 Million!
Looks like we went straight from the end of summer to a cold winter here in Chicago. Time to start doing your end-of-year financial checkup to make sure you're in the best spot heading into 2020 as you can.
Free consultations at Townstone.com Thanks for listening. Have a great week.
School is out for summer? Here in Chicago, it's also out for fall... At least the kids are getting better at Fortnight this week.
Rates finally take a breather this week as some much-needed stability comes back to the market, but still plenty of opportunity to refinance to a lower payment, debt consolidation, and lower rates.
Today we're joined by SPECIAL guest Johanne Friedli of Goosehead Insurance discussing, you guessed it, insurance! It's something that nobody wants to talk about, but it sure comes in handy when you need it.
Remember, Townstone.com is filled to the brim with information on our services and products. That's also where you can fill out the FREE consultation for your next home refinance or purchase.
Have a great week!
WARNING: This show has NOT been approved by the People's Republic of China!
Nobody likes free speech being censored, what about these companies self-censoring in order to do business in China?
Refinances picked up this week as rates came down a bit from their already-low levels. Great time to save some money as we head into the holiday season. Make sure to fill out a FREE consultation request at Townstone.com to see if you can benefit.
Purchases are showing resiliancy even as the weather starts to turn, will 2020 be a buyer's or seller's market?
Have a great rest of your week. Thank you to our loyal listeners and viewers.
t's almost like the market has a mind of its own and just doesn't want to be predictable.
You know who is predictable today? CNBC with their headline on "New Plunge in Rates" to try and get you to click, but we're here to discuss the CONTEXT!
Yes, rates have dropped this week... but that still hasn't made up for the previous 3 weeks where rates were heading up.
For your next home purchase, refinance, or just to discuss the latest in the mortgage market, fill out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com
Reporters might be writing about mortgages one day, taxes the next, and global trade after that. Here at Townstone, we only do mortgages. And we do mortgages best.
How Can Self-employed/ Small Business Owners Qualify to Get a Home Loan? by Barry Sturner
Rates see-sawing while uncertainty increases! While there are still some good deals to be had, the mortgage market has taken a turn for the worse this week. Is it politics? Trade? or some other economic condition nobody is talking about? Purchase season seems to be back! While these colder months often have lower purchase volume, the last 2 weeks saw a flurry of new purchase contracts.
If you want to purchase or refinance, there is still time to get it done before the end of the year. Fill out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com.
The date today (9/19/19) is the same when read forwards and backwards, is that rare or is Zach incorrectly giving it significance?
Fed dropped the rate .25 yesterday, the mortgage market didn't bat an eye. Don't say we didn't tell you!
While rates are higher compared to the lows of last month, there are still tons of outstanding mortgages that haven't been refinanced, you might be overpaying on your loan!
To make sure you get the best in service, rates, and costs: go to Townstone.com and fill out a FREE consultation.
Have a great rest of your week!
Blink and you'll miss it! After a nice couple of weeks of low rates, the market has started to turn....
Is the upward trend in rates going to continue, or has the week been an anomoly?
Looks like it's turning back into a buyer's market on the purchase side of things. Still plenty of time to qualify, find a house, and CLOSE on it before the year is out.
Elections are 14 months away, how will the timing impact real estate and housing? Stay tuned!
Fill out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com for your refinance or purchase for the best in service, rates and costs.
It's already Thursday! Time sure flies when you have a Federal Holiday on Monday.....
As the markets move, news outlets struggle to come up with a new explanation each day.
Rates are still low! Many are taking advantage by lowering their payment, consolidating debt, or shortening their term. Others are waiting on the sidelines hoping that rates continue to fall. The good thing about a zero-cost refinance with Townstone is that you can refinance today to a better loan, then IF rates fall again after you close, there is nothing stopping you from doing it again. But if the rates never fall and only increase from here, you'll be happy you locked-in when you did.
For a FREE purchase or refinance consultation, go to Townstone.com for the best service, rates, and lowest costs in the industry. Have a great week.
The grass is always greener on the other side.... With the recent drop in rates, some are still waiting to start the process because they THINK rates will go even lower this winter. We explain why waiting is NOT a good decision on a $0-cost refinance to a lower rate/payment.
The rest of the industry continues to suffer from the spike in loan volume in recent weeks, but we were ready at Towntone. See for yourself today, fill out a FREE consultation request at Townstone.com and have a great rest of your week.
As mortgage rates drop, refinance volume continues to increase and many lenders are struggling to keep up. We're getting tons of calls from people that tried reaching out to their lender only to get no reply. At Townstone, we're ready for you. Every person who fills out a free consultation at Townstone.com gets contacted with the opportunity to utilize our great loan options, rates, costs, and customer service.
In other financial news, "Inverted Yield Curve" is in the headlines. What does that mean for you and your mortgage?
Remember, Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home refinance, purchase, or reverse mortgage.
It's been one of THOSE weeks....
Rates up and down Fed action and Chinese trade war Jim is turning to booze
The Gang is LIVE with your special Friday mortgage market update.
Visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home refinance or purchase.
Home Sales - Down Refinances - Up Rates - Low
Is Recession on the horizon? How do we explain the slow-down in purchase activity and property appreciation otherwise? Good news is that rates are low and LOTS of people are taking advantage to save money on their current mortgage, consolidate debt, or take some liquid cash-out.
It only takes 30 seconds to visit Townstone.com and fill out a FREE consultation to make sure you're not missing out!
Have a great rest of your week!
How Do I Contact Townstone For More Information About My Mortgage Needs? by Barry Sturner
How Much Money Do I Make To Plant To Get The Cash - Out Refinance From Townstone? by Barry Sturner
Can I Use Any Mortgage Calculator To Calculate My Townstone Cash - Out Refinance? by Barry Sturner
Can I Get A Cash - Out Refinance On A Property That Is Not My Primary Residence? by Barry Sturner
Should I wait for the Fed before refinancing? You know the answer if you've listened to the Townstone Financial Show in the past, but we are explaining again today because we're still getting calls asking the same question.
There's still time to get prequalified and move-in to your new home before the school year starts!
Purchases, refinances, reverse-mortgages, we can help! Please fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com and have a great rest of your week.
Unemployment is at 3.7%, the lowest rate in almost 50 years! But wage growth is NOT keeping up. Inflation should also accompany such low unemployment, but Fed Chairmen Jerome Powell says the relationship between unemployment and inflation is gone.
Everyone is watching to see what the Fed will do, us included!
Remember, visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next refinance or home purchase. Have a great day!
ntra-Day Repricing, why do the rate sheets keep getting modified the same-day they're being issued? Barry completely rejects the premise of the question.
Refinances are on the rise, but is home purchase activity still going strong? Refinances are very dependent on the current market rates, but purchases are not as coorelated.
Free Speech, is there a line where it ends?
Make sure your next mortgage refinance or home purchase is through Townstone by filling out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com.
Have a great week!
Stocks, Bonds, the Fed, Mortgage Rates... how are they related? Zach is confused by the markets this week and tries to get some answers from Barry and Jim.
Cook County tax bills came out yesterday, how did you do? As property taxes increase, make sure you're taking advantage of any exemptions you might be eligible for along with possibly appealing your assessed value to help keep your tax bill in check.
There is STILL time to get prequalified and buy a home before the school year begins, make sure you visit Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation today!
You can now buy a house on Amazon Rates are low but will they get lower if the Fed lowers rates?
Is a deal with China or Mexico on the horizon and how will it impact you?
Is the trade war with China here to stay? Investors seem spooked with the DOW currently on track to lose over 250 points today. But what is unfortunate for your 401K is GOOD NEWS for your mortgage loan since those rates are falling as well.
Zach and Jim Schiro of Loan Depot are LIVE with their reactions to this wild and crazy market.
Visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation to make sure you're not overpaying on your mortgage.
How low can we go for an FHA a loan on credit? How much down for a Jumbo mortgage? Will high property taxes hurt your property values? All this and more on the show that is by the people and for the people. You may not agree with everything we say but this is the USA where every ones opinion matters! The Land of Free Speech!
You have questions and we have the answers. We have been saving people like you money since 2002 and will continue to do so, go to Townstone.com to apply.
Did somebody say "home equity loans up to 100% of your home value"? Townstone is saying it today with our newly introduced fixed-rate home equity loan product. Restrictions apply so fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com or call 312-896-2114
Jim Schiro is BACK by popular demand. Purchase season is in full swing and the contracts just keep coming in.
Will a possible trade war with China lower rates and lead to a refinance boom too? Tune-in!
All this and more on the show that is by the people and for the people. You may not agree with everything we say but this is the USA where every ones opinion matters! The Land of Free Speech!
Barry and Zach are live for another exciting episode of the Townstone Financial Show!
The Federal Reserve indicated that we may be done with rate hikes in the near-term, but did it have any impact on the mortgage market?
It may not feel like it outside, but the calendar shows it's officially SPRING. We're seeing a huge upswing in purchase activity, but how long will it last?
Time to get prequalified for your next purchase? Make sure you get it from Townstone by visiting Townstone.com and filling out a free consultation.
All this and more on the show that is by the people and for the people. You may not agree with everything we say but this is the USA where every ones opinion matters! The Land of Free Speech!
Have a great week.
Need help getting #debt paid off, customer service help is #1 at townstone.com did you cheat in school, did your parents help you getting into college, worried about flying on a plane. We don't miss a topic on this week Townstone Financial Show
We reviewed a recently filed court case involving two our Townstone competitors, yes, its dirty laundry but you won't want to miss this episode. Looks like this fight could get very dirty, could Perl Mortgage stop former employees from doing business in Chicago?
How much will it cost if you wait another year or another month to purchase a house? We do the calculations for you. Plus, should you obtain a 10 or 15 year mortgage? Do you have any credit card debt? If so we don't think its a good idea to have a 10 or 15 year mortgage. We go over the reason why a 30 should be where you are at.
Out of work, get a loan says Commerce Sec Wilbur Ross, and where is Wilbur? Our 2019 interest rate predictions, sell your home with a 3.5% interest rate, and purchase a new one with a higher rate, should you? We have the answers to that, cash-out refinances, the gov't shut down, Sen. Elizabeth Warren will be President?
Some real stories about using a home renovation loan to purchase or redo a house you already own. We also talk about current rates and the fact that you can buy a home with as little as 1% down, no need for perfect credit or a large downpayment
Want to purchase a home and fix it up. What about buying an investment property? We have the loan products that can make it easy to get a loan plus dollars to fix up the house, condo or investment property.
Jobs numbers are out and US employers added over 300K jobs in December. Good Job America!
But what does that mean for you and your Family in 2019?
Remember, it's a BUYER'S market out there right now so get yourself prequalified for your new home purchase TODAY by visiting Townstone.com or calling Zach at 312-896-2114
We will be LIVE this Sunday at 8AM with Real Estate Revealed on AM 560 The Answer. Tune-in or miss-out! https://townstone.com
Townstone talks customer service and why we're all part of the problem! Join Zach, Alec, and Kris Nowak of Castline Properties as they discuss how consumers and technology are ruining the lost art of customer service. Watch On Facebook For the BEST in customer service, remember to visit townstone.com for all your Real Estate needs.
Barry, Zach and Alec celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the new and improved Townstone Financial Show on AM 560 The Answer with Zach getting the show listeners in a tizzy with his idea of a new way to tax Americans. We also had Jennifer Wood of Coldwell Banker in Valparaiso, Indiana tell us why moving to Indiana is such a great deal, while, show expert Kris Novak of Castline Properties says that Valpo might be a great place to live but it can’t compare with Chicago! Last but not least, Real Estate Attorney Frank Pellegrini explains why interest rates at 5% should not be feared and everything is going to be OK. Watch On Facebook.
The unemployment rate announced Friday (3.7%) is the lowest since December 1969! Rates may be heading upwards, but the economic outlook remains positive. Watch On Facebook We have the GM of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices northwest Indiana Craig Frendling on providing a market update and his predictions as we barrel towards year-end. Jason Lucchesi, founder of No Flipping Excuses joins us later to discuss current opportunity in today's market along with predictions for the future. Finally, Ryan Siebert CEO of SGHomeBuilders enters the fray to discuss rehabbing and upgrading your home whether it's just to get ready for sale or for you to actually live-in and enjoy. Call 312-896-2100 or visit Townstone.com after the show to get in touch with any of our experts.
It was a volatile week for bonds and the stock market. Good arguments on both sides predicting where things go from here. Anyone who tells you they "know" should be a Billionaire by now... Watch On Facebook On the mortgage-lending side of things, we've got some eligibility updates. Poor credit USED to be the primary reason that lenders turned borrowers away. Now, the data shows "Debt-To-Income" as the #1 reason for mortgage application denials. That's not what we're seeing first-hand at Townstone though. The last year has brought a variety of new programs making it easier to qualify today than any time in the past decade. Joshua Berngard of Exit Realty joined us to discuss downsizing since the market segment will only get larger as more 'boomers retire. Katie Troccoli of Washington Square Realty joined the conversation from Ottowa, IL and why the expense and hustle of city-living is not for everybody. On the commercial side of things, Sylvia Reyna of Bradford Allen explained recent changes in commercial real estate and the things you and your business need to consider in 2018. Visit Townstone.com or just call 312-896-2100 to get in touch with any of our experts for your next home purchase or refinance. Have a great weekend!
The clocks are pushed back an hour for some much-needed extra sleep! Watch On Facebook But your daylight savings is NOTHING compared to the savings we're achieving for our new and returning mortgage customers. We had a great show with Realtor Extraordinaire Frank "Campo" Campobasso who was LIVE from an open house right at 3049 N. Oak Park Ave. Returning Favorite, Craig Frendling, our resident Northwest Indiana Real Estate Expert, gives us an update on the market on the Hoosier side of the border. 1% down payment purchase loans are back and available to qualifying borrowers along with rehab loans for borrowers wanting to fix-up their current house. Remember, Visit TOWNSTONE.COM to get in touch with any of our experts. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
With the markets going crazy, leave it to Townstone to bring your much-needed dose of sanity. Join Barry, Zach, and Alec as the recap the wild week on the Townstone Financial Show. The guys discuss it all with Realtors Erik Sachs (@Properties) and Ryan Ahearn (Century 21). Attorney experts Jonathan Cyrluk (Carpenter Lipps & Leland) and Matthew Gebhardt (Law Offices of Matthew Gebhardt) provided our listeners with advice for everyone looking to buy/sell real estate or initiate/defend litigation. Remember to fill out a free consultation on Townstone.com to discuss YOUR scenario and the team at Townstone will make sure you get to the best expert for your case. Watch On Facebook.
Barry, Zach, and Alec are talking home purchasing, mortgage refinancing, credit enhancement, and taking listener calls on the Townstone Financial Show. What is a first-time home-buyer supposed to do with so much misinformation out there? A Rocket will take you to the moon, let Townstone take you home. Watch On Facebook.
Zach and Alec were LIVE with a very busy episode of the Townstone Financial Show. Watch on Facebook At 10 minutes in, we had Realtor extraordinaire Jim B Buczynski from CONLON/Christie's International Real Estate to give his perspective of the upcoming spring market. Then at 20 minutes we were joined by Mark Weil, Wealth Manager from Strategic Wealth Partners talking about the 9 yr anniversary of the end of the Great Recession and why you need a financial plan. Then we at 27 minutes in, Todd Mikell from Camp Kids are Kids joins us and talks about a great event to help raise money for children with cancer to attend a special camp this summer. A the 35 minute mark we're joined by Mike Corvo of MCSdesigns who gives our listeners tips on remodeling their home. Finally at 40 minutes we've got The Answer Man Frank Pellegrini Real Estate Attorney Prairie Title Services Inc., with answers to tough questions. Also appreciate Bradley Cole and Kristofer Nowak of Castline Properties for sponsoring the show. Remember to visit TOWNSTONE.COM to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or refinance.
Spring is here and the hot housing market is only heating up! What do you need to know before buying or selling in 2018? Is your privacy at risk if you're a member of a homeowner's association? Tune-in for the top three insights from mortgage experts Alec and Zach. For a free consultation, please visit Townstone.com Watch On Facebook
Barry, Zach, and Alec were LIVE for another episode of the Townstone Financial Show. The boys discuss if Zach is truly fearful or if he puts on an act for the audience’s sake (spoiler: he's fearful!). Special guests include short-sale expert Sharon Bus (of the Bus Team) and the best real estate attorney in the state of IL, Frank Pellegrini. Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation and get in touch with one of our experts.
Have a bankruptcy or short sale we tell you how and when you can purchase a new home. Reverse mortgage confusion, we explain how they work. Rates are increasing, is the end in sight? We're talking with window and doors expert Justin Bartley President of Next Door and Window. Why is it so hard to shop for a mortgage? Remember to visit Townstone.com to your next home purchase or refinance. Watch On Facebook
Looking for a home via the internet, what do you need to be careful of? Is a picture worth a thousand words or can a home video or picture really tell the entire story? The Townstone Financial Show tells you what to look for and that you must go into the home and see it in person. Second, can you put down 3%, 3.5%, or receive your entire down payment with a gift, or do you need 20%? Next, Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Title talks social media and how it can BOTH help and hurt you. Lastly, a caller wants to know if a home equity line is the way to go or a new 30 year fixed when he needs a lot of money for home improvements. Watch on Facebook Mortgage questions? Visit townstone.com and fill out a free consultation.
New research from Charles Schwab shows that 3 in 5 Americans live paycheck to paycheck. How can you help yourself out of this vicious cycle? With mortgage rates hitting 7-year highs, is any relief in sight? What does this mean for the Real Estate market in general? Join Zach and Mark, Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Title/Pellegrini&Cristiano, and Kris Nowak of Castline Properties on this can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show. Watch On Facebook Want to speak to an expert Loan Officer after the show? Visit Townstone.com and fill out a FREE consultation.
Townstone Financial Show Memorial Day Weekend Edition! Let's remember the people who died while serving in the country's armed forces. Today we talk about VA loans and how easy they are for our Vets to use. No money down 100% financing. Also, smaller banks and credit unions got a break when part of Dodd-Frank was rolled back, should you worry they will make the same mistakes as the past and go out of business? In the second half of the show we discuss looking a reviews before purchasing. Can reviews be trust, can Yelp be trusted when they decide what you see? Watch on Facebook
Happy Father's Day! Barry and Zach are LIVE recapping the week in mortgages and real estate in today's episode of the Townstone Financial Show. Kris Nowak of Castline Properties talks about a house he is fixing up and getting ready to sell. Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Title talks some retro 2008 Countrywide Financial, could we be going back in time? Want to hear about how to sell your house to your children, or how to help your child buy his first house? We have the answers. Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com for a FREE consultation with a mortgage expert!
This week’s Townstone Financial Show on AM 560 starts out with a bang! Home mortgage rates finally taking a breather from week-over-week spikes, loan applications are up because of the tariffs our President is putting on China! Unfortunately, there is STILL a lack of home inventory making it harder to find a new home at a reasonable price, however, Barry thinks more properties are coming on the market recently, is he correct? Zach thinks the market is demanding more "starter" homes, but home-builders seem focused on only bringing $500,000+ priced new construction homes to market. Why are the laws of supply and demand FAILING the all-important housing market? Sherri Crawford urhomegirl@comcast.net tells us what she is seeing in the market, and we discussion the privatization of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae with Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Title. Could this change be bad for the average home buyer? Watch On Facebook
For the first time in 130 YEARS, more young adults live with their parents than with partners! What does this mean for the future of housing? Your #1 mortgage lender Townstone is working overtime to reverse this frightening trend! Watch On Facebook Remember to fill out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com or call 312-896-2100 to start your next purchase or refinance with the most trustworthy mortgage company in the country.
Did you know that the information on your homeownership and mortgage is available to the public via the county recorder’s office? Many unscrupulous companies scan these records to target homeowners with unnecessary and costly products. Do you have an adjustable home equity line? Do you even know the terms? If not, visit townstone.com today for a free consultation. You don't want to be surprised by a huge rate increase or balloon payment if you don't stay on top of the terms of your HELOC. Watch on Facebook Remember to "like" page on youtube or Facebook to subscribe to future shows. All previous episodes available on Townstone.com From our family to yours: Happy 4th of July!
Your #1 mortgage and real estate show is LIVE. Join Barry, Zach, and Alec for today's episode of the Townstone Financial Show. Maureen tells us what its like to buy a home today vs. 4 or 5 years ago, you will be surprised what she says. Jimmy, a Realtor from Baird Warner, discusses what being a Realtor is all about and why Alec loves him. Doris was not happy with the bank or the mortgage company she was working with, called Townstone and closed in 8 days, is that true? Does Townstone really value your business more than anyone else. Watch On Facebook
What a wild week and this episode Townstone Financial show on AM 560 had it all! Watch On Facebook Outlets like CNBC are pushing inflammatory headlines like "70% of millennials regret buying their homes" but is that true? The President says the FED should slow-up on rate hikes and the 30% gains in the market since inauguration gives him the opportunity to wage trade war "playing with the bank's money", but should the fed listen on the rate hikes? And how would a trade war impact the housing market? Alec and Zach were LIVE to separate fact from fiction. Realtor extraordinaire Sherri Crawford of Coldwell Banker joined the conversation to share her insight on the local market. Insurance expert Michael Schwartz of NFP gave his thoughts on the National Flood Insurance Program. Remember, Townstone.com is where you can download EVERY previous episode of the show. That's also where you can fill out a FREE consultation to get in touch with a mortgage expert.
Untapped home equity is higher today than any time in the last decade! What are the best ways to tap that? And when should you do a cash-out refinance vs. a home equity line of credit? Watch On Facebook Zach and Alec are later joined by Realtor Linda Schwartz discussing market expectations for Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Finally, special guest Frank Pellegrini explains how earnest money works during home purchases. Remember to visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or refinance. And tune-in every week to the Townstone Financial Show on AM560 or streaming live on Townstone's Facebook page.
Time for your weekly dose of reality: Townstone Financial was LIVE! Watch On Facebook Mary from nbriding.com talks about how horses are helping to treat war veterans. The President of A-Plus, Rick Moskovitz talks natural products to kill your pets issues. Frank Pellegrini from Prairie Title talks the CFPB with Zach and Barry. Sally calls in with a foreclosure issue on her house that Zach, Barry and Frank try to help her with. Remember, for 16 years Townstone has cared about you and we will continue to help anyway we can. Visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or refinance. Thank you to our listeners and sponsors for making the Townstone Financial Show the #1 mortgage and real estate show in Chicago!
Townstone Talks Insurance! With Mortgage Insurance, Title Insurance, Home Insurance, Flood, Condo, Renter's... it's almost impossible to keep track! Zach of Townstone Financial is joined by Special Guest Attorney Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Title as they discuss the differences between the variety of products labeled as "insurance" and why it's important for you to know! They're later joined by Michael Schwartz of NFP who explains why condo owners need to be proactive in making sure their project has adequate coverage! Remember to visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation. And catch us EVERY Saturday from 1-2 on AM560 and live-streaming on Facebook.
The Townstone Financial Show : Your #1 Mortgage and Real Estate Program was LIVE! (Watch On Facebook) Aging Housing Stock; Problem and Opportunity! The median for owner-occupied homes was 31 years in 2005. Today, it's 37 years! Even with the strong economy, millennial's are still staying with their parents instead of starting their own households, but are they the smart ones? Ready to rent a new home? Beware of these new scams. Remember to visit Townstone.com to catch-up on previous episodes of the show or podcast. You can also fill out a FREE mortgage consultation to get set-up with an expert on your next home-purchase or refinance.
Low rates and inventory have created a "seller's market" in real estate for the last several years, but is that finally coming to an end? Watch On Facebook Home-builder sentiment hits lowest point in almost a year as affordability becomes a bigger worry. Zillow appears to be entering the mortgage business as other smaller lenders drop out, why the industry consolidation will ultimately increase prices and limit choices for future mortgage borrowers. Barry and Zach were LIVE with their thoughts and analysis. Later, joined by Attorney Frank Pellegrini, one of the finest legal minds today. Remember to visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or mortgage refinance.
With record property appreciation over the last decade and signs pointing to it slowing, you need to be SMARTER than the crowd! Don't be fooled or scared by inflammatory and misleading headlines! Watch On Facebook Whether buying a new property or refinancing your current one, you need to make sure you're working with a team that has your back! Think back to the last mortgage loan you completed, would you recommend them to you family or friends? If the answer is "NO", that's a big problem! Townstone purchase and refinance clients have been happily closing on-time since 2002 with the best rates and lowest costs in the industry. Visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation, you'll thank us after.
And we were LIVE Saturday on Facebook and radio on AM 560 The Answer! Another day, yet another Wells Fargo scandal. This time dealing with denied mortgage modification applications. Will the bad news ever end for them? Next, with LIBOR set to disappear in 2021, what does that mean for the financial products currently tied to it? Most adjustable-rate mortgages are based on LIBOR so what happens when it goes away? Finally, why is communication with your lender during the purchase or refinance process vital? Frank and Zach are in the studio discussing some common mistakes borrowers make while in the loan process and how you can avoid them. Remember, all previous episodes of the show and podcast are available at Townstone.com. You can also fill out a FREE consultation there so you can get in touch with a mortgage expert for your next home purchase or refinance.
With the end of 2018 just around the corner, what are YOU doing to set yourself up for success in 2019? Watch On Facebook Lots of special guests and experts on this week's episode: The guys are joined by Mary Hensley from New Beginnings Therapeutic Riding Foundation discussing their upcoming "Barn Raiser" fundraiser on October 13th and their Soldiers' Clinic on November 4th. Nick Libert of Exit Strategy Realty talks about buying, maintaining, and managing investment and income-generating properties. John Harty brings his 40+ years of construction and real estate expertise to the table discussing custom home projects and why you "get what you pay for" when it comes to contractors and construction. Finally, we're joined by the best Real Estate Attorney in the state of IL, Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Title. Remember to visit Townstone.com or call 312-896-2100 to get in touch with any of our experts. Have a great week!
Happy September! With only 25% of 2018 remaining, the year has flown by! Watch On Facebook Why do American households have so much credit card debt? Secrets to saving money, lowering your credit card debt and having enough money for that first house or a bigger house, we talk budgeting and common sense. Megan R. Abraham, Executive Director of the Goldie Initiative talks about how her group is helping Women succeed in commercial real estate and many other endovors. Want to get leads for your company, we talk to lead guru Charles about the do's and don'ts of social media and how to be get started in promoting your company on the web. Remember, visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or refinance.
With rates increasing over the last two weeks, Friday finally saw a small dip back down, but the expectation moving forward is a higher interest rate environment. What does that mean for the real estate market, homeowners, and future home buyers? Watch On Facebook We're later joined by Douglas Martin, the Director of Economic Development for the City of McHenry discussing what he's up to, lessons learned, and expectations for the future. You won't want to miss him. Thoughts and prayers to those recovering from recent hurricanes, but we're on with insurance expert Michael Schwartz discussing optimal insurance coverage for your home. Proper insurance can help ensure that you're able to recover after disaster strikes. Remember, you can get in touch with any of our experts by simply visiting Townstone.com and filling out a FREE consultation.
One day after Facebook notified users of a data breach affecting over 50 million people, we're talking with cyber-security expert Bart Barcewicz about how you can best protect yourself and your business from the "bad guys" WATCH ON FACEBOOK Later, we'll be joined by downsizing expert and senior moving specialist Todd Howard of Keller Williams to discuss what he's doing to make sure his clients have a smooth transition to their next home. What about current market trends for new homes and remodeling? Ryan Siebert, CEO of SG Home Builders answers our questions. Finally, no episode of the Townstone Financial Show is complete without series resident economist Frank Pellegrini of Prairie Title who also happens to be the most-knowledgeable real estate attorney in the state of IL. Remember to call us after the show to get in touch with any of our experts or for your next home purchase or refinance at 312-896-2100. You can also visit Townstone.com
Mortgage rates are low, but don't be fooled by unscrupulous lending practices! Watch on Facebook
10 years since the financial crisis: lessons learned and can it happen again? Watch On Facebook Pretty much everything in Real Estate has changed in the last decade, so today, we're talking INNOVATION with top industry professionals that are hitting the future running to see what their secret is in 2018 and beyond. Reverse Mortgages are still probably the most misunderstood mortgage loan product , we answer some comments received over the past week. Remember to visit Townstone.com where you can find all previous episodes of the show. You can also fill out a Free Consultation on the website or simply call us at 312-896-2100. Thank you to our listeners and experts for making the Townstone Financial Show #1
Are home prices heading up or down? Should I wait until the snow melts to sell my house or look at another to buy. Watch On Facebook This week we saw conflicting predictions for the future of the housing market and Zach, Alec, and Kris were there to sort out the signal from the noise. Remember to "like" Townstone on Facebook to subscribe to all future LIVE videos.
Can Money Buy Happiness? In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes: "Those three things—autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward—are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. It is not how much money we make." Watch On Facebook Do you agree or disagree? Join Barry, Zach, and Alec as they debate the age-old question in another can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show! Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert for your next purchase or refinance.
The Federal Government might be shut-down, but the guys at Townstone are open for business on another can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show! Topics include: how to handle a rising rate environment, the future of electronic mortgage closings, and how the government shutdown will impact you. Remember to visit Townstone.com for the best rates and best service on your next purchase or refinance. Watch on Facebook.
Can Money Buy Happiness? In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes: "Those three things—autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward—are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. It is not how much money we make." Watch On Facebook Do you agree or disagree? Join Barry, Zach, and Alec as they debate the age-old question in another can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show! Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert for your next purchase or refinance.
Real Estate, Rentals, Rehabs, and Refinances. What is your Realtor doing to make your offer stand out from the pack? What rehab projects will have the greatest return on investment? Should I be refinancing out of my HELOC? Watch On Facebook Join Alec and Zach for another can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show. Remember to fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert.
Zach and Alec discuss the top 3 things to do with extra money at the end of the month. Watch On Facebook.
The guys discuss why an adjustable rate mortgage be the perfect loan for you. Watch on Facebook.
Zach and Alec debate the pros and cons of a fixed rate mortgage and compare against adjustable-rate-mortgages. The age-old debate has been solved! Watch On Facebook
Zach and Alec discuss if you should pay off your mortgage debt in full at your earliest opportunity. As with most financial questions, a simple “yes” or “no” doesn’t apply here. Watch On Facebook.
Bought a home in the past 5 years and have PMI? Why now may be the best time to eliminate or reduce the PMI.
The boys discuss how it is possible to purchase a house with a rental contingency. Watch on Facebook
The clocks are pushed back an hour for some much-needed extra sleep! Watch On Facebook But your daylight savings is NOTHING compared to the savings we're achieving for our new and returning mortgage customers. We had a great show with Realtor Extraordinaire Frank "Campo" Campobasso who was LIVE from an open house right at 3049 N. Oak Park Ave. Returning Favorite, Craig Frendling, our resident Northwest Indiana Real Estate Expert, gives us an update on the market on the Hoosier side of the border. 1% down payment purchase loans are back and available to qualifying borrowers along with rehab loans for borrowers wanting to fix-up their current house. Remember, Visit TOWNSTONE.COM to get in touch with any of our experts. Enjoy that extra hour of sleep!
It was a volatile week for bonds and the stock market. Good arguments on both sides predicting where things go from here. Anyone who tells you they "know" should be a Billionaire by now... Watch On Facebook On the mortgage-lending side of things, we've got some eligibility updates. Poor credit USED to be the primary reason that lenders turned borrowers away. Now, the data shows "Debt-To-Income" as the #1 reason for mortgage application denials. That's not what we're seeing first-hand at Townstone though. The last year has brought a variety of new programs making it easier to qualify today than any time in the past decade. Joshua Berngard of Exit Realty joined us to discuss downsizing since the market segment will only get larger as more 'boomers retire. Katie Troccoli of Washington Square Realty joined the conversation from Ottowa, IL and why the expense and hustle of city-living is not for everybody. On the commercial side of things, Sylvia Reyna of Bradford Allen explained recent changes in commercial real estate and the things you and your business need to consider in 2018. Visit Townstone.com or just call 312-896-2100 to get in touch with any of our experts for your next home purchase or refinance. Have a great weekend!
Barry, Zach and Alec celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the new and improved Townstone Financial Show on AM 560 The Answer with Zach getting the show listeners in a tizzy with his idea of a new way to tax Americans. We also had Jennifer Wood of Coldwell Banker in Valparaiso, Indiana tell us why moving to Indiana is such a great deal, while, show expert Kris Novak of Castline Properties says that Valpo might be a great place to live but it can’t compare with Chicago! Last but not least, Real Estate Attorney Frank Pellegrini explains why interest rates at 5% should not be feared and everything is going to be OK. Watch On Facebook
The unemployment rate announced Friday (3.7%) is the lowest since December 1969! Rates may be heading upwards, but the economic outlook remains positive. Watch On Facebook We have the GM of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices northwest Indiana Craig Frendling on providing a market update and his predictions as we barrel towards year-end. Jason Lucchesi, founder of No Flipping Excuses joins us later to discuss current opportunity in today's market along with predictions for the future. Finally, Ryan Siebert CEO of SGHomeBuilders enters the fray to discuss rehabbing and upgrading your home whether it's just to get ready for sale or for you to actually live-in and enjoy. Call 312-896-2100 or visit Townstone.com after the show to get in touch with any of our experts.
Townstone talks customer service and why we're all part of the problem! Join Zach, Alec, and Kris Nowak of Castline Properties as they discuss how consumers and technology are ruining the lost art of customer service. Watch On Facebook For the BEST in customer service, remember to visit townstone.com for all your Real Estate needs.
Real Estate, Rentals, Rehabs, and Refinances. What is your Realtor doing to make your offer stand out from the pack? What rehab projects will have the greatest return on investment? Should I be refinancing out of my HELOC? Watch On Facebook Join Alec and Zach for another can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show. Remember to fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert.
April showers (and snow!?) bring a hot purchase market and Townstone makes it easier to qualify for your dream home. The guys talk about co-signers, give spring home maintenance tips, and answer your questions. Watch On Facebook There's STILL time to donate to Misericordia's Candy Day fundraisers on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28! Lou Manfredini is trying to raise $5,000 and Townstone Financial is matching the first $5,000 raised! http://wgnradio.com/2018/03/29/lous-virtual-candy-jar-for-misericordia-sponsored-by-townstone-financial/ Visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert for your next home purchase or refinance.
The Federal Government might be shut-down, but the guys at Townstone are open for business on another can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show! Topics include: how to handle a rising rate environment, the future of electronic mortgage closings, and how the government shutdown will impact you. Remember to visit Townstone.com for the best rates and best service on your next purchase or refinance. Watch on Facebook
Can Money Buy Happiness? In Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell writes: "Those three things—autonomy, complexity, and a connection between effort and reward—are, most people agree, the three qualities that work has to have if it is to be satisfying. It is not how much money we make." Watch On Facebook Do you agree or disagree? Join Barry, Zach, and Alec as they debate the age-old question in another can't-miss episode of the Townstone Financial Show! Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert for your next purchase or refinance.
Reverse Mortgages: separating fact from fiction. With so much misinformation out there, the guys discuss why you need to consult with a Townstone expert before you start the process. Watch On Facebook Is it still a good time to consolidate that higher or adjustable interest-rate debt? Depends on your situation! Remember to visit Townstone.com or call 312-896-2100 for a FREE personal consultation to review YOUR scenario.
Freezing your credit is now FREE! You can thank an update to the Fair Credit Reporting Act for that. Watch On Facebook Zach and Alec discuss protecting yourself and your information. Amazon recently opened a "cashless" store in Chicago without a checkout, good idea? Catch an entire hour of the Townstone Financial Show on Saturday at 1pm streaming live on Facebook and over the airwaves on AM560 Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with a mortgage expert for your next home purchase or refinance. Have a great weekend!
Today's Comcast/Xfinity outage has crippled industry from coast to coast, do we depend TOO MUCH on the internet these days? On the mortgage front, rates finally hold steady, but how long can it last? Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert Loan Officer for your next refinance or home purchase. Wishing everyone and their families a Happy 4th!
Help me, help you! Watch On Facebook Townstone talks buying or selling with a contingency and the changes we're seeing in the real estate market heading into the final stretch of 2018. There's still time to refinance and/or consolidate your higher interest rate debt, just call 312-896-2100 for a free mortgage analysis to see if we can help you save money. Townstone.com is still your best resource on the net for watching all previous episodes or filling out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or refinance. Remember, we are LIVE with the Townstone Financial Show every Saturday from 1-2 streaming live on Facebook and over the airwaves on AM 560 The Answer
New home sales fall to 9-month lows but that doesn't mean the housing recovery is over. The headlines only tell 1/2 the story. Demographics and construction costs point to continued recovery. Watch On Facebook Even with the "rising rates" you hear about, how are so many people refinancing to consolidate their debt and STILL saving money? Make sure you visit Townstone.com for all previous episodes of the show or podcast. You can also request a FREE consultation with a Townstone Loan Officer for your next home mortgage.
Zach and Alec give a mid-week mortgage and real estate update before we head into the long weekend! Watch On Facebook Will it be a busy weekend for real estate, alcohol consumption, or both? The guys debate, you decide! Rates have shown little movement in the last few weeks, but how long will it hold? With the FED expected to raise their rates next month, might be a good time to consider refinancing out of your adjustable-rate debt. Fill out a FREE mortgage consultation at Townstone.com or call us at 312-896-2100 for your next home purchase or refinance.
Happy Wednesday! The FED holds steady for now, but what does that mean for September? More bad news for Wells Fargo, but does that surprise anyone at this point? Not us! Watch On Facebook We have a great show planned for Saturday at 1pm here on Facebook and AM 560 The Answer. Remember to visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or refinance.
Shake those Tuesday Blues with a mid-week mortgage and real estate update on today's episode of the Townstone Financial Podcast. Zach and Alec are joined by special guest Ira Schwartz. (Watch On Facebook) Zach thinks "SOMETHING" weird is happening in the purchase market this past week, but Alec and Ira disagree.You don't want to miss this one! Remember, visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert Loan Officer for your next home purchase or refinance! Have a great week.
Are there enough houses for sale? Should you move? If your neighbor puts his home for sale will there be a domino effect in the area? Can you fix anything, paint, replace a light bulb? A little sweat equity may be the charm in order to get a great home deal. Watch On Facebook It's Friday and that means The Townstone Financial Podcast is LIVE! Remember, Townstone.com is where you can fill-out a FREE consultation for your next home purchase or refinance. All previous episodes of the podcast and Townstone Financial Show are available there as well. We are going LIVE again tomorrow at 1:05PM and EVERY Saturday on Townstone's Facebook page and over the airwaves on AM 560 The Answer
Mid-week mortgage and real estate update with Zach, Alec, and Barry! Watch On Facebook Facebook has the biggest stock market loss of all-time, trade war between U.S. and EU seems to be on hold, reverse mortgages, 0%-down VA purchases, so there's a lot of ground to cover! Remember to visit Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation to get in touch with an EXPERT for your next home purchase or refinance.
Is the housing shortage coming to an end? Will that lead to another housing bubble? Watch Barry and Zach discuss the latest CNBC housing report and what it should mean to you. Remember to visit Townstone.com for a FREE consultation. Our Loan Officers will be happy to talk you through ANY purchase or refinance scenario. You can also call us at 312-896-2100 Watch On Facebook.
Today on the podcast, Barry, Zach, and Alec give a "first week of June" mortgage market update and talk about why all potential homebuyers need to call Townstone instead of the "other guys". Watch On Facebook For better service and lower rates/costs, fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com today!
When the Federal Reserve speaks, markets across the world react. Today, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell announced an increase to the Federal Funds Rate with the possibility of 4 increases this year instead of the previously expected 3. What does this mean to you? Should you actually care? Barry, Zach, and Alec are live with their thoughts and analysis. Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com for a FREE consultation with a loan officer for your next home purchase or refinance.
Last day of May and rates have dropped from their 4-year highs. Scared to have your credit report run, we explain how it works and why most people have nothing to worry about. Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with a Real Estate or Mortgage expert for your next home purchase or refinance.
Rates taking a little breather for the time being, but the purchase market is as HOT as ever. So how should you ACTUALLY shop for a mortgage? And how do you pick your Realtor? Watch on Facebook Visit Townstone.com for a FREE Consultation and catch us again on the Townstone Financial Show every Saturday at 1pm here on Facebook or AM 560 The Answer.
(TRADE) WAR! What is it good for? Should you be floating or locking your mortgage rate today? Why do the markets seem so confused? Almost the end of another wild week for markets. Barry and Zach are here to recap. The Townstone Financial Show will be live again this Saturday at 1:05PM livestreaming here on Facebook and over-the-airwaves on 560AM. Townstone.com to get in touch with a mortgage expert for your next home purchase or refinance. Watch on Facebook.
Question, do you watch CNBC? Do you think the government should force builders to construct more affordably housing? Please answer in the comments below, Barry thinks most people dont watch the markets or CNBC. Zach thinks there is an affordability issue; not enough started homes being built. Interest rates are still very low vs. the last 30 years, Barry thinks inventory of houses for sale has increased over last three weeks and it will show up in data soon. This will help prices stabilize. Do you think there are more houses for sale in your neighborhood over the last 3 weeks? Watch On Facebook!
Should I put 20% down on my next home purchase? With the SPRING purchase market in full swing (even if the weather doesn't seem to agree), Barry and Zach discuss your mortgage options when buying a home in 2018. Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert for your next home purchase or refinance.
Mortgage rates are SURGING to the highest level in 7 years but what does that REALLY mean for you as a buyer or seller? Don’t be scared and let the headlines send you to the real estate sidelines. Tune-in to the Townstone Financial Show every Saturday at 1pm on Facebook/560AM and educate yourself. Watch On Facebook!
March Mortgage Madness and More! Zach and Alec were live talking rates, tariffs, and toys (R US). Watch on Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation
Preapprovals and why you need one before looking for a new property! Don't listen to loudmouths. And remember: A Rocket will take you to the moon, let Townstone take you home. Watch On Facebook!
3% - the NEW 5% Are you eligible? Zach and Alec discuss the latest in mortgage eligibility because 2018 guidelines are making it easier to buy than ever! Make sure to fill out a free consultation TODAY to see what new house you might qualify for. Watch On Facebook!
Are the new tariffs going to affect home mortgage interest rates? Why do you get calls and emails after obtaining a credit card or applying for credit. The Townstone Financial podcast has the answers. Watch on Facebook!
Market Anxiety And How To Deal With Uncertainty! This last week has reminded us the market can move both ways and many people out there are spooked. Join Barry, Zach, and Alec as they slice through the chaos and noise to calm your nerves and help you plan for that uncertain future. Watch On Facebook Remember, Townstone.com is where you can get in touch with an EXPERT to discuss your specific scenario. We'll be live again this Saturday at 1pm.
Time to NOT be scared. Rates might be rising, but Barry, Zach, and Alec are here with this week's episode of the Townstone Financial Podcast. Remember, nobody values your business like Townstone so visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert for your next refinance or home purchase Watch On Facebook!
When tragedy strikes, we all need to come together to protect what's most-important: our children. In real estate and finance news: rates may be going up, but that doesn't mean you won't benefit from a refinance! Barry and Zach recap the week so far and discuss why you need to call Townstone if you're currently paying PMI or FHA mortgage insurance. Watch On Facebook!
DOW, DOW, DOWN! The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average were down over 2% between Wednesday and Thursday. Many are scared, selling-off to stop the bleeding. Others see opportunity, using the drop as an opportunity to buy low. Mortgage rates took a little hit earlier this week, but are currently holding steady. Who knows how long that will last.... Winter is usually a slower season for home sales, but the smart buyers are out there looking now when there’s less competition. Call 312-896-2100 or visit Townstone.com for a FREE personal consultation to help ensure you and your family are on the soundest financial footing possible as we head towards year-end.
Barry, Zach, and Alec are discussing the recent changes to the mortgage and real estate markets along with their predictions for the future. The Fed decided to leave rates alone for the moment, but higher inflation is expected! Watch on Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com to listen/watch ALL previous episodes of the show. Fill out a free consultation their to get in touch with an expert for your next home purchase or refinance.
Can I buy a home with 1% down? Even less? Watch On Facebook You asked for it, Townstone delivers! New down-payment assistance programs available through Townstone are making it EASIER to buy your first or hundredth home for qualifying borrowers. Last week it was rehab loans and our wide range of products is only expanding. Want to speak with a loan officer about your home-buying or mortgage refinancing plans? Call 312-896-2100 or fill out a FREE consultation at Townstone.com
It's been a wild week in real estate and finance. Amazon announces their new $15 hourly wage. Housing inventory numbers are up, but so are rates... Watch On Facebook Barry and Zach are here to discuss with their thoughts and analysis. Winter is Coming! So head over to Townstone.com to fill out a free consultation and make sure you're in the best financial situation heading into the new year.
Happy Monday! Have you gone through your annual home maintenance checklist? Zach and Alec take you from spring to winter with the best ways to protect YOUR investment along with a preview of the week to come. Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert for your next home purchase or refinance. Have a great week!
Mortgage Market Madness! Rates have been on an upward trajectory since the start of 2018. Alec and Zach are live with their reactions and predictions. They also review the "5 tips before you buy or sell real estate with bitcoin", which should be interesting to say the least. Watch on Facebook Make sure to fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com to get in touch with an expert loan officer for your next home purchase or refinance.
Millennial Home Ownership Continues to Lag Watch on Facebook As sung in the classic musical Bye Bye Birdie, "Whats a matter with kids these days?" Millennials are trailing the boomers in home-ownership rates. Is it economics, societal change, or a little of both? They are getting married later and having fewer kids. Is their transformation from non-owner to homeowner simply delayed or is this truly a generational shift? Renovation loans are BACK at Townstone! Call 312-896-2114 if you're looking to fix-up your current home or want to discussing purchasing a property to fix-up. Remember, visit Townstone.com to fill out a FREE consultation to get matched with an expert loan officer for your next home purchase or refinance. Have a great week!
Join Zach, Alec, and Mark for the first podcast of 2018! The boys shake off the holiday cobwebs to debate the impact of changes to the tax code. We've got an exciting year planned, thanks again to all of our viewers/listeners for their support. Remember to complete a "free consultation" at Townstone.com to get in touch with a mortgage expert for your next purchase or refinance. Watch on Facebook!
How do we keep our children safe in the classroom? Join Barry, Zach, and Alec as they recap the week that seemed like it would never end. This episode we were joined by expert Realtor Sherri Crawford and legal eagle Frank Pellegrini. Watch On Facebook Need to get qualified for a new purchase or refinance your current loan? Fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com
Mortgage Market Update: brought to you by Townstone Financial. Rates have dipped. Time to lock or float? Watch On Facebook Remember to visit Townstone.com for a free consultation with a mortgage expert and tune-in to the Townstone Financial Show Saturdays at 1pm on AM560 and the Townstone Facebook page.
Barry, Zach, and Alec give a quick recap of the week and a preview of tomorrow's Townstone Financial Show at 1pm streaming. Watch on Facebook!
2018 seems to be the busiest December in Townstone Financial's history, but why is this year different from previous years? Watch On Facebook Rates have been increasing throughout 2018 but took a dip this month, does this explain the increase in mortgage inquiries? Barry and Zach don't agree on a lot, but they are 100% on the same page when it comes to your pre-2019 mortgage/financial check-in. Remember, visit Townstone.com to put in your own inquiry and speak to an expert Loan Officer for your next home purchase or refinance. 2019 is almost here, are you ready?
We've heard disturbing news recently: one of our main competitors is telling their Loan Officers to place people in FHA loans with the promise of a refinance 6 months later. Not only is this unethical, it may be illegal loan churning! Watch On Facebook Why the housing market is slumping despite a booming economy? Barry and Zach were live with their thoughts and analysis. Remember, if you want your mortgage done the "Townstone Way", you need to call Townstone. 312-896-2100 or fill out a free consultation at Townstone.com.
The guys discuss how cash out refinances can save you hundreds of dollars per month. Watch on Facebook
Barry Sturner, joins Justin Kaufmann on WGN Radio to talk about current issues relating to the housing market including how people leaving Illinois is impacting the housing market, the affordable housing problem in the city of Chicago, the chances we see another housing bubble and what a new tax plan could mean for potential home buyers in the state of Illinois.
Zach and Alec discuss how world events can impact the interest rates. Watch On Facebook
Home Values are higher than ever, but don't let it discourage you because interest rates are still low. More renters today than 1965! Watch On Facebook.
With 2018 winding down, we've been getting calls from perspective buyers asking if we "can close a loan in 30 days". The Answer is "OF COURSE, we are consistently closing our purchases 30 days or faster." Watch On Facebook This means that Townstone could get your purchase contract this week and STILL let you close your loan before the new year. And while it's been a rough year for rates, these last two weeks have been a GREAT time to get your mortgage rate locked-in. 10 year treasury is trading below 3% for the first time since September! So for any of you looking to close on a purchase in 2018, time isn't on your side but call 312-896-2114 today to see where you stand. Also a great time for a mortgage and financial check-in whether you plan to buy next year, 2020, 2021, or even never! Doesn't hurt to review the numbers. Fill out a Free Consultation at Townstone.com or simply call Zach at 312-896-2114
Pizza or Chinese for dinner? Rent or purchase? Drive or walk? Living in 2017 means making choices what to do with your time and money. Zach and Alec discuss the economic concept of opportunity costs and how it applies to you. You're probably already doing many of these things without even knowing it! Watch On Facebook.
So happy we reached our goal of $5000 raised for Misericordia and $10,000 with Townstone’s match. We thank everyone for their donations and effort especially Lou Manfredini and his team. Still time to donate!
Barry Sturner on WGN radio 720’s business lunch with Steve Bertrand talking about interest rates and home mortgages.
Barry Sturner on WGN radio 720’s business lunch with Steve Bertrand talking about interest rates and home mortgages.
https://townstone.com Wintrust Business Lunch 9/23/2016 | Andrea Hanis (Blue Sky Innovation), Jaime Duffek (Head Softball Recruiting Coach at NCSA - Former Drake Softball Player), Craig Wallace (CEO of Ceva, a leader in pet behavior, parasitology and dermatology), Barry Sturner
Zach thinks short term rentals are dangerous for homeowners while Alec thinks everyone wins from using them. Watch on Facebook
Time for Zach and Alec to purchase a home? What's holding them back. Barry thinks he's a millenium, and speaks his mind as to how we are all 25 year old for at least 1 year. Oh, and interest rates continue to be at 4 year lows. https://townstone.com
Is the American Dream your right as a U.S. Citizen? The guys discuss the many ways things could be improved in order to allow greater home ownership in the USA. What does it take to be a homeowner and what would happen if guidelines were loosened. https://townstone.com
Zach's sister makes it big on the Today show, unfortunately, she not talking mortgages. Ultra low-interest rates turn July 2016 into a refinance boom. Stop renting, we discuss how easy it is to buy. https://townstone.com
Fed rate hike? The guys discuss the buzz around the fed and what that means for you this season. https://townstone.com
The guys discuss how obtaining a prequal letter from Townstone will put you ahead of competing offers. Speed and service is so important these days, while many banks put you off until they can get to you, that's not the way it's at Townstone. https://townstone.com
Townstone Financials Barry Sturner on AM560's Part of the Answer. https://townstone.com
The things you aren’t hearing about how easy it is to get a mortgage. https://townstone.com
What you need to know about getting prequalified for your 2016 home purchase. https://townstone.com
Ramblin’ Men: Rates, debates, and behind the scenes with special guest. https://townstone.com
Misguided Youth, The guys talk about why government needs to get out of people's life a little, and of course, home mortgages and low rates. https://townstone.com
The mortgage guys talk about how Townstone Financial is making the home buying process great again. https://townstone.com
The guys discuss what you need to know to get qualified for your loan. https://townstone.com
It's been fun 2018, but it's time to bring in the New Year!
What's your New Year's Resolution for 2019?
If you want to get in better physical shape, sorry, we can't help with that.
But if you want to get in better FINANCIAL shape, that's exactly what we're here for.
Call 312-896-2114 or visit the newly-redesigned Townstone.com and fill out a FREE consultation.
Wishing you and your family a healthy, happy, and fulfilling new year!
On October 12 Towntone CEO Barry Sturner was WGN Radio 720 with Patti Vasquez with Andrea Darlas talking home mortgages, reverse mortgages, and why its important to not be scared of financial decisions.
WGN Radio host Steve Bertrand interviews Barry Sturner about home mortgages, the housing market and reverse mortgages.
https://www.townstone.com
Listen to a real customer explain that Townstone has been beating the competition on closing costs and rates since 2002, that’s why you should always check with us after receiving a Home mortgage quote.
https://www.townstone.com
Listen to a real customer explain that Townstone has been beating the competition on closing costs and rates since 2002, that’s why you should always check with us after receiving a Home mortgage quote.