Martini Mortgage Podcast

If you are a first-time homebuyer, a repeat homebuyer or work in the real estate arena this podcast episode is for you.   Chief Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini curated this Martini Mortgage Podcast episode to simply explain the housing market and the process of getting a mortgage and to introduce a free resource which is referred to as  The Winter 2021 edition of the Martini Buyer Guide (a.k.a. Things to Consider when Buying a Home). The Martini Buyer Guide has 10 informative articles that discusses refinancing a home or  buying a home and getting mortgage not just Raleigh, North Carolina market but in any market. In the pages of the Martini Buyer Guide there is national housing data from industry icons like; Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Zillow, CoreLogic, Mortgage Bankers Associations (MBA) and National Association of Realtors (NAR).   In episode 115 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast not everything that is discussed in that is shared in the Winter 2021 Martini Buyer Guide, just a glimpse of some key articles. 

There is a high likelihood that if you see a home for sale that is properly priced in great condition there could be a bidding war.  Maybe you may experience a bidding war if the home for sale is not properly priced too.  The real estate market right now is very tight so a buyer needs to be prepared for a bidding war.  Kevin Martini shares 3 strategies to  be victorious in a bidding war in episode 113 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.   Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Chief Mortgage Strategist and Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

Many feel selling a home is stressful under normal circumstances and can be very stressful if you are selling during a pandemic.  Seller have many concerns like: how is the real estate market during the pandemic, is it smart to sell during a pandemic ???when you list your house for sale, how do you know the people touring your home for sale are serious ??? how do I know that the my house will sell for the price I want and on the timeline I want ??? will I get the price I want to sell my home ??? Episode 112 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast with Kevin Martini is called the Top Stressors Of Selling a Home.  Kevin Martini has invited s special goes to help answer these questions in the video edition of the Martini Mortagage Podcast - Lisa Quin with the Quin Realty Group at EXP Realty.   Lisa Quin is a Realtor with over 20-year experience helping families buy and sell real estate in the Triangle of North Carolina.  Lisa Quin has consistently achieved top homer in the industry.  Not only a Relator, she is a homeown

The fastest-growing crime in the nation is Identity Theft (a.k.a. Identity Fraud). 1 out of 15 people will be impacted by Identity Theft.  Many think monitoring it is the best strategy however this alerts you after a bad actor has already gained access to your information. The credit freeze it is the most reliable defense you have in your arsenal to prevent Identity Fraud. One needs to be proactive to prevent Identity Theft, they should not be reactive.  This special episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast shares a way one can be proactive to protect their identity and prevent Identity Fraud by freezing their credit.  Freezing your credit essential restricts access or locks others out from accessing your credit. It is my opinion that the credit freeze is the most powerful thing that one can do to protect themselves from the fraud of identity theft. Find out how you can do this for FREE. FOR SHOW NOTES AND RESOURCES DISCUSSED GO TO: https://www.martinimortgage.com/the-credit-freez…t-just-monitored/

Things to Consider When Buying a Home Fall 2020 There are many thing to consider when buying a home as a first time home buyer or as a repeat homebuyer.  Raleigh Mortgage Strategist, Kevin Martini, highlights 10 key topics that are top of mind for many right now whom are considering to buy real estate now, soon or in the future. Episode 110 is an audio summary of the Fall 2020 Martini Buyer Guide called: Things to Consider when Buying a Home. The information in this 20-page homebuyer guide is helpful if one is buying or if one is selling real estate.  It is event helpful for one that works in the real estate arena. The Martini Buyer Guide is available for FREE by going to: www.MartiniBuyerGuide.com Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Chief Mortgage Strategist and Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

Your mortgage can be a deal maker or a deal breaker.  When you are buying a home for the first time or as a repeat buyer, it is irrelevant to communicate to a home seller that you are ready and willing…you need to communicate that you are ready , willing and able to buy.  The only way to properly communicate your ability to buy is via a Mortgage Pre-Approval Letter.    Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgages discusses the material differences between a mortgage pre-qualification and mortgage pre-approval in episode 109 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.   Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Chief Mortgage Strategist and Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

Is owning a home right for everyone - NO IT IS NOT! Is owning a home right for you?  I do not know, but I do know there are financial benefits to owning a home and this episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast will highlight the 5 Kevin Martini Financial Reasons for Homeownership.   Buying a home as a first-time homebuyer or as a repeat homebuyer is a process, not an event.  Since there is never a substitute for education…the home buying process starts start with education regardless of you experience level with real estate.  They're intangible benefits to owning a home but there are also financial benefits too. The Martini Mortgage Podcast is curated and hosted by Raleigh Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage and this is episode 108 called: 5 financial Reasons of Homeownership in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina or any city and state in the U.S. for that matter. Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Chief Mortgage Strategist and Branch Manager | Martini Mortga

There are times that people talk about the ‘Good Old Days’…what they were able to do way back when.  There are few moments in life that you are able to live in the ‘Good Old Days’ and right now is one of those rare occasions.  Right now is the ‘Good Old Days’ for real estate and home loan rates and potentially a once in a life-time opportunity.   Kevin Martini is the Branch Manager and Chief Mortgage Strategist with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage and in this special episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, Kevin Martini goes beyond the headlines to highlight the facts about buying home and getting a mortgage.   To highlight this sentiment, at the time of broadcast…mortgage rates fell below 3% for the first time in 50-years.  Episode 107 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is called: The Good Old Days are Right Now   KEVIN MARTINI | NMLS ID 143962 | CHIEF Mortgage Strategist AND BRANCH MANAGER | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N

Today, top of mind with many people is real estate.  People that own real estate are concerned about the economy and how it is going to impact their home value.  Renters are concerned with jobs or unemployment numbers and this is preventing them from exploring buying options.  Jobs and the housing market is what this special episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is all about.    KEVIN MARTINI | NMLS ID 143962 | CHIEF Mortgage Strategist AND BRANCH MANAGER | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N BLOUNT ST RALEIGH, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KEVINMartini.com | KEVIN@KevinMartini.com |Equal Housing Opportunity

The VA Home Loan is not just one of the most powerful home loan options but it is also the best mortgage option available today.  When you think about it, it should be.  The best home loan product should be reserved for the brave that serve our country.  This episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast highlights the 4 things that you need to know about the VA Home Loan AND Kevin Martini shares the 9 benefits that an active Servicemember, Veteran or surviving spouse of a fallen hero need to know about a VA Home Loan.   Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Senior Mortgage Strategist & Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

Mortgage rates are not just low they are hovering near historic all-time lows.  In addition, home appreciation in this market is not myth — it is a reality! Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini discusses what the current home loan rate environment is like and what it means to one that is a first-time home buyer or a repeat homebuyer too.  Plus a discussion about home prices...where are they head and how has COVID-19 impacted them. Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Senior Mortgage Strategist & Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity    

The housing market in 2020 is not like the real estate market in 2008.  Many people have questions today about where the housing market is headed since courtesy of COVID-19 we are in the middle of an economic slowdown.  The current real estate market today is materially different then the real estate market in 2008.    The 103rd episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast with Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini is called: If you are thinking this like 2008, STOP IT!   2020 is not a rinse and repeat of 2008 looking at the top 5 key metrics: Home Price Appreciation, Mortgage Credit Availability, Number of Homes For Sale, Use of Home Equity & Home Equity Earned.   After tuning into this episode check out the article called: STOP…This Housing Market Is Not Like 2008 which starts on page 3 of the Summer 2020 Martini Buyer Guide called: Things to Consider When Buying a Home.  It is available for FREE but packed with information that you need to know about buying a home.       ENJOY and if you have questions about w

June is National Homeownership Month – even though the official celebration for National Homeownership Month is in June, every month and every day in any year is truly a time to celebrate homeownership.  Obviously there are economic benefits to homeownership but the reality is that homeownership also provides other benefits to you and your family and host Kevin Martini will highlight them in this episode, episode 102 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast. Raleigh Mortgage Strategists, Kevin Martini, with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage created his “Top 8 Reason to Own Your Home in Raleigh, North Carolina”.  To be frank, these reasons are applicable for any city in the Triangle of NC or any city in North Carolina or and city in the U.S.A. too!  On the Martini list, not in order or importance is:  Privacy, Family, Comfort, Personal Expression, Accomplishment, Community, Stability, Financial Investment Enjoy this episode and know that right now is a great time to explore your benefits and your options

The 100th episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast with Kevin Martini is called: “What is going on that you need to know!” Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgager Podcast, he is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina and helps families in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. So many are out of work right now!  At the end of February 2020, the jobless rate was 3.5% with 5.8 million people out-of-work..  At the end of April 2020, the jobless rate was 14.7%  with 23.1 million people out-or work. What is the impact of this high unemployment on housing values and mortgage rates? Is the unemployment picture getting better? “Here is my take based on data and it is critical that I share the numbers are not pretty but they do show me that the worse may be in the rearview mirror.” Kevin Martini According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistic thing are getting better.  Not minim

Credit score 101 is the name of the 101st episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast which is hosted by Raleigh Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage.    FACT: You need a credit to secure a mortgage.    FACT: Many people overestimate what their credit score needs to be in order to secure a mortgage.  In addition, many people overestimate the amount of money that is needed for down payment to buy a home and secure a mortgage.   FACT: Your credit score does NOT define who you are.   FACT: Poor credit can become exceptional credit   Credit Score…what is considered poor, what is considered exceptional.   Credit score for the purpose of mortgage ranges from 300 to 850.  The higher the score the better!  There are several bracket of credit score: the highest bracket is ‘exceptional’ and the lowest bracket is ‘poor’.  If your credit is at 800 or north of 800 it is considered to be exceptional.  If your credit score is between 799 to 740 it is considered to be very good.

5 questions a homebuyer, a homeowner or a Realtor need to know right now by Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage. The 5 questions I will be answering are: When will the economy recover? How will unemployment impact housing? Are we going into a recession? It is spring-time…should you buy a home now? I love my home and it is going to be my home for a long time…should I refinance? A video edition is available by going to: www.MartiniMortgagePodcast.com If you have questions about what you hear, just give Kevin Martini  a jingle at (919) 238-4934.  Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Senior Mortgage Strategist & Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N Blount St Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

Coronavirus Mortgage Relief and Opportunity Options is a special episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast to help one understand their relief options and for one to understand their opportunities if they are a homeowner or want to be a homeowner.     Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Senior Mortgage Strategist & Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 507 N Blount Street Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity

WHAT NO ONE IS TELLING YOU - important information if you are thinking of buying a home for the first or if you are a repeat homebuyer & are getting a mortgage…important information if you are thinking of refinancing your current home loan into a lower rate or to a different term…important information is you work in the real estate area as a Realtor.   No one I talking about the fact that the mortgage industry is anticipating a serving runoff and this could impact who qualifies and what rate they get.   This episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast with Kevin Martini shares the story that no one is talking about.   Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Senior Mortgage Strategist & Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 223 S West Street, Suite 900 Raleigh, NC 27603 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity 

There is no question that the full impact of the Coronavirus is still not known and it is creating uncertainty however with uncertainty there is opportunity for families the have a mortgage today…there is an opportunity for families that are in a house the will not meet their long term needs…there is an opportunity for someone to stop renting and become a homeowner— enjoy this Special video edition of the Martini Mortgage Podcast — it is called: Coronavirus, Real Estate and Mortgages For the video edition of this special edition of the Martini Mortgage Podcast go to: https://youtu.be/q4h22o2NS6M

Private Mortgage Insurance (a.k.a. PMI) is a good thing!  Without PMI a 20% does payment would be required to secure a conforming home loan — PMI allows one to buy a home with less than 20% down.  The monthly cost fo PMI depends on the home’s value, the amount of your down payment and your credit score.  Once you have built equity of 20% in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that expense from your mortgage payment.  That is correct, one can purchase a home with less than 20% down and PMI  in cancellable.    Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Senior Mortgage Strategist & Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 223 S West Street, Suite 900 Raleigh, NC 27603 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin@KevinMartini.com | Equal Housing Opportunity