Welcome to This Month’s Newsletter! 

I’m so excited to bring you another round of inspiration, updates, and resources to help you on your journey.

Inside this edition you’ll find:

1. September Spotlight – celebrating success and stories worth sharing
2. Did You Know? – quick tips that can make a big difference
3. Reach Your Goals – strategies to help you take that next step forward
   

Now, let’s talk about what’s happening in the market — and why it matters for you.

The latest jobs report came in much weaker than expected. Only 22,000 jobs were created in August versus the 75,000 forecasts, unemployment ticked up to 4.3%, and more people are working part-time instead of full-time. The bond market reacted quickly, and as a result, mortgage rates dipped to about 6.45% for a 30-year fixed.

What this means for you: If you’re looking to buy, affordability just improved. If you already own, now may be the time to explore refinancing or consolidating debts. In fact, refinances just hit an all-time high again as homeowners take action to protect their financial peace of mind. I also know many of you are feeling the weight of rising costs and juggling monthly debts. Please remember, you’re not alone. For many homeowners, sitting on unused equity has been a lifeline. While refinancing isn’t the right solution for everyone, for some it has brought huge relief by consolidating debts and lowering monthly obligations.

Be sure to check your mailbox soon! We’ve sent out something special — a simple checklist to help you see if a refinance could be a fit for your situation.

Client Success Story: Meet Jim 

Jim came to us feeling overwhelmed. With two teenage drivers, rising insurance premiums, and the cost of everyday living climbing higher each month, making ends meet was a constant stress. He was hesitant about refinancing because his current mortgage had a lower rate  and that felt hard to give up.

But after talking through his real goals, we discovered something important: Jim only plans to stay in his home for about three more years. With that in mind, we put together a plan that refinanced his debt and freed up over $1,100 every month in cash flow.

The result? Less stress, more breathing room, and a financial plan that actually fits his life today — not just a number on paper.

This is exactly why we always say: it’s not just about the rate, it’s about the strategy.

September Spotlight

More Homes, More Opportunities – Your Path to Homeownership!

Inventory on the Rise: More Choices for Buyers

• Existing-home sales increased by 2.0% in July, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.01 million units.
• Total housing inventory rose by 0.6%, totaling 1.55 million units, marking a 15.7% increase from July 2024.
• Inventory levels are at their highest since May 2020, providing buyers with more options and negotiating power.

Affordability Improving: A Window of Opportunity

• Wage growth is now comfortably outpacing home price growth, making homeownership more attainable for many buyers.
• Mortgage rates have stabilized, offering predictability for monthly payments and long-term planning.
• Home prices have seen modest increases, with the national median existing home price rising by just 0.2% year-over-year to $422,400. National Association of REALTORS®

Tips for Buyers in Today's Market

• Get Pre-Approved: Secure financing early to strengthen your position in negotiations.
• Explore Various Neighborhoods: With more inventory available, consider different areas to find the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.
• Work with a Trusted Real Estate Agent: Leverage their expertise to navigate the market and identify opportunities.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on market trends and interest rates to make timely decisions.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you're considering buying a home, now is an exciting time to explore your options. Our team is here to assist you with financing solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about current mortgage rates and programs available to you.

REACH YOUR GOALS 

The Power (and Perks!) of Financial FOMO

We have all heard the term FOMO which stands for Fear of Missing Out. It first became popular with social media, where scrolling past vacation photos, dream homes, or the latest trends can leave us comparing our own lives to others. What many people do not realize is that financial FOMO is becoming a powerful motivator when it comes to money goals.

What is Financial FOMO?

Financial FOMO happens when we see others making major money moves such as buying a home, investing, or celebrating big accomplishments and feel the urge to do the same. While it can sometimes create pressure, research shows it can also be a positive influence.

The Numbers Tell the Story (Source: Empower.com)

• 70% of Gen Z in their twenties admit to feeling financial FOMO

• 57% of Americans have made financial decisions after seeing others’ lifestyles

• 18% feel more motivated to succeed when they see financial wins online

• 16% become curious to learn more about finances

• 15% say it inspires them to invest

• 14% open new savings accounts

• 13% improve their debt repayment strategies

• Most importantly, 57% of Americans say it makes them more optimistic about their financial future and that number rises to 78% for Gen Z and 70% for Millennials

Turning FOMO Into a Positive Force
Instead of letting financial FOMO create stress, it can serve as motivation. Seeing others reach milestones such as purchasing a home, saving for the future, or paying off debt can remind us that our own goals are within reach too.

Pro Tip: Use financial FOMO as inspiration, not comparison. Your journey is unique and every step forward matters.

At the end of the day, financial FOMO can be less about feeling behind and more about feeling inspired. Whether you are saving for your dream home, planning to invest, or simply building a stronger financial future, remember that you are not alone. We are here to guide you every step of the way.

DID YOU KNOW?

Why Writing Down Financial Goals Can Make Them Happen

Humans are wired for immediate satisfaction, and it starts early in life. Remember rushing to buy ice cream, makeup, or a new video game just minutes after getting your allowance? This urge is known as present bias. Unfortunately, it does not disappear when we grow up. Even on payday, our brains often favor instant gratification over long-term happiness.

When deciding whether to splurge or save, present bias can steer us toward purchases that feel good today, even if other choices, like buying a home, retiring comfortably, or taking an exotic vacation, would bring greater joy in the future.

The good news is that you can overcome it with two simple strategies:

• Write Down Your Goals

Studies show that writing down your goals increases your likelihood of achieving them by 42% (source). Recording a goal, whether it is buying a home in five years or retiring early, helps make it real and reinforces your commitment.

• Be Proactive on Payday

Once your goals are set, fight present bias by automating your savings. Direct a portion of each paycheck into a 401(k), IRA, or dedicated savings account. Automation removes temptation and keeps your future self on track.

Taking these small, intentional steps can make an enormous difference in achieving your long-term financial dreams.

If you want guidance on setting up your goals or savings strategy, contact me for an informal chat about your financial future.

As always, my team and I are here to educate, empower, and inspire you every step of the way.

With gratitude and encouragement,
Holly