Emily O’Brien - HUNT Mortgage Consultant - NMLS #2341865

09/14/2026

If you guessed C) 54%, you’re right (though I feel anyone who answered D).

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. rent increased by about 54% between 2015 and 2025 — roughly double the pace of general inflation.

That means a renter paying about $1,500/month in 2015 could be paying around $2,300/month today.

Meanwhile, homeowners with fixed-rate mortgages saw something very different ⬇️

Their principal and interest payments stayed largely the SAME month after month.

In my experience, those are two of the biggest long-term advantages of homeownership:

1️⃣ Predictable housing costs
2️⃣ The ability to build equity over time
And here’s something many people don’t realize:
💡 You don’t necessarily need 20% down
💡 Some loan programs allow down payments as low as 3–5%
💡 Many renters are closer to qualifying than they think

This isn’t about saying renting is wrong — renting makes sense for a lot of people at different stages of life.

But if you’ve ever wondered whether buying could be possible for you, it might be worth taking a look at the numbers.

If you’re curious how your current rent compares to a potential mortgage payment, comment or message me COMPARE and I’ll send you the details to run a quick comparison – no credit pull required!

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index – Rent of Primary Residence.

https://myoc.io/EmilyOBMortgage

09/11/2026

Two buyers with similar incomes could end up choosing completely different loans – and both could be making the right decision.

Why?

Because the best mortgage isn't just about the interest rate. It's about how that loan fits your life.

When I work with first-time home buyers, we look at questions like:
📊 Which option gives you the monthly payment you're most comfortable with?
💰 Would paying a little more upfront save you significantly over time?
🏡 Does one loan program fit your goals better than another?
📈 How will this decision impact your finances not just today, but years from now?

This is one of my favorite parts of the process.

I enjoy helping buyers compare the tradeoffs, understand the numbers, and choose a mortgage based on their goals – not just a headline rate.

Because the right mortgage isn't necessarily the cheapest, the fastest, or the one everyone else chooses.
It's the one that helps you feel confident in your financial future.

If you're thinking about buying a home and want to understand which options make the most sense for your situation, message me MATH and let's walk through them together.

https://myoc.io/EmilyOBMortgage

09/09/2026

Think of an escrow account as a hassle-free way to manage your taxes and insurance. Part of your monthly mortgage payment goes into this account, ensuring your taxes and insurance are paid on time, without any extra effort from you. Ready to simplify your homeownership journey? Let's do it together.

https://myoc.io/EmilyOBMortgage

08/12/2026

💸👛🔑🤝

07/28/2026

Some people change your career without ever realizing it.

Steve, congratulations on your appointment as "Mr. Vice President." 👏

I've had the privilege of watching you build HUNT Commercial into something you're incredibly proud of. I've seen the long hours, the conversations, the problem-solving, and the passion you bring to it every single day. Well deserved, my buddy 🥹

I still remember sitting in the Cicero conference room waiting for my interview, so nervous that my feet were literally swinging because they didn't touch the floor. 😂

Four years later, you've been one of my biggest supporters. You are always willing to listen, offer advice, celebrate the wins, and somehow find a reason to laugh, even on the stressful days. The culture you built is something to experience and I am endlessly proud to be a part of it. I'll miss seeing you in the Cicero office, but I couldn't be happier to watch you take on this next chapter.

And last, but certainly not least...

To my dearest Meggy -

Our relationship was definitely more of a slow burn. 😁 But somewhere along the way, you became the peanut butter to my jelly 🍇

I've had a front-row seat to the way you invest in people. Whether it's a brand-new agent trying to find their footing or someone who's been in the business for years, you meet them where they are. You celebrate their wins like they're your own, pick them up after the hard days, challenge them to think bigger, and somehow always know exactly what they need to hear. Not everyone has that gift.

Last year, you made me a promise that you were going to help me grow my business. You didn't just keep that promise, you absolutely blew it out of the water.

You answered my endless questions, introduced me to agents who have become incredible partners, challenged me when I needed it, celebrated every win, and somehow always knew when to give me a pep talk or tell me to get out of my own head.

The thing is... I'm not special. That's just who you are. You genuinely care about helping people build businesses they're proud of, and you pour that same energy into every agent you're lucky enough to work with. That's exactly why I know you're going to be an incredible Branch Director.

I'm a better mortgage consultant because of the two of you, and I can't wait to watch you both crush these new roles.

Congratulations, my friends. HUNT is lucky to have both of you, and so am I. 💛🖤

07/28/2026

A “no” from one lender doesn’t always mean the end of the road. 🛣

One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that if one lender says no, that's the end of the story. It isn't.

Every lender has different loan programs, guidelines, and ways of looking at a borrower's situation. Sometimes all it takes is a different approach or a loan program that's a better fit.

That's why I always tell people: don't count yourself out after one conversation.

If you've been told no, have questions about your options, or just want a second look, I'd be happy to take a look. Even if the answer is still "not yet," you'll leave with a game plan to get there.

🏡 Homeownership isn't one-size-fits-all, and your mortgage shouldn't be either.

07/23/2026

If you're buying a home in Syracuse, you deserve more than a rate quote.

You deserve someone who knows the neighborhoods, answers their phone when it matters, and explains the mortgage process without all the industry jargon.

I live here. I lend here. And I genuinely love helping people figure out what homeownership can look like.

Whether you're buying your first home, moving into your next one, or just wondering where to start, I'm always happy to have a conversation—no pressure, no obligation.

And yes... Café Blue, Apizza, and the Regional Market made the list. 😏☕️

📍 Syracuse & Central New York
📱 315-980-1235

Who else has a favorite local spot I need to add to my list? 👇

07/10/2026

Buying a home with a partner is exciting... but there are a few conversations worth having before you start scrolling Zillow.

💬 How will you split expenses?
🏡 Whose name will be on the mortgage?
💰 What happens if one person has a lower credit score or less saved for a down payment?
📋 What if your long-term plans change?

These aren't always the fun conversations, but they're some of the most important ones.

I put together a simple "Buying a Home with a Partner" Planning Form to help you talk through the details before you start house hunting. My goal is to make the mortgage process feel a little less overwhelming and help you move forward with confidence.

Comment PARTNER below or send me a DM, and I'll send you a copy!

06/25/2026

Because mine did.

The street with no sidewalks. The 6am apartment elevator ride when your dog just needs to get outside and there isn’t much space to do it.

And then there’s the other kind of morning.

A walk that feels easy. Familiar faces. You start recognizing neighbors and their dogs along the way. The kind of routine that makes mornings feel less rushed and a little more grounded.

That difference isn’t about luxury, it’s about lifestyle and what daily life looks like for you. It's about the gratitude you feel when you think "I cannot believe I live here".

If the way your mornings feel is something you’ve been thinking about as you look at your next home, DM me and we can talk through your options.

04/17/2026

Thank YOU, Meg! We are eternally grateful to have your support. Can’t wait to do it again today! ✨

Still thinking about last night’s Lender Lounge…

Huge shoutout to Emily O’Brien - HUNT Mortgage Consultant - NMLS #2341865 for putting together such a valuable and welcoming event—and to Karen Fuhrey for bringing not only incredible insight, but also the kind of humor that makes learning actually stick.

One of my biggest takeaways: PMI (private mortgage insurance) isn’t always the “bad” option people think it is. Depending on how you structure your loan, it can actually make more sense to keep more cash on hand instead of putting everything into the down payment.

If you joined us, I’d love to hear—what stood out to you or shifted your perspective?

And if you missed this one, don’t worry… we’ve got more coming 👀