Max Pribbeno - Ascend Mortgage

04/30/2026

Loved getting to help Luke and Alaina through their first home purchase.

First-time homebuyers are honestly some of my favorite clients to work with because there are so many questions, nerves, moving pieces, and big decisions along the way.

Thank you Luke and Alaina for trusting me with such a big milestone. This is exactly why I love what I do.

04/29/2026

04/09/2026

Not all seller concessions are created equal. A lot of buyers naturally focus on negotiating the purchase price down, and that can help, but in many cases it does not move the monthly payment as much as they think. A seller paid rate buydown can often create a bigger impact where buyers feel it most, in their monthly payment.

For example, a small price reduction might only save you a little each month, while using that same amount toward buying down the interest rate can lead to much more noticeable monthly savings. That is why strategy matters. It is not just about getting a better price, it is about structuring the deal in the way that helps you the most.

Every situation is different, but this is exactly why having the numbers broken down the right way is so important.

03/10/2026

Most buyers start in the wrong place.

Before you start scrolling homes, get clear on these 2 things: what you can qualify for, and what actually fits your budget, both monthly payment and cash to close.

That’s the plan that helps you buy with confidence instead of feeling lost.

If you’re thinking about buying this year, send me a message and I’ll help you get a clear game plan in place.

03/04/2026

That moment you realize it’s not even your place… you’re just renting permission to live there.

02/26/2026

Getting “preapproved” is easy, getting you to the closing table is the part that counts. The wrong lender can miss something small that turns into a disaster days before closing, after you’ve already paid for inspections and an appraisal, and you’re staring at losing earnest money.

Get qualified by someone who’s done this a few hundreds of times, not someone who’s just confident on selling you.

02/16/2026

That awkward moment when your landlord raises rent again… and you have zero control.

With a fixed rate mortgage, your principal and interest payment stays locked in.
No annual “market adjustment.”
No surprise email 60 days before renewal.

Yes, taxes and insurance can change slightly over time. But the biggest part of your payment stays stable.

If you’re already paying $2,000 to $2,500 in rent, you might be closer to owning than you think. Happy to walk through real numbers so you can compare side by side.

02/12/2026

Some first time buyers tell me they don’t have much saved when they first reach out. That’s more common than people realize. There are down payment assistance programs that can help reduce what you need up front, but it’s still important to expect having a few thousand dollars available for things like earnest money, inspections, and closing costs. Having this conversation early lets us look at real numbers, set realistic expectations, and avoid surprises later. If you’re unsure where you stand, I’m always happy to walk through it with you.

02/06/2026