Drew Laing, Mortgage Loan Officer, NMLS #2820758

07/06/2026

Rates got you (or your buyer) hesitating? Here's a trick more people should know about: the 2-1 temporary buydown.

Instead of a price cut, the rate gets bought down for the first two years — meaning a lower payment right when it matters most (moving costs, new furniture, all of it).

📉 Year 1: rate is 2% lower
📉 Year 2: rate is 1% lower
📈 Year 3+: settles into the normal rate

On a typical loan, that can mean hundreds of dollars back in your pocket every month for the first two years — often funded by the seller or builder, not out of your wallet.

Sitting on a listing that's gone quiet? This might be exactly the angle it needs. 🏡

For a more in-depth look at a temporary 2-1 buydown, check out my article over on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/temporary-2-1-buydowns-quiet-tool-can-move-stuck-listings-drew-laing-itrbe/

07/03/2026

I'm sure many of my network in the Upstate have already seen the news, but CNN just ranked Greenville, SC as the No. 3 best town to visit in America!

And I'm not surprised. Ever since my family and I have moved here from Florida three years ago, we have loved every second. Sure, we've missed our family and the separation has been tough, but we went into the move believing being in Greenville was the best thing for our family...and this area has not disappointed.

We are truly grateful to live such a great part of the country. The entire Upstate, not just Greenville, is a great place to visit, but an even better place to raise a family and put down roots.

Buzzing with the downtown energy that many cities are starving for, Greenville makes the most of its urban waterfall, a trail that runs through town and the businesses along the way.

06/26/2026

The Upstate housing market has “balanced out.” But what does that actually mean for you?

📊 The numbers right now (Greater Greenville, May 2026):
— Inventory up over 21%
— Homes sitting on market an average of 57 days (vs. 50 last year)
— Median sale price around $368K — basically flat year-over-year
— Homes selling for ~98% of asking price

What that means if you’re buying: You have time again. Time to do a real inspection. Time to compare homes. Time to ask the seller to cover some of your closing costs — or to buy your interest rate down so your monthly payment is lower. That was nearly impossible to ask for two years ago. Right now, it’s a real conversation.

What that means if you’re selling: The days of listing on Friday and fielding 10 offers by Sunday are mostly over. But well-priced, move-in-ready homes are still selling. The market isn’t crashing — it’s just back to normal. Price it right and present it well, and you’re still in a good spot.

If you’ve been thinking about buying and want to know what you’d qualify for, feel free to reach out — happy to talk through it.

Guaranteed Rate Inc, dba Citywide Home Mortgage, NMLS 2611. For licensing information, go to (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply. Equal Housing Lender.

06/26/2026

Long story short: Earlier this year, I started in my career as a Mortgage Loan Officer at Citywide Home Mortgage and I couldn't be more excited to help people from all walks of life achieve the dream of homeownership!

Long story long: Those that know me know that I long battled with career fulfillment. The Lord was so kind to me and took care of me and my family every step of my journey in corporate marketing. Everything from the financial provision to the friendships I formed (especially THIS) - all very clearly being held in His hand the whole time.

Still, I struggled with being joyful and satisfied with where I was, often thinking I needed something different in my career. In the midst of losing my job due to a reduction in force earlier this year, God opened up doors for me to make a complete career shift and focus on work that centers on what I love most - helping and working with people.

I think the lesson that's apparent to me now, and what my biggest prayer is during this time, is if I truly trust that God has the right plans for me and no matter where my new career takes me, that I'm always in His hands...then that's really all that matters.

Being in a career now where production is everything and often everyone else's successes are so easily available to see and compare to...can make it difficult to keep my focus on trusting in the Lord, rather than results.

But I move forward knowing that all of it - from my work in Publix social media to sports journalism to healthcare tech content marketing and the ups and the downs - brought me here and taught me that if I just keep it simple and give every day to Jesus...that's when I can do my best work b/c I'm doing it for Him. I am far from perfect at this and HAVE to constantly go to Jesus to remind myself of these truths...but what a friend He is, to always be there and to listen.

I cannot wait to see where the Lord takes me on this new career journey. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way over these past few months!