G. Steven Bray - Loan Originator

09/01/2026

One thing we talked about in this week's 5-Point-5 is that a mortgage payment is more than just a housing expense.

Obviously, part of that payment goes toward interest, taxes, and insurance. But part of it also pays down what you owe on the home. Month by month, you're gradually increasing the portion of the home that you own.

That doesn't mean buying is always better than renting, and it doesn't mean home values always go up.

But when homeownership fits your situation, that's one of its important long-term benefits: some of the money you're spending on housing is also helping you build an asset for the future.

08/25/2026

Buying your first home is easier when you know what to do **before** you start looking at homes.

This Thursday's free online workshop is **Where Do I Start?**

We'll talk about the five early decisions that can make everything that follows a lot easier: credit, budget, cash, preapproval, and your home-search priorities.

Bring your questions. That's what the workshop is for.

Register here: https://www.lonestarlending.com/ConsumerWorkshops

Join Texas Lone Star Lending mortgage workshops to learn about buying a home, refinancing, home equity, first-time homebuyer questions, and investment property loans.

08/17/2026

Credit. Budget. Cash. Preapproval. Finding an agent. Looking at homes.

There's no shortage of information out there. The hard part is knowing what matters now and what can wait.

That's what we'll sort out in Where Do I Start?, part of our free First-Time Homebuyer Workshop Series.

We'll put the early decisions in a practical order so you'll know what to do before you start seriously shopping.

Learn more and register through the event link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ed9dg6RGb/

07/10/2026

Featuring a home from Valeria Sisson this week 👇
Worth a look if you’ve ever wondered what’s possible.

06/05/2026

This one from Jill Leber Knight (eXp Realty) caught my eye 👇
Not for everyone—but worth understanding your options.

05/21/2026

In a competitive market, it can feel like skipping the inspection gives you an advantage.

But it also means going in without the full picture.

The goal isn’t just to get the home — it’s to feel confident about the one you choose.

Comment INSPECT if you’d never skip this step.

05/15/2026

⭐ Picture Yourself Friday

Paying about $2600/month in rent?
This one from Rhonda Surovec (RE/MAX East) caught my eye 👇
Not for everyone - but you might be closer than you think.

(Full post on Instagram)

05/12/2026

Sitting down with Stacy Bray .

A homestead exemption can help limit increases in taxable value, but it doesn’t mean your appraised value should be ignored.

If the appraised value keeps rising, it may still matter later.

Understanding the difference can help homeowners make better decisions.

05/07/2026

Sitting down with Stacy Bray .

Protesting your property tax appraisal?

Ask for the evidence packet.

It can show which properties were used to compare against yours, and that may help you identify whether the appraisal is fair.

05/07/2026

It’s workshop night! 🎉
Join us tonight at 7 PM for our Free Online Homebuyer Workshop.

Learn what lenders look for, how to budget, and how to buy your first home with confidence.

🔗 There’s still time to register → https://www.LoneStarLending.com/ConsumerWorkshops

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