Conner Wetzel - MLO

06/22/2026

If you are looking at purchasing a home or investment property reach out and let me run some numbers for you to see whats best for your situation!

06/19/2026

If you are interested in this property or any others please reach out if you have financing questions or are interested in obtaining a loan to purchase!

01/27/2026

As the industry changes its important to change with it to stay ahead. We are here to get the best deals for our clients and make sure they feel comfortable with their decisions. We are not here to do one time business and to never be contacted again. If a client or anyone has any questions reach out anytime. We have the knowledge and technology to find the right loan for you. And remember to always get options from multiple places. NEXA Lending

The future of production is here.

Chat & Social AI is built to help NEXA loan originators move faster, respond smarter, and stay ahead in a market that never slows down.

This isn’t automation for the sake of automation, it’s intelligent production, designed for real conversations and real results.

12/06/2025

Programs Available for First-Time Home Buyers

If you're buying your first home, several programs can help make homeownership more accessible. Here's what's available to help you get started.

Government-Backed Loan Programs
These popular options require smaller down payments and offer more flexible qualification standards.

FHA Loans allow you to put down as little as 3.5% with a credit score as low as 580. These loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration and widely available through approved lenders.

VA Loans offer zero down payment for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying spouses, with no mortgage insurance required.

USDA Loans require no down payment for homes in eligible rural and suburban areas if you meet income limits.

Conventional Low Down Payment Loans like HomeReady and Home Possible allow just 3% down for qualified buyers with reduced mortgage insurance.

Down Payment Assistance Programs
Nearly every state offers down payment assistance through local housing agencies, providing anywhere from a few thousand dollars to significant grant amounts. These programs typically offer grants that don't need repayment, forgivable loans after you live in the home for a set period, or low-interest second mortgages.

National Homebuyers Fund provides grants and three-year forgivable loans up to 5% of your mortgage amount, working with participating lenders nationwide.

Many assistance programs can be combined with government-backed loans, maximizing your purchasing power.

Tax Benefits
Mortgage Credit Certificates are available in many states and allow you to claim a portion of your mortgage interest as a direct tax credit, putting more money back in your pocket each year.

How to Access These Programs
Check your state's housing finance agency website to see what's available in your area. Many programs are first-come, first-served with limited funding. You'll typically need to complete a homebuyer education course, work with approved lenders, and meet income and purchase price limits.

About 32% of first-time buyers used assistance programs in 2024, so these resources are both popular and effective. Take advantage of what's available to make homeownership more affordable.

11/20/2025

Getting Ready to Buy Your First Home: A Preparation Guide

Buying your first home is exciting—and a bit overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you'll be well-positioned to make smart decisions and move forward confidently. Here's what you need to do to get ready.

Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score is one of the first things lenders will look at. Pull your credit report from a free source like AnnualCreditReport.com and check for errors. If your score needs improvement, spend a few months paying down debt and making on-time payments. Even a small bump in your score can save you thousands in interest over the life of your loan.

Save for a Down Payment
Start building your down payment fund now. While you might have heard you need 20% down, many first-time buyers qualify with 3-5%. Still, the more you save, the better your loan terms and the less you'll pay in mortgage insurance. Set up automatic transfers to a savings account so you're building equity gradually.

Get Your Finances in Order
Lenders will scrutinize your finances closely. Organize your tax returns, W-2s, and recent bank statements. Pay down existing debts and avoid taking on new loans or credit cards. Aim to have steady employment history and avoid making large purchases or moving money around right before applying for a mortgage.

Research the Market and Get Pre-Approved
Spend time understanding home prices, neighborhoods, and trends in your area. Once you're ready, get pre-approved for a mortgage with a lender. Pre-approval shows sellers you're serious and helps you understand exactly what you can afford—no guessing games.

Educate Yourself
Take a homebuyer education course (many are free or low-cost through nonprofits or HUD). Learn about different loan types, closing costs, and what to expect during the buying process. The more you know, the fewer surprises you'll face.

Make Your Move
You're ready. Work with a real estate agent you trust, view homes within your budget, make an offer, and get a home inspection. Before closing, do a final walkthrough to ensure everything is as agreed.
Buying a home takes planning, but it's absolutely achievable. Start preparing today, and you'll be settling into your new place sooner than you know it.

11/03/2025

USDA Loans: Your Path to Rural Homeownership

If you're looking to buy a home in a rural or suburban area and don't have a large down payment saved up, a USDA loan might be your ticket to homeownership. These government-backed mortgages are one of the best-kept secrets in real estate financing.

What Are USDA Loans?
USDA loans are mortgages guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture as part of their Rural Development program. The goal is simple: help low-to-moderate income families purchase homes in less densely populated areas. The best part? They require zero down payment, making them an attractive option for first-time homebuyers who haven't built up substantial savings.

What Are They For?
These loans are specifically designed for purchasing primary residences in eligible rural and suburban areas. You can use a USDA loan to:

Buy an existing home
Purchase a new construction home
Buy and renovate a home (with the USDA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan)
Refinance an existing mortgage

The property must be your primary residence—you can't use USDA loans for investment properties or vacation homes.

Location Requirements
Despite the name "rural," you might be surprised by what qualifies. Many suburban areas and even some towns on the outskirts of major cities are eligible. The USDA defines eligible areas as those with populations under 35,000, though there are exceptions. You can check if a property is in an eligible area on the USDA's website.

How to Qualify
USDA loans have specific requirements that borrowers must meet:
Income Limits: Your household income cannot exceed 115% of the area median income (AMI) for your location. This varies significantly by region and household size, so a family earning $100,000 might qualify in one area but not another.

Credit Score: While the USDA doesn't set a minimum credit score, most lenders require at least 640 for streamlined processing. Scores below 640 may still qualify but require additional underwriting scrutiny.

Debt-to-Income Ratio: Your monthly debts (including the new mortgage) typically shouldn't exceed 41% of your gross monthly income, though exceptions can be made with compensating factors.

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. non-citizen national, or qualified alien.

Property Standards: The home must be modest in size and design for the area, and it must meet certain safety and livability standards.
Occupancy: You must occupy the home as your primary residence.

The Benefits
Beyond the zero down payment requirement, USDA loans offer competitive interest rates, lower mortgage insurance costs compared to FHA loans, and the ability to finance closing costs into the loan. For qualified buyers in eligible areas, they're often the most affordable path to homeownership.

If you're considering a move to a smaller town or suburban area, it's worth checking whether you and the property qualify. Talk to a USDA-approved lender who can walk you through the specific requirements for your situation and help determine if this program is right for you.

10/21/2025

Hard Money Loans: Your Fast-Track Financing Solution

When traditional financing moves too slowly or won't approve your deal, hard money loans step in. Here's when these powerful tools make the most sense.

What Are Hard Money Loans?
Hard money loans are short-term, asset-based loans funded by private lenders or investor groups. Unlike banks that scrutinize your credit score and income for weeks, hard money lenders focus on one thing: the property's value and potential. This means faster approvals—often in days, not months.
When Hard Money Shines

Fix-and-Flip Projects are hard money's bread and butter. You find a distressed property at $200,000, know it's worth $300,000 renovated, but need to close in a week before another buyer swoops in. Hard money gets you to the closing table fast, funds your renovations, and you repay when you sell—all within 6-12 months.

Time-Sensitive Opportunities don't wait for bank approvals. Foreclosure auctions, estate sales, or motivated sellers often require cash-equivalent speed. Hard money lets you compete with all-cash buyers while keeping your own capital liquid.

Property Condition Issues that make banks say no. That perfect rental with foundation issues or no kitchen? Traditional lenders won't touch it. Hard money lenders see the after-repair value (ARV) and fund based on potential, not current condition.

Credit or Income Challenges won't necessarily disqualify you. Had a bankruptcy? Complex self-employment income? Multiple mortgages? Hard money lenders care more about your deal's numbers and your track record than your W-2s.

Bridge Financing Gaps when you need to buy before you sell, or acquire before you can refinance into permanent financing. Hard money keeps deals moving when timing doesn't align perfectly.

The Trade-Offs
Hard money isn't cheap—expect rates between 8-15% and points (upfront fees) of 2-5% of the loan amount. These are short-term tools, typically 6-24 months, not long-term holds. You're paying a premium for speed, flexibility, and access.

Loan-to-value ratios are typically 65-75% of the property's ARV, meaning you'll need significant skin in the game—usually 25-35% down plus renovation costs.

Running the Numbers
Hard money works when the opportunity cost of waiting exceeds the borrowing cost. If losing the deal means missing a $50,000 profit, paying $8,000 in interest and fees over six months is smart business.

Successful hard money borrowers have clear exit strategies: sell after renovation, refinance into conventional financing, or use profits to fund the next deal. Never use hard money without knowing exactly how you'll repay it.

Who Should Use Hard Money
Experienced flippers who know their numbers cold, investors building rental portfolios who'll refinance later, or anyone who's found a deal too good to let slip away while waiting on traditional financing.

The Bottom Line
Hard money loans are tools, not solutions. Used strategically for the right opportunities, they unlock deals that would otherwise be impossible. Used carelessly on marginal deals, they amplify losses. Know your market, know your numbers, and know your exit strategy.

When speed and opportunity meet, hard money might be exactly what you need to turn potential into profit. Talk to experienced hard money lenders in your market—they often become valuable partners as you scale your investing business.

10/15/2025

Unlock Your Home's Hidden Potential: Using Equity to Build Your Real Estate Portfolio

Your home equity isn't just sitting there—it's investment capital waiting to be deployed. Here's how smart homeowners are turning their primary residence into a real estate portfolio.

Three Ways to Access Your Equity

HELOCs offer flexibility like a credit card secured by your home. Draw funds only when you need them, pay interest only on what you use, and move quickly on investment opportunities.

Home Equity Loans provide a lump sum with fixed rates and predictable payments—perfect when you've already found your investment property and know exactly what you need.

Cash-Out Refinancing replaces your existing mortgage with a larger one, letting you pocket the difference. Best option if you can maintain a competitive rate while pulling out capital.

Why This Strategy Works
Investment properties typically require 20-25% down. That $300,000 rental suddenly becomes accessible when you leverage $75,000 from your home's equity. You're using low-cost borrowed money to invest in an appreciating, cash-flowing asset.

The real magic? Once you acquire that first rental, you can leverage its equity to buy your second, then third. This snowball effect is how many investors build substantial portfolios.

Key Considerations
You're putting your home on the line, so ensure your investment generates positive cash flow from day one. Factor in vacancies, maintenance, and never overextend. The property's returns must exceed your borrowing costs—if you're paying 7% to earn 5%, the math doesn't work.

Who This Works Best For
Homeowners with substantial equity (30%+ is ideal), stable income to service additional debt, and solid investment opportunities. You need to understand real estate fundamentals and be comfortable with leveraged investing.

The Bottom Line
Many successful investors started by transforming home equity into income-producing properties. Your home has been building wealth quietly—now it's time to put that wealth to work.

10/11/2025

Why Smart Borrowers Choose Mortgage Brokers Over Banks

When it comes to securing a mortgage, most people's first instinct is to walk into their local bank. But there's a better way—and it could save you thousands.

Access to Multiple Lenders, One Application
Here's the fundamental advantage: a bank can only offer you their products. A mortgage broker has relationships with dozens of lenders—from big banks to credit unions to specialty lenders. One application gets shopped to multiple sources, giving you real competitive options instead of a take-it-or-leave-it scenario.

Brokers Work for You, Not the Bank
Banks have one goal: sell their own products and meet their quotas. Mortgage brokers are compensated by lenders, but their reputation depends on finding you the best deal. They're motivated to match your unique situation with the right loan, not force you into a one-size-fits-all product.

Better Rates and Terms
Because brokers bring lenders volume business, they often secure better rates than you'd get walking in off the street. They also know which lenders are most aggressive for your specific profile—whether you're self-employed, have credit challenges, or need a jumbo loan.

Expert Navigation of Complex Situations
Unique property? Complex income? Multiple mortgages? Brokers specialize in solving problems. They know which lenders will work with your situation and can package your application to maximize approval odds.

Time-Saving and Stress-Reducing
Instead of applying to multiple banks individually—risking credit inquiries and wasting hours—your broker does the heavy lifting. They handle the paperwork, communicate with lenders, and troubleshoot issues before they derail your closing.

The Bottom Line
Using a mortgage broker is like having a personal shopper with insider access to wholesale pricing. In one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make, why limit yourself to one store when you can have an expert search the entire market for you?

Your bank will still be there—but now you'll know if they're actually offering you the best deal.