Dean Hayes Team at Rocket Mortgage

11/03/2026

11/02/2026

When was the last time you shopped around for home insurance? Because that one move could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

With home insurance taking up a bigger chunk of monthly housing costs, that's an opportunity worth looking into.

And the numbers are pretty eye-opening.

According to Intercontinental Exchange, homeowners who switched insurance companies saved an average of $440 a year. Their premiums dropped 6.6%, while homeowners who stayed with their existing provider saw costs climb 10.4%.

That's a big difference just for shopping around.

And here's more good news: Home insurance costs are still rising, but the pace of those increases is finally slowing down.

So, what does this mean if you're buying a home?

Don't assume the first insurance quote you get is the best one. Comparing providers could help you keep your monthly payment more manageable.

And if you're open to new construction, there's another potential advantage. Newly built homes typically cost 10–15% less to insure than older ones, according to John Burns Research and Consulting.

Want help finding ways to make your next move more affordable? Send me a message. Let's talk.

10/30/2026

Think you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be surprised by how wrong that number is.

And if you've been putting off buying because of your credit, this could change everything.

According to a recent Veterans United survey, 57% of prospective buyers think they need a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for a mortgage. And 34% believe they need 700 or higher.

But here's what many people don't realize.

The traditional benchmark for many conventional loans has been 620. And with recent changes to mortgage credit scoring, even that isn't a hard-and-fast requirement for every loan.

Plus, lenders are beginning to adopt newer credit scoring models that could help millions more Americans get evaluated for a mortgage.

So, the number you see on your credit monitoring app may not tell the whole story about your ability to buy a home.

Does that mean everyone can qualify? Of course not. But it does mean you shouldn't count yourself out before talking to a professional.

Curious where you actually stand? Send me a message, and let's connect you with a lender who can help you find out.

10/30/2026

PAYMENT HOLDING YOU BACK?

Rocket offers eligible buyers a paid 1/0 temporary buydown. If the seller can contribute, let’s compare the available temporary and permanent buydown options for your situation.

Send me a listing. We’ll review costs and the full payment together.

Dean Hayes | Rocket Mortgage
360-859-1629 | DeanHayes.com
NMLS #114235

Eligibility and program limits apply. Offers may not be combined. Not a commitment to lend.

10/29/2026

10/28/2026

10/28/2026

COULD A SELLER CREDIT HELP YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENT?

Rocket already offers eligible buyers a paid 1/0 temporary buydown for first-year payment relief.

If a seller is willing to contribute, we can also compare available seller-funded strategies:
• TEMPORARY: Lower payments for a set period. The loan’s note rate stays the same.
• PERMANENT: Discount points reduce the note rate for the life of the loan.

Let’s compare costs and make sure the full payment fits your budget. A future refinance should be a possibility, not what makes the purchase affordable.

Send me a home you’re considering and let’s run the numbers.

Dean Hayes | Rocket Mortgage
360-859-1629 | DeanHayes.com
NMLS #114235

Eligibility and program limits apply. Offers may not be combined. Not a commitment to lend.

10/27/2026

Pending home sales just dropped 11.3% compared to last year. But what if that slowdown could actually help you get a better deal on a brand-new home?
Here's why that matters.

When the market slows, homeowners and builders don't always react the same way.

A homeowner who isn't getting the offers they want can decide to stay put and wait. But builders? They've already invested in houses they need to sell. And every completed home that sits unsold costs them money.

That can make builders more motivated to negotiate. And the numbers prove they're already making moves.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, 65% of builders are offering incentives, and 43% are cutting prices. The typical reduction? 6%.
For buyers, that could mean serious savings. Think lower prices, help with closing costs, or even a better mortgage rate.

And the biggest opportunities may be hiding in brand-new homes that are already built and waiting for buyers.

So, before you rule out new construction, let’s see which builders in our area may be ready to negotiate.

10/24/2026

🏡✨ Two quick reminders as we head into the weekend!

First — if you're thinking about buying a home, don't go at it alone. The internet is a great starting point, but having a trusted team of professionals by your side makes ALL the difference. I'd love to help you build that team and walk you through the financing process step by step.

Second — I'm NOT a 9-to-5 lender! 🙌 Your schedule doesn't always fit into traditional business hours, and that's okay. I'm available when YOU are — mornings, evenings, weekends, you name it.

📞 Call me 📱 Text me 📧 Email me

I'm just a call or a click away. Don't hesitate to reach out — let's chat about your home buying goals!

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! 🎉