Huss Fennell - 717 Mortgage Group

06/03/2026

The Iran conflict may be winding down, and for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals, that is meaningful news worth paying attention to.

Geopolitical uncertainty has been one of the primary drivers pushing mortgage spreads higher and creating the rate volatility that has made planning difficult for anyone in the market.

As that uncertainty begins to ease, it creates a more stable and predictable environment for buyers and sellers to make confident decisions.

Rates will still be influenced by broader economic conditions, including inflation and bond market movement, but removing a major source of unpredictability from the equation changes the landscape in a positive way.

For agents, this is a genuinely good moment to reassure clients who have been hesitant.

The market is steadying.

Strategic moves made now can position buyers and sellers well for the months ahead before broader awareness of this shift drives increased competition and reduces the negotiating leverage that currently exists.

Reach out and let's talk through what this means for your specific situation and how to take advantage of the current window.

05/28/2026

The buyers who said they were waiting until rates drop may not be waiting much longer, and the data is making that very clear right now.

Pending home sales just posted their third straight month of gains. Signed contracts are up over 3 percent from last year and purchase applications are running 8 percent ahead of where they were a year ago. This is not just one busy weekend or one packed open house. It is a real and measurable shift in buyer activity that is building momentum across the market.

The wait-and-see crowd is starting to turn into the active buyer crowd and that matters for everyone. Sellers who wait too long could end up listing when more inventory hits the market and more competition arrives. Buyers who wait for perfect conditions may find themselves competing with a larger group of people who had exactly the same plan.

The people who do well in this market are almost always the ones who pay attention early, get prepared, and make smart moves before everyone else figures out what is happening. If you have someone sitting on the sidelines right now, this may be exactly the right time to start the conversation.

Reach out and let's talk through what this market shift means for your specific situation.

05/13/2026

The rules for credit scores on mortgages just changed in a massive way, and this could genuinely be the news you have been waiting for.

On April 22nd, HUD, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac officially rolled out VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T for mortgage underwriting. This is the biggest credit scoring shakeup in 30 years and the implications for buyers who have been on the sidelines are significant. The new models now factor in on-time rent payments and 24-month credit trends rather than just a snapshot of your score on a single day. That is a genuine game changer. It rewards people who have been paying rent reliably for years and gives lenders a much fuller and more accurate picture of how you actually handle money over time.

An estimated 5 million previously rejected buyers could now qualify under these new models. If you have been told no in the past, this is the moment to circle back and get re-evaluated with fresh eyes. Even if your traditional score felt borderline, the new system may put you over the qualification line because consistent rent payments and steady payment history finally count toward your mortgage approval in a meaningful way.

Reach out and ask your loan officer to run your numbers under the new models. Follow me for more updates that can help put you in your next home.

05/12/2026

I want to share something a little different this week. Less market data, more business strategy.

There is a stat I keep thinking about. NAR surveyed nearly 50,000 agents and found that while 68% have used AI in some form, only 17% say it has made a significant positive impact on their business. That gap says everything.

The agents winning with AI right now are using it for the time-consuming tasks that eat into their day. 68% are writing listing descriptions with it. 59% are creating social media content. 53% are drafting emails and newsletters. That is an hour or more back in your day, every single day, that you can redirect toward clients and conversations that actually move the needle.

But here is where it gets really interesting. PwC just released their Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2026 report and they are calling the next phase agentic AI. These are tools that plan and act with minimal prompting and run continuous processes around the clock. Not just helping you write things but actually doing things on your behalf while you sleep. This second wave is just starting to hit residential real estate and the agents who figure it out now will have a real edge over the ones who discover it two years from now.

The agents winning with AI are not the most tech-savvy people in the room. They are the ones who treat it like a junior assistant and put it to work consistently.

Follow along for more ways to grow your real estate business.

05/11/2026

🏡 Horry County Market Update – May 11, 2026

The Horry County market continues to stay active as we move deeper into the spring buying season, but inventory growth is finally giving buyers more opportunities and leverage than we’ve seen over the past couple of years.

📈 Median home prices across Horry County remain stable around the mid-$330Ks, with certain areas like Myrtle Beach, Carolina Forest, and Murrells Inlet continuing to outperform.
🏘️ Inventory levels are rising, which means buyers are seeing more choices and fewer multiple-offer situations on average.
⏳ Homes are taking a little longer to sell compared to last year, especially if they’re overpriced or need updates.
💰 Mortgage rates are still hovering in the mid-6% range, but many buyers are adjusting to the “new normal” and moving forward before additional competition returns.

What we’re seeing locally:
✔️ New construction incentives remain strong
✔️ VA, FHA, and Conventional buyers are all active
✔️ Sellers still have equity, but pricing strategy matters more than ever
✔️ Buyers are negotiating closing costs and rate buydowns more frequently

A lot of people are still waiting for rates to drop significantly, but historically when rates improve, buyer competition usually ramps back up quickly. The buyers winning right now are the ones getting prepared early and negotiating while inventory is higher.

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, investment properties, second homes, or just want to game plan your options, let’s talk.

Huss C Fennell III – NMLS #1215922
717 Mortgage Group – NMLS #2424724
📍 641 Little Tony Avenue, Suite 4, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
📞 843-957-4996 | 🏢 843-808-9077 | ☎️ 855-245-0208
📧 [email protected]

Legal Disclaimer:

717 Mortgage Group NMLS #2424724. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all borrowers will meet the requirements necessary to qualify. Information, rates and terms are subject to change based on market conditions, borrower eligibility and without notice. Any offer is subject to verification of borrower qualifications, property evaluations, income verification and credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Certain restrictions may apply, call for details and see our website for our assumptions and additional disclosures.Website: https://hussfennell.com/
For additional licensing information, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
717 Mortgage Group is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, including HUD, FHA, or the VA.

Huss Fennell is a high caliber loan officer located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our mission is to help every person get on a path to home ownership.

05/06/2026

⚡ CLEAR TO CLOSE IN JUST 16 DAYS! ⚡
In today’s market, speed matters. Another buyer in Horry County just went from application to Clear to Close in only 16 days! 🏡
Whether you’re buying in Myrtle Beach, Conway, Surfside Beach, or anywhere along the Grand Strand, having a responsive local mortgage team can make all the difference.
✅ Fast Pre-Approvals
✅ Competitive Mortgage Options
✅ Local Lending Expertise
✅ VA • FHA • Conventional • USDA
Thinking about buying a home in Horry County or refinancing in today’s market? Let’s talk strategy and get you moving fast.
📲 Message me today to get started!
Huss C Fennell III – NMLS #1215922
717 Mortgage Group – NMLS #2424724
📍 641 Little Tony Avenue, Suite 4, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
📞 843-957-4996
📧 [email protected]

Legal Disclaimer:
717 Mortgage Group NMLS #2424724. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all borrowers will meet the requirements necessary to qualify. Information, rates and terms are subject to change based on market conditions, borrower eligibility and without notice. Any offer is subject to verification of borrower qualifications, property evaluations, income verification and credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Certain restrictions may apply, call for details and see our website for our assumptions and additional disclosures.
Website: https://717mortgagegroup.com/
For additional licensing information, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org.
717 Mortgage Group is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, including HUD, FHA, or the VA.

05/04/2026

📊 Horry County Market Update

📅 Week of May 4, 2026

🏡 Market Snapshot (Latest Available Data)
Median Home Price: ~$317K–$318K
Average Home Value: ~$316,676
Year-over-Year Change: ⬇️ ~1–2% (slight correction)
Median List Price: ~$325K
⏳ Days on Market
Average: ~65–75 days
Trend: Homes are sitting a little longer vs. last year
➡️ More time = more negotiation opportunities for buyers
📦 Inventory & Activity
Active Listings: ~5,800+ homes
New Listings (monthly pace): ~1,200+
Trend: Inventory continues to rise
➡️ Market shifting toward balanced / buyer-friendly conditions
💰 Pricing Trends
Majority of homes are selling under asking price (~85%)
Price reductions and realistic pricing are becoming more common
➡️ Sellers are adjusting to today’s market conditions
📉 What This Means (Simple Breakdown)

For Buyers 🏠

More options + less competition
Increased negotiating power
Opportunities for concessions, rate buydowns, etc.

For Sellers 📈

Pricing correctly is everything
Homes that show well and are priced right are still moving
Overpriced homes = sitting
📊 Interest Rate Environment
Rates are still hovering in the mid-6% range (give or take daily swings)
➡️ This continues to impact affordability but is stabilizing buyer activity
🔥 Lender Insight (Your Edge)

This is not a bad market—it’s a normalizing market.

We’re seeing:

Less chaos than 2021–2022
More strategy required
More opportunities for financing creativity

👉 This is where working with a broker (like me) matters most—
we can shop rates, structure deals, and win in negotiations.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to see what you qualify for in today’s market:

⚖️ Legal Disclaimer

717 Mortgage Group NMLS #2424724. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all borrowers will meet the requirements necessary to qualify. Information, rates and terms are subject to change based on market conditions, borrower eligibility and without notice. Any offer is subject to verification of borrower qualifications, property evaluations, income verification and credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Certain restrictions may apply, call for details and see our website for our assumptions and additional disclosures.

Website: https://hussfennell.com/

For additional licensing information, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
717 Mortgage Group is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, including HUD, FHA, or the VA.

Huss Fennell is a high caliber loan officer located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our mission is to help every person get on a path to home ownership.

04/27/2026

📊 Horry County Market Update – Week of April 27, 2026

🏡 What I’m Seeing in the Market
💰 Median home price: ~$315K–$355K range
📈 Inventory: Rising slightly (more options hitting the market)
⏳ Days on market: Increasing
🤝 Pending sales: Up ~10%+ (buyers are active again)

🔑 What This Means for Buyers (From a Lender)

➡️ You have more leverage right now

Less bidding wars vs. the last few years
More room for seller concessions (closing costs, rate buydowns)

➡️ Buying power is stabilizing

Rates aren’t at the bottom—but they’re predictable
That means you can plan instead of guess

➡️ Creative financing is back

Temporary buydowns (2-1, 1-0)
Niche products (bank statement, DSCR, etc.)

👉 Translation: There are more ways to get deals done right now than people realize.

🧠 What This Means for Realtors (and Their Clients)
Deals aren’t dying because of price…
They’re dying because financing isn’t structured right

👉 The difference right now =
who you use for financing and how the loan is set up

🔥 My Take This Week

We’re in a strategy market, not a rate market.

Anyone can quote a rate.
Not everyone knows how to:

Structure offers with concessions
Win deals without overpaying
Position buyers to compete without stretching them thin

That’s where I come in.

If you’ve got a buyer:

unsure about payments
worried about rates
or getting beat out on offers

📲 Let’s structure it the right way from the start.

Fast pre-approvals. Smart scenarios. Real answers.

Huss Fennell is a high caliber loan officer located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our mission is to help every person get on a path to home ownership.

04/22/2026

🔥 CLEAR TO CLOSE IN 3 DAYS?! YES… REALLY. 🔥

Speed matters in this market.
When the right team + the right strategy come together… things MOVE. ⚡

If you’re thinking about buying (or refinancing), don’t wait until you’re under pressure—get ahead of it now.

📲 Let’s get you pre-approved and positioned to WIN.

—
Huss C Fennell III – NMLS #1215922
📍 717 Mortgage Group – NMLS #2424724
📞 843-957-4996
📧 [email protected]

Legal Disclaimer:
717 Mortgage Group NMLS #2424724. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all borrowers will meet the requirements necessary to qualify. Information, rates and terms are subject to change based on market conditions, borrower eligibility and without notice. Any offer is subject to verification of borrower qualifications, property evaluations, income verification and credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Certain restrictions may apply, call for details and see our website for our assumptions and additional disclosures.
Website: https://717mortgagegroup.com/

For additional licensing information, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
717 Mortgage Group is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, including HUD, FHA, or the VA.

04/20/2026

📊 Horry County Market Update – April 20, 2026
🏡 Mortgage & Real Estate Update for Horry County, SC
Let’s break down what’s happening in the market right now 👇
📉 Interest Rates (as of this week)
30-Year Fixed: ~6.6% – 6.8%
15-Year Fixed: ~5.9% – 6.1%
👉 Rates have stayed relatively steady compared to last week, giving buyers a small window of consistency.
🏠 Local Market Snapshot (Horry County)
Median Home Price: ~$325K – $335K
Days on Market: ~60–70 days
Inventory: Up slightly compared to last month
New Listings: Increasing heading into spring
📊 What This Means:
✅ For Buyers:
More homes hitting the market = more options & negotiating power
Sellers are becoming more flexible (closing costs, repairs, etc.)
Locking in now could be smart before any summer rate movement
✅ For Sellers:
Pricing correctly is 🔑 — the days of “list it and forget it” are gone
Homes that are staged, updated, and marketed well are still moving
Spring traffic is picking up — this is your window
💡 Pro Tip of the Week:
If you’re on the fence waiting for rates to drop…
👉 You can always refinance later
👉 You can’t go back and buy at today’s price
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to see what you qualify for…
📲 Call or Text me directly: 843-957-4996
📧 [email protected]
I’m working this weekend and can get you pre-approved fast.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer:
717 Mortgage Group NMLS #2424724. All loans are subject to credit approval. Not all borrowers will meet the requirements necessary to qualify. Information, rates and terms are subject to change based on market conditions, borrower eligibility and without notice. Any offer is subject to verification of borrower qualifications, property evaluations, income verification and credit approval. This is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. Certain restrictions may apply, call for details and see our website for our assumptions and additional disclosures.
Website: https://hussfennell.com/
For additional licensing information, please visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
717 Mortgage Group is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency, including HUD, FHA, or the VA.

Huss Fennell is a high caliber loan officer located in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Our mission is to help every person get on a path to home ownership.