Brady Mergenthal Sr. Loan Officer

09/08/2026

With remote work, where you live can be your decision instead of your employer's. And that puts more affordable places within reach.

Want to explore where that could take you? Let's connect.

For most first-time buyers, the hardest part of buying a home is making the numbers work. You budget, you save, and the finish line still feels far away.

09/03/2026

Buying soon? You’ve got more pull than you might expect. Right now, there are more sellers than buyers on the market. And that means sellers know they’ll have to give a little to get their house sold. Exactly how much negotiating power you have depends on where you’re looking. So, let’s chat about how much power you have here, then turn it into a set of keys. 

09/01/2026

Do you realize how much pull you have right now as a buyer?

There are more sellers than buyers on the market right now. That means a lot of sellers know they’ll have to compromise a bit to get their house sold, which leaves you room to negotiate on price and terms.

Of course, exactly how much room you have depends on where you’re looking. But more and more markets are trending in favor of buyers, so let’s chat about what’s going on in our area.

Send a DM, and we’ll turn your negotiating power into a set of keys.

08/27/2026

The rest of the world may feel unpredictable right now, but the housing market doesn't have to. Prices, inventory, and rates have all found solid ground.

If stability is what you've been waiting for, it's already here. Let’s connect if you want to talk through what that means for your move.

A recent survey from Talker Research asked Americans to pick one word to describe how 2026 has felt so far. The winner? Stressful. And honestly, there’s been a lot going on.

08/20/2026

If it's been a while since you've gotten a professional look at your home's value, let's change that.

Reach out for a free, personalized Home Equity Assessment that estimates what your house could sell for, how much equity you've likely built, and what that could mean for your next move.

You may have six figures of equity without even realizing it. And that’s enough to change everything about your next move.

-UpHomebuyer

When's the last time someone told you what your house is worth? Not what some online valuation tool guessed. Not what your neighbor's house sold for. What yours is actually worth right now.

08/18/2026

Still waiting for home prices to come down? That's becoming less likely. Home prices are now rising in 80% of housing markets. That’s up from 71% last quarter. In other words, more markets are seeing prices go up — not down. Before you put your plans on hold, let's look at what's happening in our market. Waiting may not save you as much as you think.

08/13/2026

That’s the trade-off with a narrowing spread. Rates may not be where you want them, but they're better than they could've been. If you want help figuring out what that means for your monthly payment, reach out to a local lender

If you're waiting for mortgage rates to fall a lot before you buy, you may be waiting a while.

08/11/2026

Torn between buying a home now or holding out for the perfect moment? Trying to time the market rarely works. Rates, prices, inflation… These variables are all beyond your control. So, if you want or need to move, focus on your numbers instead. Because… “Ultimately, whether it’s a good time to buy comes down to your personal financial readiness.” If the math works, you can move. It’s that simple. Let’s chat if you want help thinking it over. No pressure, just perspective.

08/06/2026

Buying and selling at the same time and not sure where to start?

With houses staying on the market a little longer these days, selling first could be the right move. It keeps you from juggling two mortgages while you wait for your house to sell.

You’ll also know exactly how much equity you’re walking away with (probably more than you think), and you can put it straight toward your next home.

Not sure where you’d stay in between? That part’s manageable with the right plan.

Let’s talk through the pros and cons. We’ll figure out what makes the most sense for you – and how to make the whole process as stress-free as possible.

08/04/2026

71% of homeowners say their insurance costs have gone up over the past few years.

And if you're buying a home, that's worth knowing – but it shouldn't scare you away from your plans.

Yes, affordability is still tight. But you can't control every cost that comes with buying a home. You can only control how prepared you are.

And in a market like this, one of the smartest things you can do is get an insurance quote before you make an offer. It'll give you a clearer picture of what your monthly housing costs will look like, help you build a more realistic budget, and keep you from being surprised after closing.

Buying a home is a big decision. The more you know before you buy, the more confident you'll feel when it's time to make your move.

Want more advice or have a question? DM me.