Brady Mergenthal Sr. Loan Officer

09/29/2026

Does one size ever really fit all? One mortgage rate doesn't either.

You may be seeing today’s higher rates and worrying about whether it’s still worth it to buy. Here’s what you need to realize…

Mortgage rates differ just like the people who apply for loans. So, the rate you see online isn’t necessarily the one you’d get when you buy.

Your real mortgage rate is specific to your individual situation. It can be higher or lower than what you've seen or heard.

So, don’t assume the rate in the headlines is your rate. Before you decide you can't buy a home or that you should wait, find out what your real rate is. You'll know what your options are and get a map to what's possible.

And a quick conversation with a loan officer is the perfect place to start.

09/24/2026

You can't control where mortgage rates go, but you can control your credit, your loan, and the kind of home you buy. Working with a trusted lender can help you lock in the best rate you qualify for. And when you’re ready to make a move that fits your budget, let’s connect.

If you're trying to buy a home, affordability is probably what keeps you up at night.

09/22/2026

If you’re selling this season, a little effort out front goes a long way. Because the moment a buyer pulls up to a showing, they're already forming an opinion.

But there are a few simple things you can do to nail that first impression. Think tidying up your landscaping, bringing in some seasonal flowers, and sweeping the walkways. Or even just cleaning out the gutters and making sure the path to your door is well lit.

You don’t need to do a big overhaul to get buyers’ attention.

Let’s chat about what people in our area are looking for right now, and get your house prepped to sell this fall.

09/17/2026

If you want to buy a house this year, there’s still a way to make it happen, even with today’s rates. This fall gives you the chance to get some of the best seasonal perks the market has to offer.

Want help figuring out when those advantages typically show up in our market?

Let's have a quick conversation about how our market works and the steps you’ll need to take to get ready.

Want to buy a house this year, but not sure if the timing’s right? Seasonally, it may actually be a better time to buy than you expect.

09/16/2026

Appraisals are getting an update!
Beginning November 2, new appraisal requirements will bring more detail and updated reporting to the process. The biggest takeaway? Details matter!
Realtors, sellers, and buyers, knowing what’s changing can help you be better prepared when it’s time for the appraisal.
Have questions? Let’s get ready together! 🏠📋

09/15/2026

Need to move, but worried you missed the window to sell your house until next year or next spring? Don’t count yourself out of the market so fast.

About a third of all home sales happen in the last four months of the year – and that share has been growing every year since 2023.

Based on the forecasts, that means roughly 11,800 houses are expected to sell every single day between now and the end of December.

Buyers are still out there, ready to move before the new year. Let’s connect and get your house in front of them.

09/15/2026

Union Home Mortgages offers a variety of products with many low and no down payment options to help buyers find the right mortgage for their home. Contact me to learn more!

09/10/2026

Data centers are showing up in more communities, and naturally, homeowners and buyers want to know what that could mean for nearby houses.

One of the biggest concerns that comes up is home values. But research from HousingWire found that areas with large data centers generally saw home values track similarly to comparable areas without them.

That doesn't mean proximity never matters. Noise, infrastructure, future development, and potential utility costs are all worth considering.

But a data center nearby isn't automatically bad news for your home's value.

Have one near you or one coming soon? Let’s look at what it could actually mean for your home and your neighborhood.