Brady Mergenthal Sr. Loan Officer

06/11/2026

A lot of people who want to move are telling themselves the same thing: "Maybe I'll just wait until later this year."

But before you decide, make sure you understand what you could be giving up too. Because moving this Summer does have its advantages.

For buyers, it could give you more options in your price point. Historically, there are over 30% more fresh listings in the Summer compared to the rest of the year.

For sellers, it can mean a better sales price. Data shows, on average homes sell for 4% more in the typical Summer month compared to usual month in the Fall or Winter (when demand typically falls off).

The point isn't to rush into anything. It's just to make sure you have the full picture before deciding whether waiting is really your best move.

DM me if you want to talk through your options. No pressure, just perspective based on years of experience.

06/09/2026

Moving this Summer, and not sure where to start? The new Summer Guides for buying or selling a home have your answers. For your free digital copy, let’s connect.

06/04/2026

Stuck deciding whether to buy now or wait? Waiting too long could cost you a sizeable nest egg. Buying your first home at 30 (instead of 40) could give you $119,000 more in net worth by age 50. Wondering if now’s your moment? Let’s chat. 

06/02/2026

Smaller homes are having a moment.

That’s because affordability is tight and, for many buyers, smaller is what fits the budget. And builders are listening.

Newly built homes have been trending smaller since 2014 – and that’s on purpose.

They're more affordable than larger homes. And many come with built-in community amenities like walking trails, fitness centers, and even co-working spaces, so less space still delivers.

If you've been feeling priced out of bigger homes, a smaller one could fit your budget and your lifestyle. And with brand-new everything, it may not feel like as much of a compromise as you think.

DM me to walk through what's available in our area.

06/01/2026

One of the things that sets VA loans apart? Built-in protections like the Tidewater Initiative.

If an appraisal comes in low, there’s an opportunity to provide additional insight before the value is finalized.

Learn more about how it works 👇

The VA Tidewater Initiative provides an opportunity to challenge a low appraisal before it becomes f...

05/29/2026

Renovations have a way of spreading into rooms you weren't planning to touch. A little prep work before the crew arrives can save you from a lot of cleanups (and potentially a few costly surprises) after.

These 20 tips cover everything from sealing off living areas to protecting flooring, so your home comes out the other side in better shape than it went in.

Learn the best ways to protect your home during a remodel with these simple yet effective tips. Whet...

05/28/2026

Life changes. Priorities shift. Families grow. Kids move out. Careers evolve. And eventually, the house you’re in may stop fitting the life you’re living.

If that’s been weighing on you lately, let’s talk through what your options could realistically look like today, no matter where rates or prices are.

Life can’t always wait for perfect market conditions. Maybe you don’t have to either.

You may be telling yourself you’re going to wait to move – maybe you’re hoping mortgage rates will come down, prices will fall, or the market will feel a little easier.

05/28/2026

Traditional budgets require a lot of upkeep, such as categorizing every purchase, checking balances and adjusting as you go.

The anti-budget takes a different approach: set aside savings and fixed expenses first, then spend what's left without obsessing over every line item. It's structured where it counts, flexible everywhere else. And for people who find detailed tracking unsustainable, it can be an easier way to stay on top of finances and still work toward long-term goals like homeownership.

Traditional budgeting (and tracking every dime) doesn't suit everyone. If you want a less labor-inte...

05/27/2026

As Military May comes to a close 🇺🇸 we’re proud to highlight one of the many benefits available to those who serve—Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).

This tax-free monthly benefit can be used toward housing costs, including purchasing a home.

Let’s talk about how it fits into your homeownership journey.

BAH is designed to help offset the cost of housing for servicemembers, and could help when qualifyin...

05/26/2026

In April, our Top 10 producers averaged nearly 11 loans funded and kept the momentum moving from file to close with confidence.

That kind of pace comes from strong habits, strong relationships and a platform built to support growth.

If you are ready for a place where you can scale without doing it alone, let’s talk.