10/02/2026
A couple of weeks ago, an appraiser walked one of our properties, taking photos, measuring units, doing the full workup.
The refinance he was there for was already dead. In the last month rates have suddenly spiked to their highest level in 20 years, and killed that loan weeks before he showed up.
We paid for the appraisal anyway.
Nick and I have half a dozen refinances sitting in that same spot. Every one of them penciled beautifully a month ago, and every one of them is dead in the water today. Nobody would blame us for shelving the whole stack and checking back next year.
We're finishing the appraisals instead, keeping every file current and staying close to our lenders. None of these refinances is a certainty. What the preparation buys us is the option, so when rates move, the decision is sitting in front of us that week, not buried under months of catch-up paperwork.
You can do the same thing this week, whatever you invest in. Write down exactly what you'd do if rates dropped 1% tomorrow, then go do every step on that list that doesn't need the rate drop. The applications, the conversations, the research.
Waiting is not a strategy. Preparing is.
Tuesday night, October 6, we're opening up our portfolio live on Zoom for a pop-up Community Power Hour at 7:30pm CT (8:30pm ET, 5:30pm PT). We'll show you how our fully fixed-rate debt is holding up at a 20-year rate high, how we're staying ready on the refis we've paused, and where we see potential buying opportunities forming.
The Q&A is live only, so bring your questions. Whether you invest with us or you're still learning, you'll get a candid look at how we make decisions when the market shifts.
Reserve your spot here: https://blackswanteam.com/popup/
Even if you can't make it Tuesday, do the exercise. We'd love to see you there!!