Brian K Swanson NMLS #400119 at Guild Mortgage

11/02/2026

Did your mortgage payment unexpectedly jump after your first year of homeownership? You are not alone, and this surprise catches far too many homeowners off guard.

This jump usually happens because of property tax changes that create an escrow shortage. When your annual taxes and insurance exceed what was collected, your monthly payment must rise to cover the difference.

You can prepare early by reviewing the escrow section on your recent statement. Simply compare your annual escrow balance against your new property tax bill to see where you stand.

Escrow calculations can feel confusing, but you do not have to figure them out alone. Send me a message or comment below, and let us review your numbers together. 📩

https://myoc.io/515mortgage

NMLS ID #400119
I am authorized to do business in the states of Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. AZ BK #0018883; AZ BKBR # 1043033; AZ LO Lic. # 1030977;

10/30/2026

A couple of weeks ago, I was standing on top of a mountain watching the sunrise and enjoying a cup of coffee, thinking about how fortunate I am to have opportunities like this. We all have responsibilities, deadlines, and people counting on us, and taking care of those things matters. But so does taking care of ourselves and making time for the experiences and people that make life worth living.

There will always be more work to do and another reason to put something off. Take advantage of the opportunities you have today, because we don’t always get to choose when they’ll come around again. Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to live.

NMLS ID #400119
I am authorized to do business in the states of Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. AZ BK #0018883; AZ BKBR # 1043033; AZ LO Lic. # 1030977;

10/29/2026

More homes for sale. Prices holding steady. Buyers, are you paying attention?

Take a look at what’s happening in West Des Moines over the past five years. Home prices are roughly in line with where they were a year ago, but the number of homes available for sale has climbed significantly. That’s a shift worth paying attention to if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines.

More inventory means more choices, less pressure to make a rushed decision, and potentially more negotiating power. We’re seeing opportunities for buyers to negotiate on price, ask for closing cost assistance, or have sellers contribute toward a lower interest rate. It doesn’t mean every seller is ready to make a deal, but it does mean buyers may have options they haven’t had in years.

Here’s my question: If you could negotiate a better deal on a home today, would you still wait for interest rates to drop? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

NMLS ID #400119
I am authorized to do business in the states of Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. AZ BK #0018883; AZ BKBR # 1043033; AZ LO Lic. # 1030977;

10/05/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Brian Swanson by Morgan N - Everything went so smoothly!

Click to see all 760 reviews of Guild Mortgage - Brian Swanson, Branch Manager | NMLS # 400119

09/29/2026

🏡 The best deal on a house might NOT be the lowest price.

Buyers finally have something we haven’t seen much of lately: choices and negotiating power.

And that means we can get strategic.

If a seller is willing to give concessions, what’s the smartest way to use them?

💰 Reduce the purchase price?
📉 Permanently buy down the interest rate?
⏱️ Use a temporary rate buydown?
💵 Cover closing costs and keep more cash in your pocket?

There isn’t one right answer.

The goal is to look at YOUR situation and figure out which option gives you the best overall financing strategy.

And with an important PCE inflation report coming Wednesday, mortgage rates could move quickly this week.

🎥 I break down what buyers should be watching in this week’s Mortgage Market Minute.

NMLS ID #400119
I am authorized to do business in the states of Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. AZ BK #0018883; AZ BKBR # 1043033; AZ LO Lic. # 1030977;

09/24/2026

Half my body weight in ounces of water every day.

Great for hydration.

Absolutely ELITE for getting your steps in. 😂🚶‍♂️🚽

I’ve been working on eating better and drinking more water, and it reminded me of something:

We usually know what we should be doing.

Knowing isn’t the hard part.

Doing it consistently is.

A lot of the harder choices we make today — with our health, our money, our relationships, our careers — are really about giving our future selves more choices later.

So drink the water.

Do the hard thing.

And maybe don’t wander too far from a bathroom. 😂

NMLS ID #400119
I am authorized to do business in the states of Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. AZ BK #0018883; AZ BKBR # 1043033; AZ LO Lic. # 1030977;

09/23/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Brian Swanson by Kimberly S - Brian was very prompt in responses, clear in his communication and answered all my many questions. I highly recommend!

Click to see all 758 reviews of Guild Mortgage - Brian Swanson, Branch Manager | NMLS # 400119

09/16/2026

Starting Sept. 17, buyers may have a little more room to work with. Guild is increasing conventional conforming loan limits for one-unit properties to $845,000, ahead of the anticipated FHFA announcement.

While it may seem like a small adjustment, higher conforming loan limits can create additional financing flexibility for buyers shopping in higher-priced markets.
As always, I'm here to help you understand how changes like these may impact your homeownership goals and buying power.

09/15/2026

Are you planning to buy a home soon, but feel like the process is overwhelming? Waiting for the perfect market conditions might actually be holding you back.

Many buyers focus solely on the purchase price or hope for perfect interest rates. However, understanding your total monthly payment and preparing your credit early are what truly make or break your purchase.

Buying smart is about finding a strategy that fits your budget today while keeping your options open for the future. 🏡

You do not have to navigate this journey with guesses. Comment TRUTH below, and let us build a clear home buying plan tailored to your goals. 📈
https://myoc.io/515mortgage



NMLS ID #400119
I am authorized to do business in the states of Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Kansas and Missouri. AZ BK #0018883; AZ BKBR # 1043033; AZ LO Lic. # 1030977;

09/11/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Brian Swanson by Brandon M - Brian was very easy to work with and was great at answering all of our questions!

Click to see all 754 reviews of Guild Mortgage - Brian Swanson, Branch Manager | NMLS # 400119