Sarah Maloney at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, NMLS #1036901

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Sarah Maloney at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, NMLS #1036901

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🏆 Top 1% Mortgage Originator | 30 Years | New Jersey 🏡 Helping buyers navigate mortgages, win multiple-offer situations & get home with confidence.

About Sarah Maloney | Premier NJ Mortgage Solutions
Experience That Moves You Forward
As a President’s Club member with over $250M in funded loans, I provide high-net-worth borrowers and first-time buyers in New Jersey with a competitive edge. My expertise lies in navigating the unique real estate landscapes of SOMA (South Orange & Maplewood) and the Jersey Shore (Monmouth & Ocean Counties). Specialized Financing Programs
I specialize in complex loan structures that traditional banks often overlook:

Jumbo Loans: Competitive rates for high-value properties in NJ's premier zip codes. Investor Portfolios: Strategic financing for multi-family units and rental properties. Second Homes & Vacation Properties: Expertise in Monmouth and Ocean County shore house financing. Non-Contingent Options: Strategies to help you win in a competitive, multi-offer market. The Digital Edge
Mortgage lending shouldn’t be a bottleneck. My streamlined digital app allows you to apply, upload documents, and track your status in real-time, ensuring we hit even the tightest closing dates. Why Work With Sarah? In a market as fast-paced as New Jersey, you need a partner who understands both the local appraisal nuances and the global financial outlook. Whether you are looking for your "forever home" in SOMA or a summer retreat at the Shore, I provide the white-glove service and technical expertise required to close the deal. I am an SVP of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate Affinity. NMLS # 1036901. Guaranteed Rate Affinity NMLS # 1598647. At Guaranteed Rate Affinity, we provide the best experience possible, featuring incredibly low rates, fantastic customer service and a fast, simple process! Operating in the state of New York as GR Affinity, LLC in lieu of the legal name Guaranteed Rate Affinity, LLC. For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. https://people.grarate.com/sarah-maloney-1036901

Guaranteed Rate Affinity NMLS 1598647
1800 W. Larchmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60613
(888) 844-9888 • grarate.com
Equal Housing Lender
For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org | www.grarate.com/licensing | https://www.grarate.com/privacy

10/31/2026

Buying your next home without selling your current one first can be a challenge. Guaranteed Rate Affinity Portfolio changes the game with flexible Buy Before You Sell mortgage options that truly open up your home search. Contact me to learn more.

https://myoc.io/SMaloney/LlAZC

NMLS # 1036901

10/30/2026

Today’s NAR report revealed that home prices rose in 78% of the nation’s metro markets in the third quarter, with the average home price sitting around $432,900. The Northeast (4%) and Midwest (3.6%) regions led the nation in price appreciation. There are still opportunities out there for savvy buyers though, with home prices declining in 21% of markets in Q3.

Let’s discuss how you can make the most of today’s housing market.
https://myoc.io/SMaloney/4FINy

NMLS # 1036901

10/30/2026

Credit Scoring Is Changing: 3 Things Homebuyers Should Know

Think you need a 700 credit score to buy a home? You might be surprised by how wrong that number is.

And if you've been putting off buying because of your credit, this could change everything.

According to a recent Veterans United survey, 57% of prospective buyers think they need a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for a mortgage. And 34% believe they need 700 or higher.

But here's what many people don't realize.

The traditional benchmark for many conventional loans has been 620. And with recent changes to mortgage credit scoring, even that isn't a hard-and-fast requirement for every loan.

Plus, lenders are beginning to adopt newer credit scoring models that could help millions more Americans get evaluated for a mortgage.

So, the number you see on your credit monitoring app may not tell the whole story about your ability to buy a home.

Does that mean everyone can qualify? Of course not. But it does mean you shouldn't count yourself out before talking to a professional.

Curious where you actually stand? Send me a message, and let's connect you with a lender who can help you find out.

10/30/2026

Pop quiz. What credit score do you need to buy a home?

If your answer was B) 660 or C) 700 … you’re not alone. A lot of people believe you need "perfect" or “near perfect” credit.

But you probably don’t need as high a credit score as you think.

Even though a Veterans United survey shows 57% of would-be buyers think you need at least a 660, the long-standing benchmark for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans is 620, and even that isn’t a hard rule for every loan.

So the real answer? Both A) 620 and D) “it depends” are right.

And with all the changes to credit models lately, even more people will be able to buy than before.

Don’t let myths keep you locked into a lease. Let’s find out where you actually stand.

10/29/2026

The Fed held interest rates steady citing a growing economy and sticky inflation and mortgage rates are expected to stay about where they are as well. A more stable environment makes planning your next home financing move easier. You can focus on your timing and budget instead of trying to anticipate what the future may hold.

Need someone to bounce ideas off? Let’s talk about what's next for your homeownership plan.
https://myoc.io/SMaloney/iIjIw

NMLS # 1036901

10/29/2026

The headlines about home sales falling through may sound scary. But here's something sellers should know. Most sales go through just fine. Only roughly 10-15% hit a snag.

And the #1 reason those buyers back out is something you can actually head off before it ever becomes a problem.

By getting a pre-listing inspection, you can avoid surprises and keep your sale moving forward, because you’ll already know what the buyer’s inspection will find and can fix it before you ever list or go in ready to negotiate.

Don't let fear of the what-ifs hold you back. With the right prep and a smart strategy, selling is still possible. I help people do it every day.

Let's talk about how to set your house up for success.

10/29/2026

Don't Let the Fear of a Buyer Backing Out Scare You Away from Selling

What if you finally get an offer on your house... and then the buyer backs out?
It's every seller's nightmare. And with headlines about canceled contracts on the rise, it's a concern worth talking about.

But here's what those headlines aren't telling you: 85–90% of home sales still make it to closing.

And there's more good news. You can actually take steps to protect your sale before your house even hits the market.

According to a Redfin survey, 70% of agents say inspection or repair issues are a reason buyers back out. That's the biggest reason reported, by far.

So, what's one smart move you can make?

Consider getting a pre-listing inspection. It could help you spot potential problems early, decide what to fix, and avoid surprises that might send a buyer running.

And that's just one piece of the puzzle. The right preparation, pricing, and negotiation strategy can make a real difference.

Selling your house doesn't have to feel like a gamble. A little preparation can give you a much stronger start.

Thinking about selling? Send me a message, and let's talk about how to set your sale up for success.

10/29/2026

The Fed just met and they decided on no rate hike and no rate cut. So, what does that mean if you're watching and hoping for lower mortgage rates?

The short answer: don't expect this to dramatically change things.

For now, they’re holding steady. But a recent survey from Reuters asked 100 economists what to expect from here – and all 100 said the Fed will do a hike in December.

Now, the Fed doesn't directly set mortgage rates, but their actions do have an impact. Rates will also move based on inflation, economic data, and how financial markets react.

The takeaway? There’s a lot at play here – and we’ll probably see a hike the next time they meet.

Follow me for straightforward updates on what’s actually happening and why it matters for the housing market.

10/28/2026

Who’s Buying Homes with Cash Right Now?

More than 1 in 4 homes are being bought with cash right now. But here's something that might surprise you about who's buying them.

It's not just wealthy investors swooping in with deep pockets.

A lot of these cash buyers are everyday homeowners who've built up serious equity over the years. And that equity is giving them more buying power than they may have ever imagined.

According to Cotality, the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $310,000 in equity.

Think about what that could mean for your next move.

You might have enough equity to buy your next home outright. No mortgage payment. No worrying about today's interest rates.

And even if you can't pay all cash, that equity could help you borrow significantly less.

But what if you're buying with a mortgage?

Here's some good news: Nearly 3 out of 4 homebuyers are still using financing. You're actually in the majority.

So don't let the headlines about cash buyers make you second-guess what's possible for you. Whether you're buying your first home or using equity to make your next move, there may be more opportunities than you think.

Wondering how you stack up in today's market? Send me a message. Let's talk about your options.

10/28/2026

In case you haven’t heard, 27% of homes sold in September were bought with cash, according to NAR. That’s more than 1 in 4.

When you hear a number like that, it’s easy to wonder how that’s even possible nowadays – especially with so many people struggling with affordability.

You might picture wealthy investors with deep pockets…but not all cash buyers are who you'd think.

Some are just regular homeowners who’ve built up enough equity over the years to sell their house and buy their next one in cash.

So sure, affordability is tight. But that doesn't mean buying a home today is only possible for the wealthy or big investors.

If you own a home and you’ve lived there for a while, you may be in a better position to move than you think.

Want to know how much equity you have? Let’s find out what it could do for your next move.

Address

209 Central Avenue
Westfield, NJ
07090

Website

https://people.grarate.com/sarah-maloney-1036901, https://linkin.bio/sarahdoesmortgages, https://sarahmaloneymortgage.my

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