Sarah Maloney at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, NMLS #1036901

09/06/2026

Work hard, play hard! 🎉 Happy Labor Day weekend! 🏖️👙☀️

09/05/2026

Beautiful night to kick off LDW. Bring on local summer!

09/03/2026

Many buyers assume that spring is the best time to enter the market, but don’t forget about fall. In reality, it’s less about finding a perfect season and more about finding what works for you. To help you consider your options, I’m happy to help you time your purchase.

Let’s start early to prepare for whatever your homebuying journey has in store.
https://myoc.io/SMaloney/NbIwv



NMLS # 1036901

09/03/2026

Why Buyers Shouldn't Overlook a Fall Move

Of course, every market moves a little differently. But here's what doesn't change: Fall consistently buyers. More homes. Lower asking prices. Motivated sellers.

If you’ve been waiting for your search to feel a little more doable, this season may be worth another look.

Let’s have a quick conversation about what's happening in our market and see whether this fall gives you opportunities you may not have had a few months ago.

You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected…

09/03/2026

Everyone's been watching mortgage rates. But there's another trend buyers shouldn't overlook...

Every fall, the housing market tends to shift.

More homes hit the market. Asking prices often soften. And sellers are usually more willing to negotiate.

Those seasonal changes happen almost every year – and they can make buying a little easier.

Let's talk about whether those same trends are showing up in our local market – and what it means for you.

09/02/2026

Think you need 20% down to buy a home in New Jersey? Think again. 🏡

One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from first-time homebuyers is that they need a huge amount of cash sitting in the bank before they can even start looking.

The reality? Your upfront costs can include several pieces — and the amount you need depends on your loan program, income, credit, property and overall financial picture.

Your cash to close may include:

✔️ Down payment
✔️ Closing costs
✔️ Prepaid taxes & insurance
✔️ Other transaction-related expenses

And depending on your situation, there may be mortgage options that require significantly less than 20% down.

The key isn't figuring it all out yourself. It's understanding your options BEFORE you start shopping.

That's why I created my FREE New Jersey First-Time Homebuyer Guide — with information on mortgage options, down payment assistance, pre-approval and more.

👉 Get the guide through the link in my bio.

And if you're thinking about buying your first home in New Jersey, send me a DM or call/text me at (973) 715-6446. Let's talk through your options.

Mortgages Made Easy.

Sarah Maloney | SVP of Mortgage Lending | NMLS #1036901

09/02/2026

Great insights here—seeing this exact trend in Monmouth County right now!

You probably think as a general rule of thumb, brand new homes costs more than existing homes. But right now, that's backwards. This shows just how much.

A newly built home costs about $40k less than an existing one right now. That's because builders are cutting prices and piling on incentives to keep their inventory moving.

And that opens up a window for you to get brand new everything for less than you may expect.

DM me if you want a list of nearby new home communities offering deals like this right now to see if a new build may be in your budget after all.

09/02/2026

Great insights here—seeing this exact trend in Monmouth County right now!

Think New Homes Cost More? Not Right Now.

New homes may actually cost less than an existing home right now. And that’s opening up a window for you to get brand-new for less.

If you want a list of new home communities near you that are currently offering incentives or doing price cuts, let’s connect. That way you have someone in your corner helping you get the best deal possible.

Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards.

09/01/2026

You’re pre-approved. 🎉 Now what?

Getting pre-approved is a BIG step—but it’s not the finish line. It’s where your homebuying strategy really begins.

Before you start falling in love with every house you see on Zillow 😅, let’s talk about what comes next:

🏡 Shop with a strategy.
Know your comfortable price range—not just the maximum amount you may qualify for.

💰 Understand your cash-to-close.
Your down payment is only part of the equation.

📝 When you find “the one,” your pre-approval can help make your offer stronger and show the seller you’re prepared.

🔍 Once you’re under contract, there are still important steps—inspection, appraisal, underwriting and documentation—before you get those keys.

And one of my biggest pieces of advice for first-time buyers?

Talk to your mortgage lender BEFORE making major financial moves while you’re under contract.

A new car loan, new credit card or large purchase can potentially affect your mortgage qualification.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone. ❤️

I created a FREE New Jersey First-Time Homebuyer Guide to help you understand the process, your potential financing options and what to expect along the way.

👉 Get the guide through the link in my bio.

Sarah Maloney
SVP of Mortgage Lending
Mortgages Made Easy
📞 973-715-6446
NMLS #1036901