Good Sunday morning.
If you caught any news this week, somebody told you rates are going up. Then somebody else said they're about to come down. Then a guy in a very nice suit said nobody really knows, which, to his credit, was the most honest thing said all week.
Here's my confession. After all these years, I don't watch the headlines much anymore. They're built to make you feel something, and feelings are terrible at making loan decisions.
So what do I actually watch? Three things, and none of them are on TV.
First, your timeline. When does your life actually need something to happen? A kid starting college next fall. A job move in the spring. A parent who needs help this winter. Your calendar matters more than the market's calendar.
Second, your paperwork. Lending today is black and white. If you can't prove it, it didn't happen. People who have their documents in order get choices. People who don't get stress.
Third, the why. If you did something with your house or your loan, would your life actually be better a year from now? Your life, not the spreadsheet. If the answer is yes, we can talk about how. If it's no, I'll be the first one to tell you to sit tight.
That's it. Timeline, paperwork, why. Everything else is weather.
I'm not saying ignore the market. I watch it so you don't have to. When something moves that actually matters for people like you, I'll tell you here, in plain English, on a Sunday, with coffee.
Until then, here's a small assignment, and you're welcome to ignore it completely. Ask yourself one question this week: is there anything about my house, my loan, or my family's housing that's quietly bugging me? Not urgent. Just bugging.
If something comes to mind, that's usually worth a ten-minute conversation. Sometimes the answer is "you're fine." I like giving that answer. It's one of my favorites.
Yours to count on,
Tom
Tom Griffith · Loan Strategist
541.915.1200 · [email protected]
P.S. Whatever you're sorting out (buying, selling, helping your kids, helping your parents, or just trying to make sense of this market), I'm here. Reply to this email. Call or text me at 541-915-1200. Grab a time on my calendar. And if you're already feeling confident, apply right here. No pressure either way.
P.P.S. Ever wonder about the actual date you could be completely debt-free? Not "someday." A real date on the calendar. Find your debt-free date →