In this episode, Adam and Ben discuss real estate, interest rates, inflation, and trends in home buyer behavior. They start by talking about the current mortgage rates, which have been steadily increasing over the past few years. They discuss the impact of inflation on interest rates and the value of the dollar. They emphasize the importance of saving and investing to combat the devaluing of the dollar. They also discuss the concept of a 50-year mortgage and its potential benefits and drawbacks. Finally, they talk about strategies for home buyers to navigate the current market, including seller concessions and temporary buy-downs.

Takeaways

• Mortgage rates have been steadily increasing over the past few years, with current rates in the 7% range for a 30-year fixed mortgage.
• Inflation is causing the value of the dollar to decrease, making it important to save and invest to combat the devaluing of the dollar.
• A 50-year mortgage may not provide significant savings compared to a 30-year mortgage, and it may not be ideal for long-term financial planning.
• Buyers have more leverage in the current market and can negotiate seller concessions, such as temporary buy-downs, to make the deal more affordable.
• It's important to be financially disciplined, avoid excessive debt, and have a financial plan to build wealth and achieve financial goals.

🎙️ In this episode, Ben and I dive into the intricacies of the current Colorado real estate scene.
We're tackling the tough stuff—like the hurdles faced by first-time home buyers and the absolute necessity of being prepared and knowledgeable before diving in. 📚
From dealing with high inflation, home prices and interest rates to negotiationing creative offers, we're laying it all out on the table. 💡
But hey, it's not all doom and gloom! 🛠️
We're also shining a light on the brighter side of homeownership—like the long-term benefits of building equity and locking in a stable mortgage with fixed monthly payments. 🏠

Takeaways

• The Colorado real estate market is experiencing affordability challenges due to high home prices and interest rates.
• First-time home buyers are facing difficulties in finding affordable homes and are being more intentional about what they are willing to accept from sellers.
• Long-term homeownership is important for building wealth and stability, as home values tend to appreciate over time.
• Buyers should define their non-negotiables and goals before entering the market and be prepared and educated about the process.
• Being pre-approved and financially prepared can provide a better customer experience and increase the chances of getting an offer accepted.

This week, we have a very special conversation which explores the journey of reconciliation and forgiveness between Ben and his mother who recently passed away.

Ben shares the challenges of his mother acting many years as a single parent, and how some of her actions led to resentment. However, through personal growth and intentional communication, they were able to reconcile their relationship. The passing of his mother was a shock, but it served as a wake-up call for Ben to honor her legacy by striving for personal excellence. The conversation concludes with a reminder to reach out and reconcile relationships with loved ones.

Takeaways:

• The challenges of single parenting can be overwhelming, and it's important to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of parents.
• Reconciliation and forgiveness are possible even after years of resentment and distance.
• Honoring the legacy of loved ones can be achieved through personal growth and striving for excellence.
• It's never too late to reach out and make efforts to reconcile relationships with family members.