- What advice would you give buyers trying to get the best interest rate possible?
While interest rates fluctuate, the best way to secure a lower rate is to strengthen your financial profile—improving your credit score, reducing debt, and maintaining stable income. Beyond that, one of the best strategies right now is utilizing a temporary buydown instead of discount points.
A temporary buydown allows buyers to pay significantly less interest in the first few years, reducing monthly payments without permanently committing to an upfront discount point that takes years to break even. Since rates are trending downward, a discount point doesn’t make sense if you’ll refinance soon. And here’s the best part—we’re offering a one-time no-cost refinance for anyone who buys with us this year, making the break-even on a refi essentially day one.
This means buyers can take advantage of today’s home prices, negotiate better terms while the market is slightly softer and refinance later at no extra cost—a smart way to build equity and stay ahead of the market shift.
- How much should buyers save for a down payment, and what are the pros and cons of putting down less than 20%?
The biggest mistake buyers make is waiting to save 20% when they could be building wealth through real estate right now. Many loan programs allow buyers to purchase with as little as 0–5% down, and the reality is that home values are rising—meaning the longer you wait, the more expensive that 20% becomes. In most cases, your payment will be lower today than it will be next year with a lower rate yet more expensive home. It’s a no-brainer!
While putting down less than 20% typically means paying mortgage insurance (MI), this is a small price to pay for the opportunity to start building equity immediately. MI is temporary in most cases—it can be removed once you reach 20% equity—and with home prices appreciating, that can happen faster than you think. Plus, a lower down payment lets you keep more cash in reserve, which can be used for investments, renovations, or emergencies. Our clients work really hard to accumulate their savings, so our goal is often to achieve their goal of keeping their monthly payment within their budget while keeping as much money as possible in their pocket.
The key takeaway is that real estate is one of the best wealth-building tools available, and waiting to save 20% could cost you tens of thousands in appreciation. Those who buy now will benefit from rising values, have negotiating power in today’s market, and be ahead of the next wave of competition when rates drop. The sooner you buy, the sooner you start building wealth!
- What special loan programs or incentives are available for buyers in Mississippi?
Mississippi homebuyers have access to various loan programs and incentives designed to make homeownership more affordable. We offer both public and private down payment assistance options and multiple 0% down loan programs that help buyers get into a home with little to no upfront cost.
The key is knowing which programs align with your financial situation and goals. That’s where working with a local mortgage expert who focuses on your personal goals, keeps those goals in the forefront and understands the market inside and out makes all the difference. Rather than trying to navigate the options alone, the smartest move is to connect with a pro who can customize a strategy that maximizes your buying power and builds wealth from day one.
- What factors most influence mortgage approval beyond credit scores?
While credit scores are important, mortgage approval is based on the three C’s of lending: Credit, Capacity, and Collateral.
- Credit– This includes your score and your history of managing debt. Lenders look at your payment history, credit utilization, and the types of credit you have. The stronger your credit profile, the better your loan terms.
- Capacity– This is your ability to repay the loan, which is largely measured by your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Lenders want to see stable income, a steady job history, and manageable monthly debts. Keeping debt low and income strong improves approval odds.
- Collateral– The home itself plays a role in your loan approval. Lenders evaluate the appraised value to ensure they’re financing a solid investment. Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) also comes into play—having some skin in the game helps.
Beyond these three factors, assets (cash reserves), employment history, and overall financial stability can make a big difference. The best way to prepare? Get pre-approved early and work with a local mortgage expert who can help strengthen your financial profile before you buy.
- What financing strategies work best for investors buying in Oxford?
The #1 strategy is to GET IN THE MARKET. No matter the cost, you will win because real estate is a long-term wealth-building machine. Rents are skyrocketing, benefiting investors and homeowners by increasing cash flow and property values. The longer you wait, the more you risk paying higher prices and facing more competition, reducing leverage in the negotiation process.
For those low on liquidity, we have smart leverage options like:
Borrowing against home equity to acquire new properties
Using financial assets as collateral to secure funding
Taking advantage of investor-friendly loans, like DSCR (Debt-Service Coverage Ratio) loans, which focus on a property’s cash flow rather than personal income
The opportunities are endless, but you have to take action. The best time to invest in real estate was yesterday. The second-best time? Right now. Let’s talk about how we can structure your financing to get you in the game.
- How can buyers make their mortgage pre-approval stand out to sellers in our competitive market?
Pre-approvals are old school! The best way to stand out today is with a TBD Underwrite—which we offer to all early applicants. Instead of just pre-approving income and assets, we fully underwrite the file upfront, so the only variable left is the property itself. This gives buyers a stronger, more competitive position—almost like a cash offer.
Beyond that, we offer closing guarantees that compensate sellers if an underwritten file doesn’t close. That kind of certainty gives our buyers an edge in competitive markets, helping them win deals without overpaying.
In today’s market, sellers want speed and confidence. A TBD Underwrite is the way of today and tomorrow. If you’re serious about buying, this is how you separate yourself from the competition.
ABOUT YOU:
Tell us about yourself!
With 13 years of experience as a local mortgage expert, I am passionate about educating individuals, families, and our community on the many benefits of leveraging debt to build wealth through homeownership. Real estate is the greatest financial opportunity available, and my mission is to educate and empower people to take action.
Beyond my career, family is at the heart of everything I do. I’m a proud husband to Amelia—the beautiful editor of this very magazine—and a grateful father to our daughter, Ana, who will be attending Ole Miss in the fall. I never dreamed I would be a cat parent, but my girls convinced me, and now our Kiki rules the household. Faith, family, and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels bring me the most joy. When I’m not working or spending time with loved ones, you’ll find me on the slopes or out on the water, where I feel most at peace.
What is your favorite part about being in the mortgage business?
Hands down, it’s helping people build financial freedom through homeownership. The fact that a homeowner’s net worth is, on average, 44 times greater than a renter’s speaks volumes. I love seeing clients go from uncertainty to confidence, realizing that buying a home is not just about where they live—it’s about setting up long-term financial success. Whether it’s a first-time buyer, an investor, or a growing family, helping people leverage real estate to build wealth is what drives me every day.
