Mortgage Mike Helps | How Condo Financing Works

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/iaEb5rgkrGg

Condo deals don't have to be scary—if you know what to expect, they're often smoother than you think!

In this episode, Brendan and Mike Riley break down everything you need to know about condo financing—from association approvals and Fannie/Freddie guidelines to avoiding deal-breaking delays. Whether you're a realtor working with condo buyers or a buyer yourself, this video pulls back the curtain on the often misunderstood world of condo mortgage approvals.

Learn why some condos are a no-go for FHA and VA loans, how conventional loans offer more flexibility, and the critical role the condo association plays in your deal's success.

Stop losing condo deals over paperwork and miscommunication. Know the process, avoid delays, and close confidently.

For more expert mortgage tips, visit mortgagemikehelps.com

Subscribe for the latest videos from Mortgage Mike Helps on Youtube @rileyteammortgageloans

00:00 – Intro: Why condos don't scare us
00:12 – What makes condo financing different
00:27 – The importance of association vetting & questionnaires
00:36 – FHA & VA condo lists: strict yes or no
01:08 – How conventional loan condo approvals work
01:40 – Red flags: lawsuits, owner concentration, low reserves
02:30 – The importance of insurance and cash reserves
03:00 – Occupancy rules: when they do and don't matter
03:14 – Most condos do get approved—here's why
03:33 – Why cooperation from the condo association is essential
04:04 – Real-world delay example: part-time associations
04:30 – Pro tip: Get contact info from the listing agent
04:48 – Why realtors shouldn't fear condos—we'll do the heavy lifting

Don't let a mystery derail your deal—equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate condo financing like a pro.
📧 Email Us: mike.riley@supremelending.com

Mortgage Mike Helps | How Much Are Your Buyer's Closing Costs?

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/IHFbslUCPQY

Are you puzzled by the term "closing costs" when buying a home? You're not alone.​

In this enlightening video, mortgage experts Brendan and Mike Riley break down the components of closing costs, helping you understand what you're paying for and why. They discuss factors that influence these costs, such as the closing date, homeowner's insurance, HOA dues, and title fees. By the end of this video, you'll have a clearer picture of the expenses involved in closing a mortgage deal and how to prepare for them.

For more expert mortgage tips, visit mortgagemikehelps.com

Subscribe for the latest videos from Mortgage Mike Helps on Youtube @rileyteammortgageloans

00:00 - Introduction Brendan and Mike Riley introduce the topic of closing costs in mortgage deals.​
00:10 - Common Questions About Closing Costs Discussion on the frequent inquiries from buyers regarding the specifics of closing costs.​
00:30 - Importance of Closing Date Explanation of how the chosen closing date affects the amount of prepaid interest.​
01:20 - Role of Homeowner's Insurance Insights into how the type and condition of the home influence insurance costs.​
02:30 - Impact of HOA Dues Exploration of how Homeowner Association dues and transfer fees can vary and affect closing costs.​
03:35 - Title Fees and Unknown Variables Discussion on the unpredictability of title fees and their contribution to closing costs.​
04:30 - Estimating Closing Costs Strategies for providing accurate estimates to clients and the importance of professional guidance.​
05:10 - Conclusion Final thoughts on the complexities of closing costs and encouragement to seek expert advice.​

Don't let mystery fees wreck your budget—arm yourself with the facts so you can close with confidence and protect your financial future.
📧 Email Us: mike.riley@supremelending.com

Mortgage Mike Helps | How Property Tax Increases Affect Your Buyer's Future Mortgage Payments

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/WFTFESiYUfY

Think your fixed-rate mortgage means fixed payments? Think again. In this eye-opening video, mortgage experts Brendan and Mike Riley delve into the often-overlooked world of property tax reassessments in Florida. Discover how purchasing a home can lead to a significant increase in your property taxes—and consequently, your monthly mortgage payments.​

We'll explore why two similar homes can have vastly different tax bills, the impact of Florida's "Save Our Homes" cap, and how the homestead exemption plays into this complex equation. Learn how to anticipate and plan for these changes to avoid unexpected financial strain.​

For more expert mortgage tips, visit mortgagemikehelps.com

Subscribe for the latest videos from Mortgage Mike Helps on Youtube @rileyteammortgageloans

00:00 – Introduction by Brendan and Mike Riley
00:13 – How property taxes vary based on last sale price and date
01:02 – County's reassessment process after a home sale
01:29 – Examples of significant property tax increases
02:04 – Importance of informing buyers about potential tax hikes
02:33 – Impact of tax increases on mortgage payments
03:28 – Escrow shortages and temporary payment spikes
04:17 – Legal limitations on escrow estimations
05:11 – Real-life example: Tax implications on a $400,000 home
05:31 – Clarifying misconceptions about the homestead exemption
06:14 – Final thoughts and advice for buyers

Don't be caught off guard—equip yourself with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect your financial future.
📧 Email Us: mike.riley@supremelending.com

#FloridaRealEstate #PropertyTaxReassessment #SaveOurHomes #HomesteadExemption #MortgageTips #HomeBuyingAdvice #FloridaHomebuyers #PropertyTaxes #MortgagePlanning #RealEstateTips

Mortgage Mike Helps | Do Fed Rate Cuts Mean Lower Mortgage Rates?

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/sjpW1UM2ncU

Confused about why mortgage rates aren't dropping even though the Federal Reserve is cutting rates? You're not alone.​

In this insightful video, mortgage experts Brendan and Mike Riley delve into the reasons behind the disconnect between the Federal Reserve's rate cuts and mortgage rates. They explain that while the Fed influences short-term interest rates, mortgage rates are more closely tied to long-term factors like the 10-year Treasury yield and inflation expectations. Understanding this distinction is crucial for homebuyers and real estate professionals navigating the current market.​

For more expert mortgage tips, visit mortgagemikehelps.com

Subscribe for the latest videos from Mortgage Mike Helps on Youtube @rileyteammortgageloans

00:00 – Introduction by Brendan and Mike Riley
00:04 – Common misconceptions about Fed rate cuts
00:18 – Clarifying the Fed's influence on short-term vs. long-term rates
00:40 – Factors influencing mortgage rates beyond the Fed
01:02 – Market expectations and their impact on mortgage rates
01:48 – The inverse relationship between Fed actions and mortgage rates
02:08 – Inflation concerns and lender perspectives
02:34 – Implications for homebuyers and real estate professionals
03:38 – Conclusion and key takeaways​

Stay informed and make smarter decisions in today's housing market.
📧 Email Us: mike.riley@supremelending.com


#fedratecuts #mortgagerates #interestrates #homebuyingtips #realestatemarket #inflationimpact #10YearTreasury #mortgageadvice #financialinsights #housingmarket

Mortgage Mike Helps | The Win/Win for Sellers AND Buyers Using Seller Concessions Instead of Price Reductions

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/dqgPgokgBGs

Is your property lingering on the market with little to no interest?
Before slashing the price, discover a smarter strategy that benefits both sellers and buyers.​

In this insightful video, mortgage experts Brendan and Mike Riley delve into the advantages of offering a mortgage rate buydown over a traditional price reduction. Learn how a $10,000 investment in a rate buydown can make your listing more attractive, save buyers more on monthly payments, and keep more money in your pocket compared to a $21,000 price cut.

For more expert mortgage tips, visit mortgagemikehelps.com

Subscribe for the latest videos from Mortgage Mike Helps on Youtube @rileyteammortgageloans

00:00 – Introduction by Brendan and Mike Riley
00:07 – Addressing stagnant property listings
00:11 – Considering a price drop from $500K to $479K
00:26 – Introducing the rate buydown strategy
00:43 – How a $10K buydown affects buyer's interest rate
01:10 – Comparing buyer savings: price cut vs. rate buydown
01:48 – Highlighting the win-win outcome for both parties
02:05 – Conclusion and final thoughts

Don't miss out on this win-win approach to selling homes in today's market!
📧 Email Us: mike.riley@supremelending.com


#mortgagetips #homesellingstrategies #RateBuydown #realestateadvice #sellyourhomefast #mortgageexperts #PriceReductionAlternatives #homesellingtips #realestatemarket #BuyerIncentives

Mortgage Mike Helps | Your Buyer Will Qualify for an EXACT Monthly Payment And An APPROXIMATE Sales Price

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/wf3r7un1k38

Think you qualify based on home price? Think again!

In this eye-opening video, mortgage experts Brendan and Mike Riley break down why your mortgage approval has less to do with the sales price—and everything to do with the monthly payment. They explain how taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and even the age of the roof can impact whether you're approved for a $360K home or a $440K one.

If you're a homebuyer, real estate agent, or just exploring your options, this video is packed with essential insights that can save you time, money, and frustration.

Before you make an offer, watch this!

Brendan and Mike explain how two similar-looking homes can have wildly different approval results—and what you must do before signing that contract.

00:00 – Meet Brendan & Mike: Your Mortgage Experts
00:05 – Why mortgage approval is based on monthly payment—not price
00:14 – How we calculate your max mortgage payment
00:28 – Why you should call us before making an offer
00:39 – The difference between how buyers/realtors see homes vs. mortgage lenders
01:05 – Real example: Qualifying for a $440K home but not a $360K one
01:22 – How tax history affects your loan approval
01:51 – Final tip: Always call your lender before signing an offer

Need help? Contact Us!
📧mike.riley@supremelending.com

#mortgageapproval #homebuyingtips #firsttimehomebuyer #realestateadvice #mortgagetips #mortgageexperts #homeownership #realtorlife #homeloanexplained #preapprovalletter

Mortgage Mike Helps | Is Your Florida Home Buyer Legally Married, But Separated?

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/yPtVe8VUre8

Thinking of buying a home while separated or going through a divorce in Florida? STOP and watch this first! 🛑

Mike and Brendan Riley break down the critical legal and financial pitfalls of purchasing property while legally married—even if you're separated. Florida law treats marriage differently than other states, and it could cost you big if you don't understand the risks.

For more expert mortgage tips, visit mortgagemikehelps.com

Subscribe for the latest videos from Mortgage Mike Helps on Youtube @rileyteammortgageloans

00:00 – Meet Mike & Brendan: What today's "fun" topic is really about
00:13 – Why being separated doesn't count in Florida law
00:36 – Buying a home while married: What MUST show on the deed
01:08 – Risk: Your ex might claim equity years later
01:50 – Why ex-spouses might need to sign at closing
02:16 – The 3 key documents at closing: Deed, Note, Mortgage
02:50 – Mortgage ≠ Loan: Clearing the biggest misconception
03:38 – Should your ex get a lawyer? (Yes, here's why)
04:02 – The mortgage is a snapshot in time—not a lasting obligation
04:18 – Ask early: Will your spouse show up to sign?
04:41 – Divorce is a bummer, so… here's a baby goat
05:00 – Final thoughts & a reminder: This applies across Florida

Whether you're a homebuyer, real estate agent, or loan officer, this video is essential viewing when navigating divorce and real estate in Florida.

Need help with your mortgage during a divorce? Contact Us!
📧 Email Us: mike.riley@supremelending.com

#FloridaRealEstate #DivorceAndRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #MortgageAdvice #RealEstateFlorida #DivorceInFlorida #MortgageExplained #ClosingProcess #HomeBuyingMistakes #MortgageTips

Mortgage Mike Helps | No Money Down Home Loans in Florida

Link to YouTube Video Episode: https://youtu.be/srRWAFBK8SA

Think you need a big down payment to buy a house? Think again.

In this episode, mortgage experts Brendan and Mike Riley break down no money down loan options that are helping homebuyers in Florida get into homes with little to zero cash at closing!

Whether you're a veteran, buying in a rural area, or a first-time homebuyer, there are powerful mortgage programs available that most people don't even know exist. From VA Loans, USDA (aka "country loans"), to Florida Housing and Chenoa Fund programs—this video explains it all in simple terms with real-life examples.

✅ Learn how some of their clients walked away with their earnest money refunded, and how seller concessions can cover almost everything.

For more expert mortgage tips, visit mortgagemikehelps.com

Subscribe for the latest videos from Mortgage Mike Helps on Youtube @rileyteammortgageloans

00:00 – Intro: No Money Down Loans
00:12 – VA Loans for Veterans
00:52 – USDA Loans ("Country Loans")
01:56 – Credit Score & Income Limits
02:31 – First-Time Homebuyer Programs (Chenoa & Florida Housing)
03:12 – Using Seller Concessions to Pay Less
03:42 – Real Example: Buyer Pays $0 at Closing
04:01 – How to Contact Brendan & Mike

Want to get started or have questions? Contact Us
📧 Email Us: mike.riley@supremelending.com

#noMoneyDownHomeLoans #VALoansExplained #USDALoansFlorida #FirstTimeHomebuyerPrograms #FloridaHousingLoan #ChenoaFundMortgage #BuyAHouseWithNoMoney #ZeroDownMortgage2025 #SellerConcessionsRealEstate #MortgageTipsForHomebuyers