Should you wait for rates to drop? A mortgage expert's blunt answer

Melissa Jones, founder of Keyvia Mortgage, brings nearly 30 years of financial industry experience to the table — and she is not here to sugarcoat anything. In this episode, Courtney and Melissa dig into where rates actually stand, how buyers can get creative with financing, and the honest mistakes that derail deals right before closing.

If you have been watching rates and wondering whether now is the time to buy or keep waiting — this episode was made for you. Melissa breaks down the current rate environment heading into Q2, explains creative loan tools most buyers have never heard of, and shares the one mistake she sees derail transactions again and again (that has nothing to do with your credit score).

In this episodeEpisode timestamps00:00Introduction — meet Melissa Jones and the story behind Keyvia Mortgage06:40Why Melissa left the corporate lending world and launched her own brokerage — "I didn't want to make other companies wealthy anymore"08:00What "Keyvia" means — and why the name perfectly captures her mission09:00Independent broker vs. big lender: where the savings actually come from10:30Where rates are right now heading into Q2, and what the Fed's latest decision means for buyers12:30"Should I wait for rates to hit 5%?" — Melissa's honest answer14:00Rate buydowns explained: the permanent buydown vs. the 2-1 buydown18:00What separates buyers who get approved easily from those who struggle21:00What "building lasting financial confidence" actually looks like in practice22:30The 20% down myth — and what mortgage insurance actually costs per month25:30What buyers can do right now to position themselves for approval27:30The most common avoidable mistakes Melissa sees buyers make32:00Why your lender choice matters as much as your loan program37:00What Melissa wishes real estate agents understood about the lending process43:00One piece of advice for every first-time home buyer45:30Commercial loans and how Melissa helps business owners find financing47:00How to reach Melissa and connect with Keyvia Mortgage

Today is February 17, 2026, the first day of the Year of the Fire Horse, and I released this episode today on purpose.

The Fire Horse comes once every 60 years. It brings passionate movement, bold momentum, and courageous action. After a year of shedding, reflecting, and doing deep inner work in the Snake year, we are finally ready to run.

But before we gallop forward, I want to honor what 2025 actually asked of us, because it was hard. For me personally, and in the Utah real estate market.

In this episode, I get honest about:

• What the Snake year revealed in me (overfunctioning, perfectionism, releasing what no longer aligned)
• What 2025 really looked like in Utah real estate (pricing was challenging - we were testing, adjusting, adapting)
• Why the Snake year market rewarded persistence and adaptability over perfection
• What the Year of the FIRE Horse means for 2026, and why this year is different
• I'm an Earth Horse (born 1978), and what it means to have my grounded nature ignited by Fire Horse energy

PLUS practical real estate guidance for buyers and sellers in 2026:

• Why waiting for rates to drop could cost you $15,000-$25,000 on a $500K home
• Utah has averaged 4% appreciation annually for 30 years - prices are going up, not down
• What's actually selling in 2026 (hint: presentation + adaptability wins)
• Why this is the year to act on clarity, not wait on fear

This episode is personal, reflective, and honest. It's for anyone who navigated a hard 2025 and is ready to step into 2026 with intention and courage.

The shedding was necessary. The clarity was earned. Today, we move.

CONNECT WITH COURTNEY:Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in 2026? Let's talk.📧 courtney@nielsenpropertygroup.com📞 801.230.8278🌐 nielsenpropertygroup.com📍 Serving Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Utah (and beyond)

If this episode resonated, please subscribe, rate, and review. Share it with someone who's ready to step into their Fire Horse year.

Happy Year of the Fire Horse. Let's gallop forward, together. 🔥🐴

#utahrealestate #firehorseyear #realestatepodcast #2026market #therealdealpodcast #eaglemountain #saratogasprings #homebuying #intentionalliving #lehiutah

If you're stepping into 2026 feeling unsure about the housing market—unsure what to believe, what applies to Utah, or how to time a decision—this episode brings clarity.

I sat down with Jonny Christensen, Regional Director for Keller Williams Utah and Operating Principal of KW Westfield (the largest brokerage in Utah County). With 19 years in real estate, Jonny has seen both extremes: the Great Recession and COVID's frenzy. His perspective? 2026 is bringing us back to normal. And that's good news.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why "normal and stable" is a win after years of extremes
• 2026 forecast—transactions, inventory, and pricing expectations
• Interest rates—where we're headed and why slow improvement is healthy
• Home prices—why they're NOT coming down
• Inventory levels—2.5-3 months vs. Great Recession's 13-14 months
• The affordability crisis and potential solutions
• Buyer advice—should you wait for rates to drop?
• Seller advice—why pricing + presentation = everything
• Why investors are buying again
• The #1 thing to do in 2026

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• 5-10% more transactions in 2026—steady improvement
• Rates likely drifting to high 5s by year-end
• Home prices will continue climbing 3-5% annually
• Utah fundamentals remain strong (migration, jobs, limited inventory)
• Sellers: the prettiest home at the best price wins
• Buyers: stop waiting—start building equity now

National headlines don't reflect what's happening in Utah County. This conversation gives you actionable clarity whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing.

The right decisions come from understanding your position and having trusted guidance.

ABOUT JONNY:Regional Director for Keller Williams Utah with nearly 19 years of experience. He brings data-driven insight with approachable, practical advice.

CONNECT:Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in 2026? Let's talk.📧 [Your Email]📞 [Your Phone Number]🌐 [Your Website]📍 Serving Eagle Mountain & Saratoga Springs

KEY STATS MENTIONED:

• Utah home appreciation (30 years): 5.75%—highest in the nation since 1991
• Historical mortgage rate (50 years): 8%
• Current Utah County inventory: 2.5-3 months
• 80% of Utah mortgages are under 5%
• 65% of Utah mortgages are under 4%

If this episode brought clarity, subscribe, rate, and review. Share with anyone making a move in 2026.

Let's make 2026 a year of clarity, strategy, and intentional moves.

#UtahRealEstate #2026Market #InterestRates #HomeBuying #RealEstatePodcast #UtahCounty #EagleMountain #SaratogaSprings

In this episode of the Real Deal Podcast, host Courtney and guest Jordan Koehler (owner of Prodigy Accounting in Draper) discuss the often-overlooked topic of taxes, particularly in relation to real estate investing. They explore the importance of year-round tax planning, the necessity of having a proper business structure, and the unique tax advantages that real estate offers. The conversation delves into depreciation, cost segregation, and common mistakes that investors make, emphasizing the need for proactive financial strategies. Jordan shares insights on navigating capital gains and inheritance, and the episode concludes with a call to dream big and plan intentionally for the future.

• In this episode, Courtney and Jennifer Yorgesen explore the world of short-term rentals, discussing Jennifer's journey into real estate, the challenges she faced, and the strategies she employed to succeed. They delve into the importance of understanding market dynamics, maximizing profitability, and effectively managing rental properties. Jennifer shares valuable insights and tips for aspiring investors, emphasizing the need for preparation and awareness in the real estate investment landscape.

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In this conversation, Courtney interviews Desi Mauerman, a real estate investor who shares her journey into flipping homes in Utah. Desi discusses her initial motivations, the challenges she faced during her first flip, and the lessons learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, conservative financial planning, and the realities of the rehab process. The conversation also touches on current projects, market insights, and advice for aspiring flippers, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in real estate investing.

In this episode of The Real Deal Podcast, host Courtney Nielsen speaks with Amy Kendall, a successful real estate investor, about her journey from healthcare to real estate. They discuss the opportunities in the Utah market, the importance of education, tax benefits, and strategies for aspiring investors. Amy shares her experiences with multifamily properties, 1031 exchanges, and her recent ventures into commercial real estate. The conversation emphasizes starting small, understanding the market, and the long-term benefits of real estate investing.

In this episode, Courtney Nielson interviews Becca Summers, a top real estate professional in Utah County, discussing the optimal strategies for selling homes in the spring market. They explore the importance of timing, effective marketing, and pricing strategies, as well as common mistakes sellers make. Becca shares her journey in real estate, insights on buyer behavior, and advice for new agents, emphasizing the significance of data-driven decisions in a shifting market.