Martini Mortgage Podcast

Private Mortgage Insurance (a.k.a. PMI) is a good thing! PMI will not be on the homeownership journey with you forever!  Private Mortgage Insurance provides a road for someone that does not have 20% down of the purchase price for a new home. Yes, you can buy your dream home sooner with the help of PMI and you can own a home with as little as 3% down.   I truly believe that homeownership creates wealth for the families I serve and episode 43 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is about Private Mortgage Insurance.  Only you know what the right solution is for you and your family.  The question of renting versus buying or waiting until you hav e a substantial down payment to purchase a home is your decision.  Kevin Martini is the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage which is located in Raleigh, NC.  Kevin Martini produces weekly the Martini Mortgage Podcast to help educate so you one make an educated decision based on facts, not fiction.  Episode 42 focuse

Many people may be telling you that you need to stop renting and buy a home.  Only you know what the right solution is for you and your family.  Anyone that gives you advice to buy a very large asset and secure a very large debt without knowing you and without knowing you short and long terms goals is wrong…that is a like a doctor giving you a prescription without doing an examination…some would call this malpractice! FULL DISCLOSURE:  The host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is Kevin Martini.  Kevin Martin is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage.  Kevin Martini believe that owning real estate creates wealth for a family.  “Today, one of the most powerful advantages of owning real estate leverage.  Leverage is using a mortgage amplify your return.  An added benefit is we all need to have a roof over our head, with a mortgage many can own that roof instead of renting it.” Kevin Martini The Martini Mortgage Podcast was developed to educate. 

There is a ton of noise in the housing market right now but is the noise a cheer or a boo?  In recent months there has been a positive movement in housing inventory.  In other words, more homes are for sale.  In addition, mortgage rates have made some upward movement - yes, mortgage rates are higher today than they have been in the recent past.  But is higher home loan rates a bad thing?  Is more homes for sale a bad thing? Your host, Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage will share his thoughts in the 41st episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast. Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast he is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage which is located at 5650 Six Forks Road, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27609 and he helps families not just in Raleigh but all over the Triangle of North Carolina and all over the great state of North Carolina (i.e from the mountains to the coast).  Fannie Mae, Mortga

The 40th episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is a chat with real estate rockstar Lisa Quin with Re/Max.  Lisa Quin has made the Triangle of North Carolina her home for over 20 years and her servant attitude to helping families is refreshing in the industry, it is my opinion this is why she is so wildly successful.  Simply put, her role is helping her clients through the process successfully to their best advantage. I have firsthand confirmation her clients appreciate working with someone who can help them identify the sometimes “hidden” strengths and weakness of homes. The 40th episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast also has a video edition that you can access: https://youtu.be/8jkHe7duWpQ Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast he is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Check out what families say about working with Kevin Martini by just doing a Google search…just type into the search

In the beginning of each year, Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group shares his forecast for the new year.  Historically, this forecast was ONLY shared with the real estate community however for the first time in history, Kevin Martini is sharing his prediction and expectations in the 39th episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.  What does Senior Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini think is going to happen with stocks? What does Senior Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini think the Federal Reserve is going to do in 2019?  Where doe Senior Mortgage Strategist Kevin Martini think Raleigh mortgage rates are headed in 2019? Stocks, the Fed & mortgage rates, OH MY! Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage |Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 5650 Six Forks Road, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27609 |(919) 238-4934 |www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin.Martini@Benchmark.us | Equal Housing Opportunity

It is my privilege to offer the VA Home Loans and making a home for the brave.  In episode 038 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, Kevin Martini will share the top 4 benefits of a VA Home Loan.  The VA Home Loan helps Servicemembers, Veterans and eligible surviving spouses become homeowners.  These loans are made though lenders like the Martini Mortgage Group and are guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs. Most VA Loans will not require a down payment and private mortgage insurance  is not required.  Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, he is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage that is based in Raleigh, North Carolina and serves all in this great state — from the coast to the mountains. “It is my opinion, the veteran lending space has long been subject to predatory lending. I believe that our heroes who choose to serve this nation deserve the outstanding service that the Martini Mortgage Group has off

A booming generation that often finds themselves stuck in the rental trap are millennials since myths have prevented many millennials from even considering homeownership as an option for them and their family.  Episode 037 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is called: Millennials Top Goals and it has been produced to provide trusted information one will need, regardless of generation, to make the best decision regarding homeownership. Kevin Martini, your host, Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage will breakdown the myths and stereotypes that have long been believed to be true, as well as shed some light on the opportunity to build wealth using monthly housing costs.  Enjoy this episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast and if you or someone you know has questions about the current mortgage rate environment or the unique home loan products available than call the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage: (919) 238-4934 Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 |

There is no question that owning a home has great financial benefits however many people continue to rent!  It is my opinion, renting is has really become a shortsighted option. Buying a home remains to be a more attractive option in the long term….not just in Raleigh, North Carolina but all over the U.S.  To help touch and feel homeownership and all of the benefits, episode 36 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is about the Kevin Martini 7 reasons that owing is financially better than renting.  Kevin Martini | NMLS ID 143962 | Branch Manager | Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage | Ark-La-Tex Financial Services, LLC NMLS ID 2143 | 5650 Six Forks Road, Suite 101 Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 238-4934 | www.KevinMartini.com | Kevin.Martini@Benchmark.us | Equal Housing Opportunity

There are many misconceptions about buying a home that are believed to be true…the 35th episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast with Kevin Martini will look at one of the most common ones that may be holding you back from buying a home today. SPOILER ALERT:  You do not need 20% down to buy a home! Buyers often overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan.  This overestimation is not just done by first-time homebuyers, it is also done by repeat homebuyers.  While many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream homes, they do not realize that there are programs available which allow them to put down as little as 3% with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage.  #KEVINMARTINILIVE FACTOID: about 3 out of every 4 first-time homers put less than 20% down to purchase their home. (check out Kevin Martini on Instagram: @KevinMartiniLive) Right now you can still get an epic mortgage rate and that rate is most likely better than your older brother or sisters interest r

Kevin Martini is not just a podcaster…he is the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.  In addition, he is the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage…in this episode, Kevin Martini discusses 2 Factors To Keep On The Mind When Buying A Home.  I know, there are a ton of factors however after you have made the decision that you want to buy a home and you have decided where you want to live the 2 factors that you have to keep top of mind are mortgage interest rates and home inventory. Episode 034 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast will go into detail on these 2 very important factors that one needs to keep top of mind: Mortgage Interest Rates & Home Inventories. Not only does Kevin Martini share these 2 factors in audio form…he also shares them in the written words. Be sure to check out the 2 page article on this topic starting on page 5 of the Kevin Martini Winter 2019 Homebuyer Guide called: Things to Consider When Buying a Home. If you are currently

Episode 33 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is called :4 Reasons to Buy a Home this Winter.  Kevin Martini recently released his Winter 2019 Homebuyer Guide which is called, Things to Consider When Buying a Home and the marque article is about the 4 reasons to buy a home this winter.  This homebuyer guide is free however the information in it is priceless and you can get access by going to: www.MartiniBuyerGuide.com It does not matter if you are a first-time homebuyer or a repeat home buyer — whenever you are getting a mortgage or buying real estate you should seek-out a trusted resource to provide information to help you make an educated decision.  At the end of the day, there is no substitute for education especially with what may be your largest asset purchase and your largest debt of your life. Kevin Martini and the entire Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage provide great mortgage rates with stress-free and onetime closing…they also deliver an honest, well communicated knowledge based experience

Kevin Martini is the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast and on Episode 032 shares the #KevinMartiniLive Skip the Coffee concept.  Skip the Coffee is a concept that Kevin Martini developed based on the premise that one should look at small purchases the same way they look at large purchases. “If one took a serious look at the small things they spent money and said not to that latte and allocated those monies towards their home loan principal, they could make a huge difference in getting your mortgage paid off faster”. - Kevin Martini Carving out of you daily budget just $5.00 a day (i.e. $150) a month could save years off your mortgage. In Wake County, North Carolina….the median priced home was was 307,630.00.  On November 21st 2018, according to the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the U.S. weekly average for a 30-year fixed was 4.81% with .4 points.  So, if you got a 30- year fixed rate mortgage at the rate of 4.81%  — you would have a an estimated principal and interest payment every month of $

Does closing a home loan at the end of the month matter?  Is there any economic difference between closing on the 1st of the month versus the end of the month? Do you understand the what interim interest is.  At the end of episode 31 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, with Kevin Martini's help, you you will have clarity of the differences between closing at the beginning of the month and the end of the month. Kevin Martini called Episode 31 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast the Month End Myth. This special podcast was recorded because many people believe that closing at the end of the month matters hence, the month end myth!  Why one believe the myth is not important.  What matter is understanding that closing on a mortgage at the first of the month or closing on a mortgage in the middle of the month or closing on a mortgage on the last ay of the month you cost are all the same.  HOW DOES MORTGAGE INTEREST WORK? it is not noice to know, it is important to know that: Mortgage interest in ONLY paid when you have us

Episode 30 off the Martini Mortgage Podcast is called: REALITY One could say there is a shift in the real estate market…one could say that shift is because higher mortgage interest rates.  One could say that they think mortgage rates are going to go higher.  One could say since there is going to be higher home loan rates that mean there will be less sales.  One could say this means there will be price contraction.  The host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is Kevin Martini and he will share the facts based on the data on all of these topics. Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, he is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.  If you are currently in a starter or trade-up house that no longer fits your needs and you are looking to step into a luxury home, now may be the time to list your house for sale and make your dreams come true. If the right thing for you and your fam

Episode 29 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is about Supply and the ‘perspective’ of a Slow Down in real estate.  Many headlines recently share that supply, or the inventories of home for sales, are up.  Well the headline is correct! Another headline shares that Existing-Home Sales fell to the lowest level since Fall of 2015.  Well this headline is correct too!  Both headlines are correct however there is more to the story and you have to go beyond the headline to understand the entire story — episode 29 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast will share the whole story…not just on a macro level but also on a micro level.  In this episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, Kevin Martini offers an invitation to request for FREE his proprietary Real Estate Report Card that shows the heart of your local area.  The Kevin Martini Real Estate Report Card includes information: Affordability Index, Median Home Price, Historical Appreciation, Forecasted Appreciation, Total Employment, Median Household Income, and the Unemploymen

Brian Hourigan is the featured guest of the episode 28 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.  Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast…he is also the Branch Manager and Senior Mortgage Strategist of the Martini Mortgage Group which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina. Episode 28 is a priceless candid conversation with a real estate professional that has been helping families in the Triangle of North Carolina since 2006: Brian Hourigan with Choice Residential Real Estate ( http://www.choiceresidential.com/ ). Brian has built not just a real estate practice that is based on relationships…he has also built a real estate firm that is focused on educating Realtors to help families make their real estate dreams a reality. If you are currently in a starter or trade-up house that no longer fits your needs and you are looking to step into a luxury home, now is the time to list your house for sale and make your dreams come true.  If this is you, reach out to Brian Hourigan with Choice Residential

I fear the headline that it is more expensive to buy a home today than it has been anytime in the last 10-years is 100% but we need to go behind the headline to understand the full story. Kevin Martini, the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is going to do that in Episode 027! A lot of things have happened in the last 10-years and one needs to keep on the radar that  home affordability has 2 major factors:  the price that one will buy a home and the cost to secure a mortgage.  The headline is correct however the headline does not tell the whole story…episode 027 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast will go behind the headline and share the true story that you need to know. Kevin Martin is the Senior Mortgage Strategist and Branch Manager of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage and has been in the financial services since the late 80’s and has focused on helping families create wealth in real estate since 2006 in Raleigh … in the Triangle of North Carolina and all over North Carolina. … from the coast

Buying a home and securing a mortgage is a big thing and you have to understand the jargon or lingo.  Episode 26 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is about the mortgage lingo you need to know when getting a mortgage.  The host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is Kevin Martini (www.KevinMartini.com) and he is also the Senior Mortgage Strategist and Branch Manager of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage which is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.  The Martini Mortgage Group headquarters may be in the capital city of North Carolina; Raleigh however, they serve families all over the state of North Carolina. ‘I believe that that one needs to know before they owe’, said Kevin Martini in episode 26 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.  Securing a mortgage is a big thing and it is critical that you understand the lingo and that your mortgage strategist has a working knowledge of your short and long-term goals. For more information about buying a home and securing a mortgage check out www.MartiniMortgageGroup.co

Right now there is a ton of confusion for someone that is thinking of buying a home & why not, it appears things are slowing down, but is it?  Kevin Martini is not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast…Kevin Martin is the Senior Mortgage Strategist and Branch Manager of the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage - episode 25 is called ‘Confusion’. Has the homebuyer disappeared?  NOPE!  One could make an argument that buyer demand is softening if they looked at sales however there is not enough product to sell — that is the real story.  Foot Traffic, which is a leading indicator of future sales is up every month in 2018 as compared to 2017.  It still remains a competitive market here in Raleigh, NC an the entire Triangle of North Carolina but  there are there things one can do to make there offer more competitive.  These secret strategies are shared in episode 25 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.  Seller in this market or any real estate market for that matter want a homebuyer to be working wi

Kevin Martini is the Senior Mortgage Strategist, Branch Manager and you host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast…this is episode 024 - the cost of not paying Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). For many, saving for a downpayment is the biggest hurdle and many take a detour from buying a home because of they feel they do not have enough down payment.  There is a common myth that a 20% down payment is needed to secure a mortgage — this myth is busted with the Martini Mortgage Group at Benchmark Mortgage.  So…if one can purchase a home and secure a home loan with less than a 20% down payment, why aren’t more people doing this?  Kevin Martini discusses this ‘why’ in episode 024 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast: The Cost of Not paying PMI’. In the Fall 2018 edition of the Kevin Martini Homebuyer Guide which is called: ‘Things to Consider When Buying a Home’ there is an amazing article on page 12 called: You Do Not Need 20% Down To Buy Your Home! In addition, there are is over a dozen of articles that cover important home