Multigenerational Travel Planning: Building Your Family's Travel Legacy

In this episode:

00:00 – 05:14: Intro and Current Market Reality
05:15 – 10:40: Getting Started Right
10:41 – 23:30: Understanding the Numbers
23:31 – 30:45: Winning in a Competitive Market
30:46 – 38:21: Avoiding Common Pitfalls
38:22 – 40:18: Words of Encourage for Today’s Buyers

Think buying a house in today’s market is impossible? Think again. In this episode of Your Money. Your Mission., SVP Wealth Fiduciary Advisor and host, Kelly Mould, sits down with two of our mortgage advisors who work with buyers every day. AVP Senior Community Mortgage Loan Officer, Sara Whitley, provides advice for the first-time homebuyer, while VP Mortgage Field Manager, Tony Petrie, shares strategies for move-up buyers navigating equity and competitive offers. From busting the 20% down payment myth to understanding why 6% interest rates are completely normal, Sara and Tony cut through the noise to give you actionable advice you can use today.

5 Key Takeaways

1. Interest rates are historically normal 

Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading to your forever home, we all got spoiled with those 3-4% rates during the pandemic. Here's the reality check: Rates around 6% are normal by historical standards. Those super-low rates were the exception, not the rule. And here's what's happening while you wait — you're missing out on building equity (huge for first-time homebuyers) or losing that home you've been dreaming about for retirement.

2. You don’t need 20% down

We’re busting this myth: You do not need 20% down to buy a house. First-time buyers, the actual minimum is just 3% and there are even assistance programs if you qualify. Already own a home? Your equity gives you flexibility! You can put less down and use the rest for renovations, pay off high-interest debt or keep a cushion for that new chapter. Your down payment can come from savings, family gifts, borrowing from your 401(k) or equity from your current home. Whatever your situation, that old "you must have 20%" rule doesn't apply.

3. The market is stabilizing 

Remember that absolute chaos of the pandemic housing market? Waiving inspections, offering $50K over asking and cash-only deals? That nightmare is cooling off. Inventory is improving and buyers aren't being forced into desperate moves anymore. You can include proper contingencies (always get that inspection!), negotiate and make smart decisions. Whether you're excited about getting your keys to your first place or finally ready to move into that dream retirement home, you're catching a better market in 2026.

4. Pre-approval vs. pre-qualification matters

Pre-qualification from those online lenders? It won’t get you in the door of your dream home. They haven't verified anything: Not your income, assets or your ability to get the loan. A real pre-approval, especially a fully underwritten one, is essential. It tells sellers, "My bank already checked everything. This is real." That's huge when you're competing against other buyers.

5. Partner with trusted professionals

First-time buyers, this process can feel overwhelming, so find a lender and REALTOR® you trust. Even if you've been through this process before, the market has changed since your last purchase. Let your lender and REALTOR® do the heavy lifting. They know the current tricks, watch for red flags and help you avoid expensive mistakes.

Ready to enter the 2026 housing market with confidence? Connect with a mortgage loan officer today.