Strategies to Kick Off 2026 Strong

5 Business Building Resolutions and how FinLocker helps you keep them
Chris Hazen, Chief Revenue Officer, FinLocker

Build a Bigger Pipeline in 2026 by Going Where Other LOs Aren’t
Adrian Hernandez, Chief Revenue Officer, FinLocker

The 6%+ Opportunity: Reconnect Now, Win the Next Refi Wave
Ethan Vieaux, VP of Customer Success, FinLocker

The 30-Day “Clarity First” Playbook to Educate Renters & Strengthen Buyer Readiness
Diana Mulhall, Head of Marketing, FinLocker

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5 Business Building Resolutions and how FinLocker helps you keep them

Chris Hazen, Chief Revenue Officer, FinLocker

With mortgage rates stabilizing in the low-to-mid 6% range, homes overvalued in many markets, and insurance premiums and property taxes increasing year over year, the financial barriers to homeownership continue to rise. As a result, first-time buyers are delaying entry longer than at any point on record. The National Association of Realtors 2025 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers shows the median first-time buyer age has reached 40, up from 33 just five years ago, while their share of total purchases has dropped to 21%, a multi-decade low.

For loan officers, these data points reinforce a critical message: the longer buyers wait, the higher the financial cost — and that cost can be quantified.

Craig Johnson, Branch Manager at Canopy Mortgage, uses a simple, practical framework to help aspiring buyers understand what waiting truly costs in terms of wealth-building. While Craig uses KeySteps to nurture his pipeline, giving them a personalized path to mortgage readiness and a way to see the total cost of homeownership as they browse properties, the principles he teaches apply to every loan officer, regardless of the tools they use.

Show the Numbers — Not Just the Narrative

The most effective way to communicate urgency is to quantify missed appreciation. National median price examples tell the story:

• A buyer who could have purchased in 2015 at roughly $229,000 but waits until 2025, when prices approach $415,000, gives up $186,000 in appreciation, and that doesn’t include 10 years of principal reduction to increase the value of their equity.
• Even a shorter delay hurts. From 2020 (~$296,500) to 2025 (~$415,000), the missed appreciation is $118,500.

Once buyers see the difference in dollars, not theory, the cost of waiting becomes undeniably clear.

Coach Buyers to Understand Appreciation and Equity Building

Loan officers should walk clients through how rising rents compare to predictable mortgage payments, as rents have increased 21% since January 2020, according to Rent.com. In the same period, the average mortgaged homeowner’s equity jumped by approximately $124,000.

This reframes the discussion from “Is now the perfect time?” to “What will delaying cost me each month and each year?”

Start the Prep Work Earlier

Many first-time buyers need 12–24 months to get mortgage-ready. Loan officers can guide clients through:

• Credit improvement to qualify for better terms
• Debt management to know which loans or cards to pay down versus pay off
• Savings strategies by cutting spending on non-essential items, entertainment, clothes and vacations to save more sooner
• Realistic affordability planning to show buying in a lower cost neighborhood (especially if they don’t have to consider school districts for children), a smaller home or a duplex to get renters to contribute to the mortgage

Discuss Ways to Buy a Home Earlier

The belief that buyers must save a 20% down payment first is one of the most significant barriers causing delays.

Here’s reality:

• Conventional loans require as little as 3% down with good credit
• FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with good credit
• USDA loans offer 0% down for eligible rural areas
• VA loans offer 0% down for qualifying veterans and active duty personnel
• Many state and local programs offer down payment assistance

By waiting to save 20%, renters may spend several more years in rising rental markets while home prices and principal amortization opportunities pass them by.

Partner Early with Real Estate Agents

A united lender–agent approach keeps buyers engaged, informed, and less likely to stall between pre-approval and contract.

Build a Bigger Pipeline in 2026 by Going Where Other LOs Aren’t

Adrian Hernandez, VP of Sales, FinLocker

If your 2026 plan still starts and ends with “more first-time buyers,” you’re in good company—and that’s the problem. MGIC’s 2025 Loan Originators Survey Report shows most loan officers concentrate outreach on the same few lanes: first-time buyers (86%), move-up buyers (69%), refinancing previous clients (63%) and refi to attract new clients (44%). Meanwhile, smaller (but very real) opportunity pools get far less attention: Veterans (32%), vacation/second homes (31%), and construction (30%).

Borrowers aren’t shopping for “a mortgage”—they’re looking for a clear plan that fits their goals, whether that’s relocating, stabilizing monthly payments, buying near family, building a home that fits their life, investing in their future or using a benefit they’ve earned. The fastest way to widen your client pool is to organize your marketing around those life goals, not product names.

1) Turn “niches” into repeatable micro-campaigns

Pick two under-served lanes (ex: VA + construction, or second homes + move-up). Build a simple 30-day campaign for each:

• One clear promise (“Here’s the easiest path to…”)
• One lead magnet (1-page checklist, cost worksheet, or timeline)
• Two short videos answering the top fears you hear every week
  Then run them every quarter. Consistency beats creativity.

2) Build referral ecosystems, not one-off relationships

Instead of chasing the same agents everyone else is calling, create partner circles around the lane you chose:

• VA: veteran nonprofits, base-area employers, VSO groups, military-focused agents
• Second homes: vacation-rental managers, local CPAs, lake/shore agents
• Construction: builders, architects, lumber yards, permitting offices
  Your goal is to become the “default explainer” for that community.

3) Make past clients your lowest-cost lead source

Most LOs say they’re working their database—few operationalize it. Create “service moments” that feel helpful, not salesy:

• Annual mortgage review invite
• Equity + renovation options check-in
• “What would it take to move?” scenario quote for move-up families
  Automate the prompts, personalize the delivery.

2026 pipeline rule: Keep serving first-time buyers but win the year by owning one or two lanes your competitors keep treating as “extra.”

PASTE this entire prompt into ChatGPT to obtain a 30-day campaign for your selected niche(s)

You are a mortgage marketing strategist helping a loan officer build a 30-day customer-centric outreach plan targeting consumers considering buying a vacation/second home. Create a practical, step-by-step plan that I can execute in 30 days with 30–60 minutes per day.

My details (use these in the plan):

• Market/State(s): [INSERT]
• Ideal second-home locations (beach/lake/mountains, etc.): [INSERT]
• My niche angle (pick one): vacation-rental income / family getaway / future retirement / tax planning coordination / jumbo buyers / first-time second-home buyers
• My primary referral partners: [agents / CPAs / financial advisors / vacation rental managers / builders]
• My main channels: [Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn / email / text / phone / events]
• My available marketing assets: [client list size, CRM, past client database, video ability, etc.]
• Compliance constraints (if any): [INSERT]

What I need you to produce:

1. A 30-day calendar broken into Week 1–4, with daily actions (outreach + content + partnerships).
2. A simple campaign theme and one clear promise (value proposition) written in plain language for consumers.
3. A lead magnet idea (1-page checklist or worksheet) plus the full outline/content for it.
4. 10 social post ideas (with hooks, captions, and suggested visuals) + 5 short video scripts (30–60 seconds each).
5. 3 email templates (nurture sequence) + 5 text message scripts + 2 voicemail scripts.
6. A partner outreach plan: who to contact, how to pitch, and a co-marketing idea for each partner type.
7. A simple tracking dashboard: what metrics to track daily/weekly (leads, conversations, appointments, pre-quals, partner touches) and target numbers.
8. Include a borrower FAQ section focused on second homes: occupancy rules, down payment expectations, rate differences vs primary, reserves, rental considerations, insurance, and timelines.
9. Make everything brand-agnostic, compliant-friendly, and written so I can copy/paste to execute.

Tone & style: friendly, confident, educational, and customer-first. Avoid hype. Give options for both purchase-focused markets and slower markets.

Before you begin, ask me up to 5 clarifying questions if needed. If not needed, proceed with reasonable assumptions and state them.

The 6%+ Opportunity: Reconnect Now, Win the Next Refi Wave

Ethan Vieaux, VP of Customer Success, FinLocker

For the first time since 2020, homeowners with mortgages at 6%+ now outnumber those with mortgages below 3%, which is a clear sign the lock-in era is loosening. That matters because these 6%+ borrowers are your most refinance-sensitive segment the moment rates meaningfully dip.

Realtor.com’s analysis of FHFA data shows 21.2% of outstanding mortgages were 6%+ in Q3 2025 (up fast year over year). Meanwhile, the average 30-year fixed rate has been hovering near 6% (6.06% as of Jan. 15, 2026) and has only briefly touched below 6%. Translation: the window can open quickly, and the winners will be the lenders whose past clients are already “mortgage ready.”

Your 2026 playbook: connect, prepare, then act fast

1. Segment your database now: identify homeowners with note rates above 6%, especially those who bought in 2023–2025.

2. Run “life happens” check-ins: marriage, divorce, babies, job changes, downsizing—these trigger moves and refinances even when rates aren’t perfect.

3. Mortgage-readiness coaching (simple, powerful):

• Credit: Avoid new revolving debt spikes
• DTI: Keep payments stable before applying
• Cash & reserves: Plan for appraisal/closing costs
• Documents: Keep paystubs, W-2s, tax returns, insurance, and bank statements organized and current

4. Offer a recurring Mortgage Review: every 6 months (and whenever a major life event hits).

When rates drop, homeowners who are organized move first, so your job in 2026 is to make sure your entire homeowner book is ready before the opportunity appears.

Drop this prompt into your ChatGPT to have it create a personalized “Mortgage-Ready” campaign for you.

You are my mortgage marketing strategist. Build a “Mortgage Ready” campaign to reconnect with my past homeowner clients, especially those with interest rates above 6%, so they stay prepared to refinance or move when life happens or rates drop.

FIRST, ask me only for the minimum missing details you need (max 6 questions). Then deliver the campaign.

Context:

– Audience: past clients who are homeowners (prior purchase and refi clients)

– Priority segment: homeowners with mortgage rates above 6% (many bought in 2023–2025)

– Goal: re-engage, provide value, and create a pipeline of “refi-ready” clients

– Tone: professional, informative, practical, inspiring (not hypey)

– Compliance: avoid promising rates or savings; use educational language and encourage consultation

My details (fill in):

– My name + NMLS (if used in signatures):

– My market/locations served:

– My ideal borrower focus (e.g., conventional, FHA/VA, jumbo, self-employed):

– My primary CTA (choose one): (A) book a Mortgage Readiness Review call  (B) reply “READY”  (C) download checklist  (D) schedule via link

– Do I have FinLocker? (Yes/No). If yes: include steps + benefits of using FinLocker and how clients access it through me.

– Any required legal/compliance disclaimer text my company requires:

Deliverables:

1) Campaign name + one-sentence promise (value-based)

2) Segmentation plan (at least 3 segments, including “6%+ rate homeowners” and “life-event likely”)

3) 30-day rollout plan with a weekly cadence (what to send, where, and why)

4) Message templates:

– 3 email drafts (short, medium, long)

– 3 SMS scripts (under 320 characters)

– 2 LinkedIn posts

– 2 Instagram captions

5) A simple “Mortgage Ready” checklist homeowners can follow (8–12 bullets)

6) A call script for a 5-minute Mortgage Readiness Review (with questions + next steps)

7) If FinLocker=Yes: include a simple onboarding sequence (email + SMS) and 5 talking points explaining Homeownership Snapshot, document storage, and ongoing monitoring in plain language.

8) Subject lines: 10 options (non-spammy, curiosity + value)

9) Metrics to track + how to adjust after 2 weeks (open rate, replies, appointments, etc.)

Constraints:

– Keep each email under 200 words.

– Keep each social post under 150 words.

– Make everything easy to copy/paste.

– Use placeholders like [First Name], [Calendar Link], [FinLocker Link], [Company Name], [Phone].

The 30-Day “Clarity First” Playbook to Educate Renters & Strengthen Buyer Readiness

Diana Mulhall, Head of Marketing, FinLocker

In the 2026 market, loan officers are increasingly competing on their ability to deliver borrower confidence and qualification clarity early in the journey.

Experian’s 2026 U.S Housing Market Report shows affordability is the dominant barrier: 67% of consumers cite home prices, and 59% cite down payment funds as major obstacles. Add rising property taxes, insurance premiums, and HOA fees, and first-time buyers feel overwhelmed by “the full payment,” not just the interest rate. That uncertainty is also why pull-through matters: over the past two years, only about 34% of first mortgage hard inquiries converted to an origination. Meanwhile, 50% of consumers say the most helpful step in their journey is a clearer understanding of what they could qualify for.

This 30-day strategy and tactics deliver clarity to first-time buyers, aim to reduce the fallout from prospects in your pipeline, and turn more inquiries into actively engaged prospects.

Days 1–7: Build a “Clarity First” funnel

Run two simple lead magnets: “First-Time Buyer Payment Breakdown” (P&I + taxes + insurance + HOA) and “Down Payment Roadmap” (savings targets + timelines). These work because affordability is the stated pain point (67% prices, 59% down payment). Drive traffic via short-form video and boosted posts targeted to renters’ and first-time buyers’ interests. Every CTA should promise one thing: know what you can realistically qualify for because that’s what half of buyers say they need most.

Script 1: First-Time Buyer Payment Breakdown”

Quick question: when you think ‘mortgage payment,’ are you only thinking principal and interest? Because many first-time buyers are surprised by the full monthly housing cost. Experian found affordability is still the biggest challenge: 67% of consumers say home prices are a barrier, and it’s not just the rate. Taxes, insurance, and even HOA fees can change what you can comfortably afford. That’s why I offer a free ‘First-Time Buyer Payment Breakdown.’ It shows you exactly what to factor in so you can shop with real numbers and confidence. Comment or DM me ‘PAYMENT,’ and I’ll explain how to break down your ideal monthly mortgage payment amount.

Script 2: Down Payment Roadmap

If a down payment is what’s holding you back, you’re not alone. Experian found 59% of consumers say having funds for a down payment is one of the biggest barriers to homeownership. The good news is you don’t need to guess. I have put together a free ‘Down Payment Roadmap’ to help you estimate a realistic target, map a timeline, and understand what to prepare for beyond the down payment, such as closing costs, property taxes, and home insurance. If you want it, comment or DM me ‘ROADMAP’ and I’ll send it over.

Days 8–15: Host a Prequalification Clarity Event + nurture sequence

Host a 30-minute live webinar titled “What You Can Qualify For in Today’s Market (Without Surprises).” Promote it for 7 days and require registration. Then deploy a 5-touch follow-up sequence: recap, checklist, payment range explanation, doc prep, and a “next step” invite. This combats the 34% inquiry-to-origination gap by keeping prospects from going cold after initial interest.

Enter this complete prompt into ChatGPT to create your follow-up sequence:

You are a marketing copywriter for a mortgage loan officer. Create a 5-touch follow-up sequence for first-time homebuyers who registered for (or attended) my event called: “[EVENT NAME]” on [EVENT DATE].

GOAL: Increase engagement and appointments by educating, building confidence, and guiding prospects to a next step (a 15-minute “Mortgage Readiness Review” or pre-qualification call). Keep the tone friendly, professional, and consumer-educational. Avoid promises/guarantees and avoid quoting interest rates. Include a brief compliance-friendly disclaimer at the bottom of each email.

AUDIENCE: First-time homebuyers (mostly renters), likely anxious about affordability and down payment.

BRAND VOICE: Helpful, calm, clear, action-oriented. Short paragraphs. 6th–8th grade reading level.

DELIVERABLES:

For each touch, write:

1) Timing (e.g., “Send 2 hours after event,” “Day 2,” etc.)

2) Email: subject line + preview text + body (150–220 words)

3) SMS: 1 version (max 320 characters)

4) One clear CTA with a link placeholder: [BOOKING LINK] or [RESOURCE LINK]

5) A short “If you didn’t attend” alternate first line for Touch #1

CONTENT REQUIREMENTS BY TOUCH:

Touch 1 — Recap:

– Thank them for registering/attending.

– 3 bullet “key takeaways” from the event.

– Link to the replay or summary PDF: [RESOURCE LINK]

Touch 2 — Checklist:

– Provide a “Next 7 Days” checklist with 5–7 bullets (practical steps).

– Invite them to reply with the word CHECKLIST for a downloadable version.

Touch 3 — Payment range explanation:

– Explain how to estimate a comfortable monthly payment range without focusing on rate.

– Include components: principal+interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA (if applicable).

– Give a simple example with placeholders (no rates): “If your comfortable payment is $____, then a safe shopping range is $____–$____.”

Touch 4 — Doc prep:

– List the top documents to gather (W-2/1099, paystubs, bank statements, ID, rent history, etc.).

– Explain why doc prep reduces stress and speeds up pre-approval.

– Link to my secure “Doc Checklist” resource: [RESOURCE LINK]

– If FinLocker is enabled (see personalization), reference the app as the place to upload/store documents and track readiness (without sounding salesy).

Touch 5 — Next step invite:

– Offer a no-pressure 15-minute call to map a plan: “Mortgage Readiness Review.”

– Include two options: book online [BOOKING LINK] OR reply “READY” and I’ll text you time slots.

– Add urgency that’s ethical (limited weekly slots), not fear-based.

– If FinLocker is enabled, include an optional line inviting them to start their readiness plan in the app.

PERSONALIZATION INPUTS:

– My name: [LO NAME]

– My company: [COMPANY]

– My NMLS ID: [NMLS]

– My market/area served: [CITY/STATE]

– My specialties (optional): [VA/FHA/Conventional/Down payment assistance/etc.]

– My calendar link: [BOOKING LINK]

– My resources link(s): [RESOURCE LINK]

– Preferred contact method: [TEXT/EMAIL]

– FinLocker enabled? [YES/NO]

– If YES, name of my FinLocker app (white-label): [APP NAME]

– If YES, app link (optional): [APP LINK]

COMPLIANCE:

– Do not claim guaranteed approval, “best rates,” or “no credit impact” unless stated as a general educational concept.

– Do not request sensitive personal info by text.

– Add this disclaimer (or similar) to emails only (not SMS): “This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit and underwriting approval.”

OUTPUT FORMAT: Label each touch clearly (Touch 1–5). Provide Email then SMS. Keep everything ready to copy/paste.

Days 16–23: Differentiate with cash flow and readiness messaging

Affordability pressures demand better borrower storytelling. Experian highlights that using cash flow insights can improve model accuracy and risk differentiation by 35%. Translate that into consumer-safe marketing: “We look beyond a score to build your strongest application.” Create three posts explaining how consistent cash flow, reserves, and budgeting strengthen readiness, and offer “Readiness Reviews” (15-minute consults).

1) Post: Consistent cash flow strengthens mortgage readiness

Hook A (Educational):
Mortgage readiness isn’t only about credit score. Steady cash flow can make a major difference in how prepared you look on paper.

Hook B (Emotional):
If buying a home still feels out of reach, it might be due to unpredictable month-to-month money swings.

Experian found 67% say home prices are a major barrier, and 59% cite the down payment as the biggest challenge.

One thing that helps you feel (and be) more “mortgage-ready” faster: consistent cash flow.

Why it matters:

• Lenders want to see that you can handle a monthly payment for years, not just once
• Consistency makes your budget predictable, which reduces stress while you shop
• Experian research shows cash flow insights can improve mortgage risk differentiation by 35%, meaning your real-world financial behavior can add helpful context

Quick tip: Set bills to autopay, reduce big month-to-month swings, and keep your spending steady for a few months before you apply.

Want a simple checklist to improve cash flow consistency? DM me CASH FLOW.

20–30 sec video script

Thinking about buying your first home? You’re not alone if it feels challenging. Experian found 67% say home prices are the biggest barrier, and 59% say the down payment is the challenge. One way to boost your mortgage readiness sooner is through steady cash flow—consistent income and spending. When your finances don’t have big monthly swings, it’s easier to budget, easier to plan, and it can strengthen your overall profile. Experian research shows that cash flow insights can improve risk assessment by 35%. If you want my quick ‘cash flow readiness’ checklist, DM me CASH FLOW.

2) Post:

Hook A (Educational):
One of the biggest reasons first-time buyers stall isn’t approval—it’s unexpected costs. That’s why reserves matter.

Hook B (Emotional):
The worst feeling is getting excited about a home… then realizing one surprise expense could take you out of the running.

Many first-time buyers think approval is the only hurdle. The bigger challenge is staying on track through the process.

Experian found that only about 34% of mortgage hard inquiries turn into an actual mortgage. That tells us many buyers start the journey… then hit a financial speed bump.

That’s why I talk to first-time buyers about reserves, which is a small savings cushion to get you through the first few months of homeownership.

Why reserves matter:

• Costs pop up: inspections, moving, repairs, escrow changes
• Affordability is tight, and added costs like taxes, insurance, and HOA fees can stretch budgets
• A cushion helps you keep momentum instead of pausing or backing out

Simple goal: aim for a starter cushion beyond your down payment—then build from there.

Want a “starter → strong → competitive” savings target guide? DM me RESERVES.

20–30 sec video script

First-time buyers—here’s a tip not everyone shares: getting approved is one step, but staying on track is what counts. Experian found that only about 34% of first mortgage hard inquiries result in an actual mortgage—meaning lots of people start, then something derails them. One way to protect your journey is to build reserves, a small savings cushion for things like inspections, moving costs, repairs, or even changes in taxes, insurance, or HOA fees. DM me RESERVES if you want a simple reserves target guide.

3) Post:

Hook A (Educational):
Most first-time buyers budget for the mortgage but forget the full monthly housing payment. That’s where surprises happen. Here’s how to avoid it happening to you.

Hook B (Emotional):
If you’re scared to start the home search because you don’t want to ‘fall in love’ with something you can’t afford, this is for you.

If you’ve ever said, “I just want to know what I can actually qualify for,” you’re in good company.

Experian found 50% of consumers said the most helpful step in their homeownership journey would be having a clearer understanding of what they could qualify for.

The fastest path to that clarity is budgeting around the full housing payment, not just the mortgage.

What to include:

• principal + interest
• property taxes
• homeowners insurance
• HOA fees (if applicable)

Quick tip: choose a “comfortable monthly payment” before you start touring homes. Shopping at your comfort number (not the max) lowers stress and improves long-term affordability.

Want my one-page “Budget-to-Buy” worksheet? DM me BUDGET.

20–30 sec video script

If you’re thinking about buying, you probably want one thing most: clarity. In a recent Experian report, 50% of consumers said the most helpful step is a clearer understanding of what they can qualify for. To get there faster, budget for your full monthly housing payment—not just the mortgage. This means planning for principal and interest, property taxes, homeowner insurance, and any HOA fees. Set your comfortable payment range first so you can shop smart and avoid surprises. To get my ‘Budget-to-Buy’ worksheet, DM me BUDGET.

Days 24–30: Convert with “Renters to Owners” urgency

Experian found that 47% of renters believe they’ll be ready to buy within 4 years (and 67% within 8), with Gen Z and Millennials most optimistic. Run a “Renters to Owners” week: with daily educational posts and stories of renters who you have helped buy a home. The message: “You may be closer than you think—let’s build a plan.”

Here are 5 educational posts to get you started:

Post 1: “Renting now? Start acting like a homeowner.”

Hook: Want to buy in the next 1–3 years? Start practicing the payment now.

Caption:
One of the smartest ways to prepare for homeownership is to “test-drive” your future housing payment while you’re still renting.

Try this for the next 60–90 days:

1. Estimate a target monthly housing payment (mortgage + taxes + insurance + HOA if applicable).
2. Subtract what you pay in rent.
3. Automatically save the difference each month.

Why this works:

• It proves to you that the payment feels comfortable
• It builds your down payment/reserves faster
• It creates a strong savings habit that helps you stay ready when the right home pops up

DM TEST DRIVE and I’ll send a simple calculator + template.

Post 2: “Know your real budget before you fall in love with a house.”

Hook: Don’t shop by price—shop by monthly payment.

Caption:
Homebuyers run into problems when they focus only on the purchase price. The monthly payment is what matters most because it’s your real commitment.

Before you tour homes, build a “real payment” estimate that includes:
✅ principal + interest
✅ property taxes
✅ homeowners insurance
✅ HOA dues (if any)

Quick win: Decide on your comfortable monthly number (not the maximum you might get approved for). That one decision reduces stress and helps you shop confidently.

DM PAYMENT, and I’ll send a one-page “Real Monthly Payment” worksheet.

Post 3: “Your down payment plan in 3 numbers.”

Hook: Saving for a down payment feels overwhelming—until you break it into a system.

Caption:
If owning a home is your goal, you need a down payment plan that’s easy to stick with.

Start with 3 numbers:

1. Target amount (down payment + a buffer for closing costs)
2. Goal date (when you’d like to buy)
3. Monthly savings (target ÷ months)

Then make it automatic:

• Set a weekly transfer on payday
• Use a separate “house fund” account
• Treat it like a bill you don’t skip

Bonus tip: Any windfalls (tax refund, bonus) should have a “house percentage” assigned ahead of time.

DM ROADMAP, and I’ll send a down payment planning sheet.

Post 4: “3 ways to strengthen your mortgage application while renting.”

Hook: You can improve your mortgage readiness without waiting for a ‘perfect time.’

Caption:
If you’re renting and thinking about buying, focus on the big three lenders look for: credit, cash flow, and reserves.

Here are 3 practical moves you can do this month:

1. Pay everything on time (set autopay for minimums)
2. Lower credit card utilization (aim to keep balances low relative to limits)
3. Build a starter reserve (even $25–$50/week adds up)

Why it matters: These actions reduce risk, improve stability, and make your financial profile easier to approve.

DM READY, and I’ll share a 30-day mortgage-readiness checklist.

Post 5: “Start with a pre-approval plan—not a credit pull.”

Hook: Don’t start the mortgage process with a hard inquiry. Start with a plan.

Caption:
A lot of people jump straight to “running numbers,” but the best outcomes come from preparation first.

Here’s a better order of operations:

1. Gather your basics (income, debts, savings, monthly bills)
2. Set a target payment range
3. Identify 1–2 improvements that make the biggest difference (often credit balance + savings consistency)
4. Then move to pre-approval when you’re ready to shop

This approach helps you avoid surprises and makes the shopping process smoother.

DM PLAN, and I’ll send a simple pre-approval prep checklist.