How to Start Saving for Your First Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Think you’re not ready to buy a home because you still splurge on takeout or forgot to cancel that random subscription? That’s not the real reason you feel stuck. In this straight-talking, no-fluff episode, Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini shatters the myth that buying a home starts with cutting out coffee and magically saving 20% down. (Spoiler: You don’t need anywhere near that.) Instead, he hands you the actual steps to get your finances—and your confidence—in alignment, including: The sneaky truth about where your money really goes What a real budget looks like (hint:...
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Stop Believing These Mortgage LIES! (First Home Edition)
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Think you need 20% down to buy a home? That lie has been quietly killing dreams for decades—and it’s time to put it to rest. This episode spills the truth, the real truth, about what it actually takes to get the keys to your own place (spoiler: it’s way less than you think). You’ll learn: Why the 20% down myth is holding you back The truth about credit scores—and what lenders really care about Low and no down payment programs that might already be available to you Why “waiting for the right time” might be costing you thousands This isn’t a guilt trip. It’s a game...
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Rent vs Buy: Making the Right Choice for Your Future
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Is renting really just throwing money away? Or is buying always the better option? You’ve heard the arguments: “Stop paying your landlord’s mortgage!” … “Owning a home is how you build wealth!” But is it really that simple? Not exactly. Here’s the truth: Neither is universally better—it depends on your situation. And making the wrong choice? That could cost you tens of thousands over time. In this episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, we get straight to the facts—no fluff, no hype. You’ll learn: ✔️ The hidden advantages of renting (yes, they exist!) ✔️...
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First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes (Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First House)
Martini Mortgage Podcast
🚨 STOP scrolling real estate listings and cancel those open house plans—until you hear this. What is the biggest mistake first-time homebuyers make? Doing the right things in the WRONG order. Most people think house first, mortgage second. But here’s the real winning move: secure your home loan first. In this episode of the , I’ll break down: ✅ Why getting your financing in place first gives you the edge ✅ The one factor you can’t change about a house—no matter how much you love it ✅ The hidden costs and pitfalls most buyers don’t see coming Buying your first home is...
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Ask These Questions Before Buying a House
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Most homebuyers start with the wrong question: Is now the right time to buy? They wait, watch headlines, and hope for perfect conditions. But here’s the truth: The best time to buy isn’t about the market—it’s about whether YOU are ready. 🔑 Before you fall in love with a house, ask yourself: ✅ Am I financially and emotionally ready? ✅ Can I afford the payment AND still save money? ✅ Will this location work for me in 5 years? Too many buyers wing it—don’t be one of them. In this episode, I reveal the 5 crucial questions you MUST ask before making a move, plus the...
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The Interest Rate Illusion: What REALLY Matters
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Stop scrolling if you’re convinced that the lowest rate is your ticket to homeownership bliss. In this episode, mortgage maestro flips the script on “rock-bottom” interest rates, revealing the hidden fees and sneaky tactics that could cost you big time. Forget chasing numbers—learn how to build a strategy that saves you thousands and secures your dream home without the nasty surprises. Trust us, this is one episode you'll want to share with every savvy buyer you know. Kevin Martini is a Certified Mortgage Advisor and the founder of the Martini Mortgage Group. With a proven...
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Should You Wait to Buy with Rising Mortgage Rates?
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Think waiting for mortgage rates to drop will save you money? Think again. In this episode of The Martini Mortgage Podcast, I’m breaking down why playing the waiting game could cost you BIG—more than just a percentage on your interest rate. From home price appreciation to the inevitable buyer frenzy when rates dip, I’ll show you why the best time to buy isn’t about the market—it’s about when you’re ready. Why history proves waiting can be a costly mistake The hidden risk of "perfect timing" in real estate A side-by-side comparison of buying now vs. later—what’s the real...
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When Mortgage Interest Is Deductible
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Think all mortgage interest is tax-deductible? Think again. In this episode, Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini reveals the key factors that determine if you can claim this deduction. From itemized deductions to acquisition indebtedness, and even pre-2017 loans, this episode clears up the confusion. Plus, discover why investment properties play by entirely different rules. Don’t miss out on potentially saving thousands—or avoiding costly mistakes. Hit play, and make sure to share this episode with someone who could use this info.
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Homebuying Hacks for First-Time Homebuyers
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Think you’re ready to buy a home? Most first-time homebuyers make a HUGE mistake before they even start house hunting—and it’s costing them big time. In this must-listen episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, , Certified Mortgage Advisor, breaks down the ultimate hacks for making your homeownership journey smoother, smarter, and significantly less stressful. Discover why starting with your mortgage—not the house—is the game-changer you didn’t know you needed. Learn how to avoid costly missteps, build a dream team of trusted advisors, and turn the dream of homeownership into a...
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Can You Get a Mortgage with Student Loans?
Martini Mortgage Podcast
Can student loans stop you from owning your dream home? Think again. This episode is for anyone who feels like their student debt is an immovable mountain standing between them and the keys to their first home. Spoiler alert: It’s not about the debt itself—it’s about how you manage it. Join Certified Mortgage Advisor as he busts the myth that student loans disqualify you from a mortgage and explains: Why your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI) matters more than the total debt you owe. Loan options tailored for homebuyers with student debt, including FHA and conventional loans. Why getting...
info_outlineOwning or renting—what’s the smarter move right now?
This special micro episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast is your wake-up call: the housing market is shifting, and with it comes an incredible opportunity to build wealth instead of paying off your landlord's mortgage. Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini dives into the real numbers, busts the myths that hold most renters back and lays out why waiting might cost you more than you think.
Spoiler: a homeowner’s net worth today is 42 TIMES that of a renter.
If you’ve been debating whether now is the right time to buy, you can’t afford to miss this episode. Listen, share, and take that first step toward securing your financial future.
Kevin Martini | NMLS 143962 | Certified Mortgage Advisor | Martini Mortgage Group at Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Corporation | NMLS # 3446 | 507 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604 | (919) 238-4934 | www.MartiniMortgageGroup.com | [email protected] | Equal Housing Lender
Transcript:
2024 has been challenging for home buyers.
It's been a time of uncertainty.
But let me tell you something very exciting.
The real estate market is transitioning,
and right now offers a very unique opportunity
that could make a real difference in your life.
Still, I know some people are stuck wondering,
"Should I keep renting?"
Or take that leap into home ownership.
Let me start with this.
We all need a roof over our heads, right?
Renting is fine for a season.
But let me be direct.
This is not that season.
This is a moment when owning your roof
could completely transform your financial future.
Here's the hard truth.
A homeowner's net worth today is 42 times that of a renter.
Not 42 percent, 42 times greater than a renter.
That's $415,000 compared to $10,000.
And this gap between homeowners and renters net worth
is only going to continue to grow.
If you ever thought about buying a home,
this could know this is your moment to get ahead.
But before I dig in, let me cover my legal basis.
I am Kevin Martini, a certified mortgage advisor
in producing branch manager, NMLS143962
with the Martini Mortini Group at Gold Star Mortgage
Financial Group Corporation, NLS3446, Eagle House in London.
This podcast is here to inform, educate, and entertain
not to provide legal or professional advice.
Now with that out of the way, let's get into it.
Why homeownership matters right now?
Here's the reality.
Homeownership isn't for everyone and that's okay.
If it's not right for you, what's not okay
is deciding against homeownership because of mis or misinformation
you have.
I've been in the financial services since the late 80s
and in the mortgage industry exclusively since 2006.
And I'm still amazed at how many people think
they need perfect credit or a massive down payment
to buy a home.
Spoiler alert, do, do, do, do, do, do, you don't.
In fact, most people overestimate
what it takes to buy a home,
basing decisions on what they heard
at a barbecue instead of seeking real facts.
Let's stop that cycle right now.
Only your home isn't just about having a place to call yours.
It is a financial strategy.
Home values almost always go up over time.
Over the past five years, home values have risen by over 57%.
Stretch it out over 30 years and they have more than tripled.
The equity bill becomes your future wealth.
And here's the other side of the coin.
Renseurizing, if you are renting,
every lease renewal brings the risk of higher cost.
But when you own your home and locking up fixed rate mortgage
you stabilize your housing expenses and protect yourself
from the cycle of rising rents.
Now let me uncover why waiting could cost you more.
And listen, I get it.
You're thinking why not wait until mortgage rates go down,
Kevin Martini?
And that's a very fair question.
But here's the thing,
when rates drop, demand surges, a 1% decrease in mortgage rates
brings five million new buyers into the market.
That's five million people competing for the same limited inventory of homes.
The result, home prices surge.
Waiting could cost you far more than you will say.
Right now you can lock in the cost and even refinance when rates improve.
This is how you play the long game to build wealth.
Folks, let's create your strategy.
This is a moment in real estate that could be a one-cental lifetime opportunity.
But not every opportunity is right for you.
That's why it's crucial making informed decision based on facts, not fear.
Let's connect for a complimentary no judgment consultation together.
We'll craft a plan and timeline that fits your goals in situation.
Here's the best case scenario.
You'll take the first step towards creating generational wealth.
And though worst, you'll walk away with a clear strategy for the future.
Thank you for tuning in to episode 198 of the Martini Workers' podcast.
Owning your roof versus renting it.
If today's episodes sparked any questions, don't hesitate to reach out.
You can call me directly at 919-238-4934.
And here's a small ask.
If you would share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, a little nudge from you
could change their life.
Until next time, I'm Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage
Group, wishing you peace and blessings.
Let's make your home ownership dreams a reality.