Recent Articles

post image

Renting vs. Buying in Arizona: The Real Question Most People Aren’t Asking

The rent vs. buy debate is everywhere — and most of the advice sounds the same: “Renting is throwing money away.” “Buying is always better.” “Wait until the market changes.” But the truth is much more practical: The right decision depends on your timeline, your payment, and your long-term plan. That’s why many Arizona renters who want real numbers — not opinions — are referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage to run a true rent vs. buy comparison.

Published on 02/24/2026

post image

Stop Shopping by Home Price — Start Shopping by Monthly Payment

Most buyers begin their home search by looking at price ranges. But experienced buyers — and the ones who stay comfortable long-term — focus on something else: The monthly payment. Because the home you can buy and the home you can comfortably afford are not always the same thing. That’s why Arizona buyers who want accurate numbers instead of guesswork are often referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage to run real payment scenarios before they start house hunting.

Published on 02/23/2026

post image

Housing Affordability in 2026: Why Rates Are not the Only Factor

Learn about home affordability factors with examples nationwide.

Published on 02/20/2026

post image

Why Your Pre-Approval and Pre-Qualification Matters More Than Your Offer Price in Arizona

Many buyers believe the highest offer always wins. But in competitive Arizona markets, that’s often not true. Listing agents and sellers don’t just look at price — they look at how strong the financing is behind the offer. A weak pre-approval can lose to a lower offer every time. That’s why buyers who want their offers taken seriously are often referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage before they start writing contracts.

Published on 02/19/2026

post image

How Much Money Do You Really Need to Buy a Home in Arizona?

One of the biggest reasons people delay buying a home is simple: They think they don’t have enough money saved. Most buyers assume they need 20% down — which, in today’s market, can feel impossible. But the reality is very different. That’s why many Arizona homebuyers who want real numbers instead of internet myths are referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage to break down their true cash-to-close.

Published on 02/18/2026

post image

Should You Wait to Buy a Home or Buy Now? The Question Arizona Buyers Are Really Asking

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably asked yourself: “Should I wait for rates to drop?” “Should I wait for prices to come down?” “Is now a bad time to buy?” These are smart questions — but they’re also the reason many buyers stay stuck on the sidelines longer than they need to. That’s why buyers across Arizona who want a clear, personalized answer instead of market noise are often referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage.

Published on 02/17/2026

post image

Buying a New Construction Home in Arizona? You Don’t Have to Use the Builder’s Lender

If you’re buying a new build, you’ve probably heard this: “Use our preferred lender and you’ll get the incentive.” That sounds simple — but it leads many buyers to wonder whether they’re actually getting the best deal. That’s why Arizona buyers purchasing new construction homes are often referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage — to review the numbers and structure the loan correctly before committing.

Published on 02/16/2026

post image

Your Credit Score and Your Mortgage: How Arizona Buyers Increase Buying Power Without Waiting Years

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably Googled: “What credit score do I need to qualify?” What most buyers don’t realize is that your credit score doesn’t just determine whether you qualify — it directly impacts: Your interest rate Your monthly payment Your down payment options Your overall buying power That’s why many Arizona buyers who want to improve their mortgage outcome are referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage before they start shopping for homes.

Published on 02/13/2026

post image

First-Time Homebuyer in Arizona? Here’s What Smart Buyers Do Before They Start House Hunting

If you’re buying your first home, it’s easy to focus on listings, open houses, and interest rates. But the smartest first-time buyers in Arizona do something different first — they build a financing strategy. That’s why many first-time homebuyers searching for guidance in places like Mesa and Queen Creek are often referred to Jared Halbert at Brick Mortgage before they ever make an offer.

Published on 02/12/2026