The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show

# Putting the Puzzle Pieces Together: Why Smart Mortgage Design MattersWhen clients come to us with their home financing goals, they usually arrive with a clear picture in mind: “I want to borrow this amount” or “I need to refinance my current loan.” And that's a great starting point. But here's what we've learned after years of helping families navigate mortgages—the first idea isn't always the best solution.The real value comes from asking better questions and designing a strategy that works for your specific situation.## Begin With the End in MindRecently, a client contacted us about purchasing a $1.5 million home on the North Shore. They had $300,000 ready for the down payment and wanted to borrow $1.2 million. Simple, right?Not quite. As we talked through their full situation, we learned they had significant equity in their current home, which they'd sell after moving into the new property. They also had good—but not great—credit scores around 740.Here's where mortgage design matters: a $1.2 million jumbo loan with that credit profile would have meant an interest rate north of 7%. But by thinking through the complete picture, we found a better path.We helped them take a second mortgage on their current home to free up equity, then combined that with their cash savings for a larger down payment on the new house. This brought their loan amount under the conforming limit of $806,500, where Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac offer better pricing. The result? A rate in the mid-5% range with no loan costs—and they'd already planned to pay off both mortgages when their old house sold anyway.Same goal. Same end result. Dramatically different monthly payment.## When Family Wants to HelpBuying a home from family members comes with its own unique challenges. Parents and grandparents naturally want to give their children a good deal, but without proper guidance, generosity can sometimes work against everyone's best interests.We recently worked with a family where the parents planned to sell their home to their children for $400,000—well below the $500,000 market value. They were worried about gift tax implications and had carefully calculated a $72,000 gift of equity to stay within annual limits.But here's what most people don't realize: structuring the sale at market value actually creates better loan terms for the buyers. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reward larger down payments with better pricing, and credit scores matter less when you're putting 40% down instead of 20%.The gift of equity works exactly the same either way—it's just structured differently on paper. And for most families, the gift tax concern is overblown. Unless the parents have an estate worth over $30 million, they simply file an extra form with the IRS noting the gift against their lifetime exemption.We connected the family with a qualified tax professional to confirm the approach, then structured the transaction to give the children better financing while the parents still provided the same generous gift. Everyone won.## The Stealth Refinance StrategyMortgage rules change regularly, and staying current on those changes is how we help clients maximize their options. Recently, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac updated their definition of a “no cash-out” refinance—the kind that gets better pricing than a traditional cash-out loan.The new rule allows borrowers to receive the *greater* of $2,000 or 1% of the loan balance at closing while still qualifying for standard refinance rates. For a $400,000 loan, that's $4,000 instead of the old $2,000 limit.

**Accunet Mortgage & Realty Show: Smart Money Moves and Market Updates**This week's episode breaks down why mortgage rates can move independently of Federal Reserve decisions – valuable insight for anyone timing a home purchase or refinance. The key takeaway: focus on your personal financial situation rather than trying to predict rate movements.The standout story involves a homeowner who discovered something brilliant: even though refinancing meant giving up a great rate, consolidating high-interest credit card debt into their mortgage saved them significant money monthly. The lesson? Always calculate your total debt picture, not just your mortgage rate in isolation.Another practical scenario shows how family members can successfully structure cash offers while still allowing adult children to qualify for financing. The process requires coordination between all parties and the lender, but it's completely doable with proper planning.The episode also covers an important credit topic: authorized user accounts can sometimes complicate mortgage approval. If you're planning to buy a home and you're an authorized user on someone else's credit card, discuss this with your lender early in the process.Local market update: Milwaukee continues to see strong price appreciation and limited inventory, making it crucial for buyers to get properly pre-approved before house hunting. For those considering refinancing, the window remains open for borrowers who can demonstrate clear financial benefits from the transaction.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

# Accunet Mortgage & Realty Show Summary - September 19, 2025Thinking about buying or refinancing? This week's episode breaks down what you need to know about the Fed's latest move and why mortgage rates didn't do what everyone expected.Learn how one couple escaped a frustrating experience with a big national lender and found local help through Reddit recommendations. Discover the simple “$1,000 equals $6.50 monthly payment” math that makes those scary offer numbers suddenly make sense when you're competing for your dream home.Find out why one homeowner made a smart move switching from an adjustable rate to a fixed mortgage – sometimes it's not about getting the lowest rate, it's about eliminating future risk. See how real estate markets vary wildly, from Wisconsin condos facing new construction competition to Florida homes taking major price cuts to Colorado properties with, shall we say, interesting bathroom logistics.Most importantly, understand why your mortgage lender's availability matters more than you think – especially when Sunday evening offers can win or lose your dream home. Whether you're navigating your first purchase, considering a refinance, or just trying to understand this crazy market, get the inside scoop on making smart money decisions in today's real estate world.

**The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show - Episode 9/14/25**Mortgage rates hit their lowest point in a year, and (some) homeowners are finally waking up from the “one percent rule” coma that's been costing them real savings. This episode serves up real client wins and exposes the outdated advice.One smart homeowner just pocketed $3,000 in annual savings on a refinance without spending a dime on closing costs.**What you'll actually learn:**- Why the mortgage math from previous decades doesn't work in 2025- How new FEMA declarations from the m August floods in Wisconsin will add another layer to the appraisal process- Divorce refinancing advice that helps avoid  liquidating your retirement accounts- Pre-approval strategies that make sellers excited to say Yes- Why timing the Federal Reserve doesn't workFrom escrow account strategies to appraisal waiver wizardry, this episode cuts through mortgage industry nonsense with practical advice you can actually use. Whether you're house hunting, refinancing, or untangling your financial life post-divorce, discover why being smart with your mortgage beats being stubborn every time.Stop overthinking. Start saving.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Accunet Mortgage LLCNMLS ID 255368Equal Housing Lender

Brian and David Wickert dive into August's surprisingly weak jobs report and what it means for homebuyers and those looking to refinance. With only 22,000 jobs added versus the expected 75,000, mortgage rates responded favorably - giving borrowers some much-needed relief.**“Every month you wait, you're wasting money. Why would you voluntarily be paying more?”** They challenge listeners stuck in the “waiting for rates to drop more” mindset, sharing real client stories about the costs of hesitation.The duo explores Milwaukee area housing data, revealing a subsurface trend: while August home sales stayed flat compared to last year, new listings last month dropped 12% - creating an even tighter seller's market with just 2.15 months of supply.Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the trenches, including a client who lost their job right after getting an accepted offer (**“Can I qualify using my severance?”**) and how creative mortgage solutions saved the day.Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, this episode delivers practical insights. NMLS ID 255369Equal Housing Lenderwww.accunet.com

Inside the Milwaukee Diaper Mission with Founder Meagan JohnsonJoin David Wickert from Accunet Mortgage as he sits down with Meagan Johnson, founder and executive director of Milwaukee Diaper Mission (MDM), to discuss an incredible organization making a real difference in our community.What started in her two-car garage during the pandemic has grown into Milwaukee's diaper bank.Discover how MDM operates through a network of distribution partners including food pantries, shelters, and community organizations, ensuring families have reliable access to essential supplies with minimal barriers.Get Involved in the BIG Give Back (September 7-21)!Visit milwaukeediapermission.org to:- Create your own fundraising page- Donate to their $50,000 campaign goal- Learn about volunteer opportunitiesSpecial announcement: Accunet Mortgage is offering a $5,000 matching gift challenge during the BIG Give Back!Whether you're a parent, community member, or business owner, learn how you can support this vital mission serving Milwaukee families.

Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show - August 30, 2025 EpisodeBrian and David Wickert from Accunet Mortgage are back with straight talk about what's really happening in southeastern Wisconsin's housing market - and spoiler alert: it's not what you're reading in the headlines.**Don't Believe the Hype:** Those scary clickbait internet stories about now-record contract cancellations? Brian's got your back: “Do not believe the national headlines.” Here in Milwaukee, we're sitting pretty with just 8.3% cancellation rates vs. 15.3% nationwide - third lowest in the entire country. As David added, “85% of contracts kept going.”**Your Market is Different:** While parts of the country have a surge in inventory, Milwaukee remains a solid seller's market with buyers still going 55% over asking versus just 31% nationally. It's a two-month supply locally compared to a nationwide supply of nearly five months.**Real Stories, Real Success:** The guys share how their clients are winning - like the smart buyers who offered $4,000 over the list price on a house that had sat for three weeks. **Money-Saving Tips:** Get the inside scoop on condo financing (25% down can save you serious money) and how to navigate seller credits without headache.No fluff, no fear-mongering - just honest advice from mortgage pros who actually care about your success.

This week, Brian and David Wickert dive into the aftermath of the Federal Reserve's annual Jackson Hole gathering, where Fed Chair Jerome Powell's carefully measured words sent both bond and equity markets into a “relief rally.” While bond traders celebrated modest policy hints, our hosts remind us that the real question isn't what rates might do, but whether you can actually win the house you want in today's competitive market.The episode features a fascinating case study of two brothers navigating their first home purchase together (yes, you can buy with anyone - siblings, friends, or even strangers!). With a generous gift from dad in their back pocket, they're wrestling with the classic dilemma: put 20% down or keep some cash for improvements? David shares the strategic thinking behind this decision, especially when shopping in the ultra-competitive $200-300k price range where “nicely done” homes attract more eyeballs than fixer-uppers.The single family versus condo debate gets thorough treatment, with Brian delivering the hard truth: “There's no discount to your pocketbook by owning a condo - you're simply forced to keep up with maintenance.” The hosts break down HOA fees, special assessments, and why sometimes the “invisible” costs of homeownership become very visible in condo living.For first-time buyers, David shares his “buy the five-year house now” philosophy, challenging the conventional wisdom of starter homes. Why suffer through two moves when you could stretch a bit now and grow into the payment as your income increases?The show wraps with timely advice about homeowners insurance following the recent flooding in and around Milwaukee, including an innovative idea about keeping a backup sump pump ready to go in the box. Because as the Wickerts remind us, homeownership isn't just about the mortgage - it's about signing up for both the pleasure and the pain.Real talk, real solutions, real results - that's Accunet.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

This week on The Accunet Mortgage and Realty Show, Brian and David Wickert break down why mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest levels since last fall—and what might come next. They unpack the latest inflation data, bond market moves, and the strong possibility of a Fed rate cut in September. You'll also hear a practical comparison of loan options, including whether it makes sense to pay points for a lower rate or keep more cash on hand.Beyond rates, David shares real-world stories from clients navigating new construction timelines, move-up purchases, and appraisal waivers—highlighting the puzzle-like challenges of selling one home while buying another. The conversation also revisits the one-year anniversary of the National Association of Realtors' commission settlement, with fresh numbers showing that despite all the changes, buyer agent commissions have hardly budged. Finally, Brian and David look at seller price-cut trends across Wisconsin markets, proving that Milwaukee and Madison sellers are holding strong compared to the national average.Whether you're refinancing, building new, or moving up, this episode is packed with insights on how to structure offers, protect yourself in contracts, and think strategically about mortgage choices.

David sits down this week with Fred Coleman, CFP and Branch Director at Annex Wealth Management. We got into some real talk about what money's actually for: spending time with the people you love, seeing the world, and making memories that matter.Fred shares his perspective on using money as a tool, not a scoreboard — and why it's okay (and important) to spend on the things that bring you joy. We also laugh about the classic Milwaukee summer struggle: if it's not winter, it's road construction.Laid-back, thoughtful, and full of little nuggets — hope you enjoy this one!

This Week on Accunet Ambassadors: Turning "Meh" Homes into "Wow" Homes with Andy Renner from JRL ImprovementsJoin David and Tim as they sit down with Andy Renner of JRL Improvements — the guy who helps homeowners bridge the gap between what their house is and what they want it to be. Whether we're calling him the "Transformation Guru" or the "Outdated Upgrade Leader," one thing's clear: Andy knows how to bring visions to life.From outdated kitchens to uninspired basements, Andy shares insights on how thoughtful design and smart renovation can dramatically boost both comfort and value. If you're thinking about remodeling — or just love a good home makeover story — this episode is for you.

Brian and David discuss gyrations in the bond market this week, provide an update on a Buyer who made their No Regrets offer, and scope out consulting with a client on if paying points to acquire the lowest interest rate is the savvy choice.