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Owning Your Roof vs. Renting It: Why Now is the Time to Buy

December 17, 2024 by Kevin Martini

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s better to rent or buy a home, you’re not alone. The past year has brought uncertainty to the real estate market, leaving many unsure about their next move. But here’s the exciting part: the market is transitioning, and this shift presents unique opportunities for those ready to embrace homeownership.

Owning a home is more than having a place to call your own—it’s a financial strategy. In episode 198 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast called “Owning Your Roof vs Renting” Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini explores why this season is ideal for buying a home and how homeownership can transform your financial future.

The Wealth Gap: Renting vs. Owning

Here’s a staggering fact: the net worth of a homeowner is 42 times greater than that of a renter. That’s $415,000 compared to just $10,000. This wealth gap isn’t just significant—it’s growing. If you’re renting, every dollar you spend contributes to your landlord’s financial future, not yours.

Owning your roof isn’t just about stability—it’s about building long-term wealth. As home values rise (and they almost always do), your investment grows, setting you up for financial security and freedom.

Why Homeownership Matters Right Now

There’s never been a more critical time to rethink renting. Rising rents are leaving renters vulnerable to increasing costs, while homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage enjoy predictable housing expenses.

Let’s face it: renting might make sense for a season, but this is not that season. With home values increasing by over 57% in the past five years and more than tripling in the last 30, waiting on the sidelines could mean missing out on wealth-building opportunities.

home price appreciation over the last 60 years

Over the past 5 years, the average home’s value has skyrocketed by more than 57%. Now, take a step back and look at the bigger picture—over the last 30 years, home values have more than tripled!

Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

Debunking Raleigh Homeownership Myths

Many believe they need perfect credit or a massive down payment to buy a home. Here’s the truth: you don’t. Most people overestimate the barriers to homeownership, relying on misinformation instead of facts.

At Martini Mortgage Group, we’re here to help you navigate the process with accurate information and a strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Why Waiting Could Cost You

You might be thinking, “Why not wait until mortgage rates go down?” While it’s a fair question, the reality is that when rates drop, demand surges. Historically, a 1% decrease in mortgage rates introduces 5 million new buyers into the market, creating fierce competition and driving home prices higher.

By acting now, you can lock in your costs and refinance later when rates improve. Waiting could cost you far more in rising home prices than you save on interest.

Owning Your Roof vs. Renting It: Why Now is the Time to Buy

If you’ve been wondering whether it’s better to rent or buy a home, you’re not alone. The past year has brought uncertainty to the real estate market, leaving many unsure about their next move. But here’s the exciting part: the market is transitioning, and this shift presents unique opportunities for those ready to embrace homeownership.

Owning a home is more than having a place to call your own—it’s a financial strategy. In this blog, we’ll explore why this season is ideal for buying a home and how homeownership can transform your financial future.

The Wealth Gap: Renting vs. Owning

Here’s a staggering fact: the net worth of a homeowner is 42 times greater than that of a renter. That’s $415,000 compared to just $10,000. This wealth gap isn’t just significant—it’s growing. If you’re renting, every dollar you spend contributes to your landlord’s financial future, not yours.

Owning your roof isn’t just about stability—it’s about building long-term wealth. As home values rise (and they almost always do), your investment grows, setting you up for financial security and freedom.

Why Homeownership Matters Right Now

There’s never been a more critical time to rethink renting. Rising rents are leaving renters vulnerable to increasing costs, while homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage enjoy predictable housing expenses.

Let’s face it: renting might make sense for a season, but this is not that season. With home values increasing by over 57% in the past five years and more than tripling in the last 30, waiting on the sidelines could mean missing out on wealth-building opportunities.

Debunking Homeownership Myths

Many believe they need perfect credit or a massive down payment to buy a home. Here’s the truth: you don’t. Most people overestimate the barriers to homeownership, relying on misinformation instead of facts.

At Martini Mortgage Group, we’re here to help you navigate the process with accurate information and a strategy tailored to your unique situation.

Why Waiting Could Cost You

You might be thinking, “Why not wait until mortgage rates go down?” While it’s a fair question, the reality is that when rates drop, demand surges. Historically, a 1% decrease in mortgage rates introduces 5 million new buyers into the market, creating fierce competition and driving home prices higher.

By acting now, you can lock in your costs and refinance later when rates improve. Waiting could cost you far more in rising home prices than you save on interest.

Create Your Homeownership Strategy

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. But not every opportunity will be the right fit for you. That’s why it’s crucial to approach homeownership with a clear plan based on facts, not fear.

At Martini Mortgage Group, we offer complimentary, no-judgment consultations to help you determine whether now is the right time for you to buy. Together, we’ll craft a strategy that aligns with your goals, ensuring you’re positioned for success.

Why the Martini Mortgage Group?

With decades of experience in financial services and the mortgage industry, Kevin Martini and the Martini Mortgage Group are trusted partners for families across Raleigh and the Southeast. As a Raleigh Mortgage Broker and Certified Mortgage Advisor, Kevin’s mission is to empower clients with the knowledge and tools they need to achieve homeownership.

Whether you’re buying your first home or considering a refinance, the Martini Mortgage Group is here to help you navigate the journey with confidence.

Let’s Make Your Homeownership Dreams a Reality

This moment in the real estate market could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take control of your financial future. If you’re ready to explore your options, reach out today for a personalized consultation.

Call Kevin Martini at (919) 238-4934 for more insights on why owning your roof is the smartest move you can make this year.

martini buyer guide a complete guide to buying a home in raleigh

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Martini Mortgage Group 2025 Housing Market Forecast – Martini Mortgage Podcast (Episode 197)

December 12, 2024 by Kevin Martini

In Episode 197 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini uncovers the Martini Mortgage Group 2025 Housing Market Forecast, exploring three key areas critical to homeowners and buyers alike: mortgage rates, home sales, and home prices.

Spoiler Alert! One word will define the 2025 real estate market—resilience.


Martini Mortgage Group 2025 Housing Market Forecast

Mortgage Rates: What to Expect

The Federal Reserve initiated its rate-cutting cycle in Q3 2024, setting the stage for potentially lower mortgage rates in 2025. However, it’s important to debunk a common misconception: the Federal Reserve does not directly control mortgage rates. Mortgage rates are shaped in real-time by the bond market, which reacts to current conditions rather than trailing data from the Fed.

Think of it like this: the bond market is a pilot adjusting the plane’s altitude and speed based on what’s ahead—not what’s behind.

In 2025, mortgage rates may temporarily edge higher due to lingering inflation pressures but are forecasted to drop significantly as the year progresses. The Martini Mortgage Group anticipates rates ranging between 7.25% on the high end and 5.75% on the low end.

Why does this matter? Every 1% drop in mortgage rates unlocks purchasing power for an additional 5 million homebuyers. This demand, coupled with a limited housing supply, is expected to create upward pressure on home values.

Home Sales: A Real Estate Market on the Move

The 2025 housing market is projected to see approximately 5.4 million home sales—a notable increase compared to the projected 4.7 million in 2024 and 4.8 million in 2023. This growth is attributed mainly to improving mortgage rates and continued buyer demand.

However, the market faces a significant hurdle: a 4.5 million home shortfall in the U.S. housing inventory. This imbalance will likely maintain a strong seller’s market throughout 2025 and beyond. Here’s the Kevin Martini takeaway:

If you hear the term ‘Seller’s Market,’ don’t let it intimidate you—it’s your signal to act decisively. A seller’s market often presents opportunities for buyers to secure a home before prices rise further.

Home Prices: Slow and Steady Growth

The Home Price Expectation Survey, which aggregates insights from over 100 market experts, is the Martini Mortgage Group’s gold standard for tracking home value trends. For 2025, the survey projects:

  • 3.6% home price appreciation for the year.
  • Another 3.6% appreciation in 2026.
  • Over five years, the most pessimistic scenario anticipates 14.1% cumulative growth, while the most optimistic predicts a staggering 39.9% increase. The median expectation sits at 27.2% growth.

This steady appreciation reflects a healthy, sustainable housing market rather than the volatility seen in prior years. Even the most cautious forecasts show a continued rise in home values, reinforcing real estate as a reliable long-term investment, especially in the Raleigh, NC, area.

Why 2025 is a Unique Opportunity for Raleigh Homebuyers

While every forecast comes with variables, the overarching trends for 2025 are clear: real estate remains a green and growing market. Whether you’re considering purchasing your first home, upgrading, or investing, timing and preparation will be your greatest allies.

Ready to Take the First Step? Let’s Talk.

Have questions about navigating the 2025 housing market or securing the best mortgage strategy? As a Certified Mortgage Advisor and a trusted Raleigh mortgage broker, Kevin Martini is here to help.

Let’s discuss your unique situation confidentially and without judgment. Call Kevin Martini at (919) 238-4934 or tune into the Martini Mortgage Podcast for actionable insights to help you achieve your real estate goals.

martini buyer guide a complete guide to buying a home in raleigh
Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

Filed Under: Uncategorized

The Facts About Giving a Gift: How the Gift Tax Works When Using Gift Funds to Buy a Home

December 10, 2024 by Kevin Martini

Gift funds can be crucial in helping individuals achieve the dream of homeownership. However, understanding how gift taxes work is essential for donors and recipients to avoid potential complications. Curated by Raleigh mortgage broker Logan Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group, this guide breaks down the key facts about gift taxes, including annual and lifetime exclusions, gifting rules, and essential tips for homebuyers.

Table of Contents

  1. Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: $19,000 in 2025
    1. Examples of How It Works:
  2. Lifetime Gift Tax Exclusion: $13,990,000 in 2025
    1. Examples of How It Works:
      1. Critical Points to Remember:
  3. Key Rules for Gifting Funds
    1. 1. No Relationship Requirement
    2. 2. Gift Recipients Don’t Pay Taxes
    3. 3. Paperwork Requirements
    4. 4. Separate Checks for Multiple Gifts
  4. Gifting Funds for a Home Purchase: Mortgage Considerations
  5. Why the Gift Tax Is a Non-Issue for Most People
  6. Ready to Use Gift Funds for a Home? Let Martini Mortgage Group Help

Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: $19,000 in 2025

The annual gift tax exclusion allows individuals to gift up to $19,000 per recipient per year without incurring a gift tax. This is an increase from $18,000 in 2024 and applies to each recipient individually.

Examples of How It Works:

  • You can gift $19,000 each to multiple individuals—whether friends, family members, or even colleagues—without triggering a gift tax.
  • The exclusion resets annually, meaning you can repeat this process in 2026 and beyond.

This exclusion provides flexibility for families and loved ones who want to contribute toward down payments or other homebuying expenses without worrying about tax implications.

Lifetime Gift Tax Exclusion: $13,990,000 in 2025

In addition to the annual exclusion, there is a lifetime gift tax exclusion of $13.99 million per individual in 2025. This exclusion is tied to estate taxes, meaning any amount used during your lifetime reduces your estate tax exclusion by the same amount.

Examples of How It Works:

If you want to gift $119,000 to help a loved one buy a home:

  • $19,000 is covered by the annual exclusion.
  • The remaining $100,000 is deducted from your lifetime exclusion, leaving you with $13.89 million remaining.

Critical Points to Remember:

  • The lifetime exclusion is a one-time allowance; it does not replenish.
  • Married couples can combine their exclusions, resulting in a total of $27.98 million.
  • If your estate is valued below $13.99 million (or $27.98 million for couples), using this exclusion won’t affect your heirs.

Key Rules for Gifting Funds

1. No Relationship Requirement

You don’t need to be related to someone to gift them money. The annual and lifetime exclusions apply to gifts for anyone—friends, colleagues, or even strangers.

2. Gift Recipients Don’t Pay Taxes

Gift taxes are the responsibility of the giver, not the recipient. This makes gifting a highly effective way to provide financial support without adding a tax burden to the recipient.

3. Paperwork Requirements

  • Gifts under the $19,000 annual exclusion typically require no IRS reporting.
  • For gifts exceeding this limit, file IRS Form 709 to document the gift and the portion of your lifetime exclusion used.

4. Separate Checks for Multiple Gifts

If multiple people (e.g., parents) contribute to a gift, each must write a separate check. This simplifies documentation for IRS reporting and mortgage underwriting. Always consult with a mortgage expert, such as Logan Martini, to ensure proper compliance.

Gifting Funds for a Home Purchase: Mortgage Considerations

When using gift funds for a home purchase, mortgage lenders often have specific requirements to ensure compliance:

  • Sourcing Funds: Lenders may require documentation to verify where the funds originated.
  • Gift Letters: A letter stating the funds are a gift—not a loan—may be required.

Failure to meet these requirements could delay or jeopardize your loan approval. Consulting with an experienced mortgage professional like Logan Martini at Martini Mortgage Group can help you navigate these nuances seamlessly.

Why the Gift Tax Is a Non-Issue for Most People

Thanks to the combination of the $19,000 annual exclusion and the $13.99 million lifetime exclusion, most individuals will never face gift tax liabilities. Even for high-net-worth individuals, strategic gifting within these limits enables substantial wealth transfers without incurring taxes.

For married couples, the joint lifetime exclusion of $27.98 million makes gift taxes even less of a concern. As long as gifts are properly documented and reported, the system offers a generous framework for supporting loved ones.

Ready to Use Gift Funds for a Home? Let Martini Mortgage Group Help

Using gift funds for a home purchase can be transformative, but it’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure compliance with IRS and lender requirements. At Martini Mortgage Group, Logan Martini and his team specialize in helping families in Raleigh, NC, and beyond achieve homeownership while navigating the complexities of gift fund usage.

Whether you’re a donor or a recipient, our team is here to guide you through the process with personalized advice and expertise. Contact Martini Mortgage Group today to start your journey toward a seamless and successful homebuying experience.

raleigh mortgage broker logan martini

DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult a qualified tax advisor for guidance specific to your situation. For further details, refer to IRS Publication 559.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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