From Broker to Budget: How to Buy or Sell a Home in 2025

Mar 24, 2025

Jonathon Haddad, President of Next Door Lending, brings his mortgage brokerage expertise, explaining the financial benefits of using a broker, including potential savings of over $10,000 in interest. Kate Wood, NerdWallet's mortgage expert, tackles budgeting strategies for home buying, highlighting overlooked expenses first-time buyers face. They explore the ins and outs of mortgage shopping, the impact of down payment sizes, and how to navigate today's changing housing market, equipping listeners with essential knowledge for informed decisions.

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ADVICE

Using a Mortgage Broker

Consider using a mortgage broker to simplify the home-buying process.
They act as intermediaries, finding the best mortgage opportunities for borrowers.

INSIGHT

Broker Savings

Mortgage brokers can save borrowers over $10,000 in interest compared to retail lenders.
This is achieved through access to wholesale channels and competitive pricing.

ADVICE

Shopping for a Mortgage

Call all lenders on the same day to compare rates accurately.
Request a locked loan estimate to prevent changes and compare line A for negotiation.

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Learn how to budget for a mortgage, compare lenders, and prep for home buying or selling in today’s changing housing market.

How can you shop smart for a mortgage and pick the right broker or lender? How do you budget for a home purchase? Hosts Sean Pyles and Elizabeth Ayoola discuss mortgage shopping and home affordability to help you understand how to make informed, strategic choices when buying or selling a home. Joined by Jonathon Haddad, president of Next Door Lending, and Kate Wood, NerdWallet mortgage expert, they cover how brokers work, what to look for in a lender, and how to avoid common pitfalls when comparing loan offers.

They begin with a conversation with Jonathon Haddad about the benefits of using a mortgage broker, how much money borrowers could save, and key questions to ask when shopping for a loan. Then, Kate Wood helps answer a listener’s question about selling a home in 2025, including tips on agent commissions and how market shifts could affect sellers. They discuss how to budget for a down payment, what expenses first-time homebuyers often overlook, and how to know if you’re financially ready to buy.

If you’re ready to find the right mortgage with expert guidance every step of the way, get started today at https://www.nerdwallet.com/prequalify/m/mortgage-experts/lp1

Here’s what mortgage brokers are and how to find one: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/how-to-find-a-mortgage-broker

See how far your homebuying budget could take you with NerdWallet’s home affordability calculator: https://www.nerdwallet.com/calculator/how-much-house-can-i-afford

First-time home buyer programs by state: https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/first-time-home-buyer-programs-by-state

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: how to find a mortgage broker, mortgage broker vs lender, mortgage broker fees, best way to shop for a mortgage, how to compare mortgage lenders, mortgage broker savings, mortgage loan estimate tips, choosing a mortgage broker, home buying budget calculator, how to budget for a house, down payment assistance programs, closing costs for first time home buyers, private mortgage insurance, how to prepare for buying a home, home buying tips 2025, first time home buyer loans, FHA loan down payment, conventional loan down payment, va loan down payment, usda loan down payment, home buying closing costs, real estate agent commission 2025, how to sell your house, how to choose a real estate agent, realtor commission changes 2025, selling a house in 2025, how to budget for home maintenance, moving costs when buying a house, first time home buyer help, what credit score do you need for a mortgage

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email podcast@nerdwallet.com.

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