Lone Star Land Brokers

10/22/2026

There are rumors going around about home ownership that just aren't true. For example, few mortgages require 20% down, and not all require a 700+ credit score. In fact, you may be able to qualify for a government-sponsored mortgage with a considerably lower score. Here are some details.

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans accept lower credit scores and lower down payments. To reduce risk, borrowers pay two types of mortgage insurance: one that's due at closing, and another that requires a monthly payment.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans feature 0% down payment requirements for veterans, active service members, and eligible surviving spouses. The VA doesn't require a particular credit score, although lenders will review these during the application process.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans are for buyers in designated rural areas. No down payment or fixed minimum credit score is required. Applicants for USDA loans are subject to household income limits.

Keep in mind that lenders look at several aspects of your financial health. This is why working to lower your debts may help you qualify for a mortgage. You may also want to consider finding a reliable co-borrower with a steady income and strong credit history.

If you have questions, contact me for an informal chat.

Loan programs, eligibility and terms vary by lender and borrower. This is not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval.1

10/22/2026

Inflation continues to invade our bank accounts and vocabulary. You've probably heard of shrinkflation (smaller grocery product packaging) and meatflation (expensive beef). Now there's funflation. Spending on hobbies rose 7.9% year-over-year during August 2026, which was more than double the pace of transaction growth. This is attributed to purchases of items that don't need frequent replacement, like sports gear.

According to a large national bank's card transaction data, different generations are at different levels of hobby spending. Millennials aged 30-45 and Generation Xers aged 46-61 are ramping up their hobby spending, while Generation Zers aged 14-29 and Boomers aged 62-80 are reducing theirs.

Data suggested that hobby spending has increased during 2026 as fewer consumers are traveling due to rising fuel costs. Staying at home has made "granny core" hobbies like knitting, sewing and baking popular.

Older Millennials are the biggest hobby spenders, even though they're the generation with the least amount of leisure time. However, spending to support their children's hobbies is bumping up their funflation bills.

Although it's easy to assume that the under-30s of Gen Z are spending more on hobbies, their purchasing has actually slowed. Instead, they devote a lot of their leisure time and fun budget to gaming. Over 25% of Gen Zer respondents described their time spent gaming as valuable, as it provides a sense of belonging with fellow gamers.3

10/22/2026

10/22/2026

While you probably have a good idea of your net worth without grabbing a calculator, zeroing in on your exact current net worth helps you in several ways. You'll notice which assets are performing well, which helps you determine if your long-term financial planning is working as you hoped.

Calculating your net worth is simple. Add up the current value of your assets, then subtract all outstanding debts and other liabilities from your total assets. Be sure to use current account balances, including the full amount of debt you owe.

Identifying Your Assets

While some assets are easy to identify, such as bank accounts, investments and retirement plans, don't forget non-bank assets. These could be your vehicles, any jewelry or similar valuables, and the cash value of an insurance policy. Don't include your salary or future earnings.

Identifying Your Debts

Start with any real estate related debts, like your mortgage and any equity-related loans or lines of credit. Anything you're making payments on — credit cards, student loans, or auto financing — needs to be included. Don't forget any outstanding tax bills or unpaid medical balances.

Defining positive results

What makes a net worth "good" depends on your financial needs, age and lifestyle. However, focusing on consistent growth can be more beneficial than targeting a specific number. Understanding your net worth and why it changes can help you take the next steps toward achieving your financial goals.

For informational purposes only. This content is not intended to serve as financial or investment advice. Because individual financial situations vary, readers are encouraged to seek personalized guidance from a qualified investment broker or Certified Financial Planner (CFP®).4

10/19/2026

Texas' Truth-in-Taxation process gives property owners information about proposed and adopted tax rates, budgets and public hearings.

Don't wait until the tax bill arrives to pay attention.

Full video:
Texas Property Taxes Explained
ttps://youtu.be/20mujzhTrFs

Source: Texas Real Estate Research Center / Texas Comptroller.

10/18/2026

How is Texas property tax actually calculated? In this video, I cover a $400,000 Longview, Texas home with a qualifying homestead and show how different taxing entities can calculate their portion of the property tax bill.

Many cities and counties have multiple taxing entities, rates,and even different exemptions/deductions among all that !!

As a common Texas example- We look at the 'new' $140,000 Texas school-district homestead exemption, the Gregg County homestead exemption, the City of Longview exemption, and the different tax rates used by the Longview ISD, Gregg County and City of Longview.

The important takeaway: your Texas property tax bill isn't based on one single tax rate. Multiple taxing entities can apply different rates and exemptions to the property.

See related shorts in this series to break down your Tx property tax
or
Watch the complete 19-minute video at x175 speed :)
https://youtu.be/20mujzhTrFs Texas Property Taxes Explained

Tax figures shown are an illustrative example based on published 2026 rates and exemptions. Actual property taxes vary by property, exemptions and taxing jurisdictions.

Sources: Texas Real Estate Research Center, Texas A&M University; Gregg Appraisal District; Longview ISD; Gregg County; City of Longview.

10/17/2026

Property owners shouldn't pay attention only when the tax bill arrives.

ISD, city and county decisions about budgets, spending, development and tax rates can affect your wallet. Attend meetings, ask questions and speak up.

Full video:
Texas Property Taxes Explained
https://youtu.be/20mujzhTrFs

10/17/2026

10/17/2026