Summer is one of the busiest homebuying seasons of the year! While it can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared.
The good news? A little planning can make the process feel much smoother. We’re here to help buyers feel informed, confident, and ready for whatever the market brings.
Whether you’re buying your first home or making your next move, these summer tips can help you stay cool while navigating a hot market.
In a competitive market, preparation matters. Before you start seriously shopping for a home, it helps to:
Being prepared helps reduce stress and gives you more confidence when the right home comes along.
There’s a lot of outdated information floating around about homebuying. Some buyers assume:
The truth is, every buyer’s situation is different. The best first step is simply having a conversation and getting clear, personalized information based on your goals.
One of the smartest things buyers can do is plan beyond the monthly payment. Homeownership can include:
Planning ahead helps you feel more comfortable and confident after move-in day, not just before it.
Summer schedules can get busy quickly, especially in active markets. A few simple ways to stay ahead:
The smoother the process, the less stressful the experience tends to be.
One of the biggest misconceptions buyers have is thinking they need to know everything before starting. You don’t.
A good lending partner is there to:
Buying a home is a big decision, but you don’t have to navigate it by yourself.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or preparing to buy this summer, having the right guidance can make all the difference. Click the link below to start your application or contact us today with any questions.
Our strength lies in the people who make homeownership dreams a reality every day. We’re proud to spotlight Natalee Berry, a dedicated, knowledgeable, and highly trusted mortgage professional who brings heart, hustle, and years of experience to the home lending journey.
When Natalee joined SFMC in 2013, she was coming from a branch-based environment where resources were limited to that single team. She knew she wanted more, direct support, stronger leadership engagement, and the ability to build a team around her own strengths.
SFMC wasn’t just another option; it was her first choice. After interviewing with multiple companies, she knew exactly where she wanted to land. When asked why she decided to join SFMC, here is what she had to say.
“When I decided to leave my previous company, I already knew where I wanted to go. It was SFMC. They were my #1 competitor and had so many great loan officers that everyone spoke so highly about.”
What ultimately sealed the decision was transparency. From the very beginning, SFMC leadership invested time in real conversations, real numbers, and real support.
“They weren’t trying to sell me on anything. We were interviewing each other, and they showed me (not told me) how they would support me. I had never run a branch before, and they spent so much time helping me with analytics, numbers, and real details that gave me confidence they were truly in my corner.”
When asked about her favorite SFMC memories, Natalee immediately points to the people and the camaraderie across branches and corporate teams. One moment stands out above the rest—an unforgettable beach tug-of-war competition during a company event.
“It was the most epic tug of war ever. No one was willing to give up. The rope was held in limbo, and we were just stuck in time, both sides refusing to let go. The organizer later said he’d never put people that competitive in nature in a situation like that again.”
That competitive spirit and teamwork is what makes SFMC special. Our loan officers fight relentlessly to help clients achieve homeownership and find the right loan program.
What Natalee values most today is the collaborative culture across every department.
“I truly believe all teams are here to support each other and help one another win. If someone can find a way to help, they will. That gives me a lot of confidence and security as I continue to reach for my goals.”
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, looking to refinance, or just want to talk about options, Natalee Berry is ready to help. Her commitment to professionalism and excellence shines through in every step of the mortgage process, ensuring that clients receive the support and guidance they need to achieve their goals.
Mobile: 972-523-3564
nberry@sfmc.com
NMLS # 187097
We are proud to recognize Stephanie Johnston for taking the stage at the 2025 Mastermind Summit earlier this year to share her journey on overcoming cancer to becoming a top-producing loan officer.
Her courage, commitment, and relentless drive to rise above challenges is an inspiration to us all, and we encourage you to check out the video of her talk.
Way to go, Stephanie!
Every year, real estate professionals from across the Dallas – Fort Worth region gather for one of the most anticipated industry events—the Builder Realtor Roundup, proudly hosted by SFMC Home Lending. And this year, we’re taking it to the next level at Dickies Arena!
2025 Builder Realtor Roundup
November 12, 2025
Dickies Arena | Fort Worth, Texas
Realtor Networking | 12pm – 4pm
Homebuyers | 4pm – 6pm
The 2024 Builder Realtor Roundup exceeded all expectations. With a packed house of engaged real estate professionals and builders, the event was a resounding success. So much so that we needed to grow alongside you.
Your feedback spoke volumes: you asked for more space, more time to connect, and a better flow to foster new relationships. So this year, we’re going bigger. Much bigger.
We’re excited to announce that the 2025 Builder Realtor Roundup will be held at the world-class Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. A larger venue means more easier parking, more seating, better amenities, and plenty of room to learn, collaborate, and recharge.
This year’s event has been intentionally designed to elevate your experience:
This isn’t just another networking event—it’s a professional launchpad. Whether you’re a veteran agent or just gaining traction in the industry, the 2025 Builder Realtor Roundup will feature:
For the first time ever, future homebuyers are invited to attend from 4pm to 6pm! Come meet top builders in person, learn about new communities, and discover exclusive incentives designed to make your homeownership dreams a reality.
Whether you’re buying your first home, looking to upgrade, or just curious about what’s possible, this is your opportunity to explore new construction in a fun, relaxed environment.
We understand the power of community, collaboration, and shared success. The Builder Realtor Roundup is more than an event—it’s our way of investing in the professionals who build and sell the homes that shape our communities.
As one past attendee said:
“It’s the one event where I actually leave with more contacts, more insight, and more energy than I came with. SFMC knows how to do it right.”
We take pride in creating an experience where every detail supports your growth, and 2025 is set to be the best yet.
Buying a home is one of life’s biggest achievements and every buyer deserves guidance they can trust. Our experienced Loan Officers serve as more than lenders; they’re dedicated advisors who walk alongside individuals and families, making the mortgage process clear and stress-free.
We take pride in the exceptional service our team provides and are constantly motivated by the positive experiences our clients share. This week, we’re excited to showcase real testimonials and success stories from homebuyers who worked with our Loan Officers and sister companies.
“In a word: Pete. A few more words: Personal touch (No menu selections to listen very carefully to – a direct line of communication. Accessible; available; knowledgeable.”
-Wayne K
“I can’t stress enough the value of the responsiveness and knowledge Ronna shared with me. Always positive interactions even when I was confused or frustrated.”
-Lisa M
“I have bought several houses in the past, and this is by far the best experience I have ever had. Thanks to Ethan and his team, the process was made smooth, convenient and very professional. Ethan is very knowledgeable, and maintained highest level of prompt and transparent communication. I would definitely use Ethan again and will recommend to my friends.”
-Eslam M
“Once we began the process with Todd, everything simply fell into place. His team simply made things happen!”
-Michael H
“Shannon is the bees knees. Her knowledgeable of her business and the market, but she is also friendly and personable. She goes the extra mile to make sure you’re in the best possible position to purchase.”
-Rebecca M
Owning a home is a huge milestone in life. Every buyer’s path deserves the support of a knowledgeable guide and a partner who’s fully committed to their success. Our Loan Officers act as trusted advisors who empower individuals and families to feel confident at every step of the process.
We’re proud of the outstanding care our team delivers and inspired by the stories our clients share. This week, we’ll be highlighting some of the amazing feedback our Loan Officers from SFMC Home Lending and our sister companies have received.
“What made my experience truly great was Daniela Muñoz’s guidance and support throughout the process. She not only handled everything with professionalism but also showed compassion and empathy that made a stressful process so much easier. Whenever the paperwork felt overwhelming, she encouraged me and gave me the reassurance I needed. Daniela turned what could have been a daunting experience into a positive and uplifting journey.”
-Alma P A
“We were in good hands with professionals in the industry who were going to help guide us to make the right decisions.”
-Carlos G
“Terrie is what made it great. When I would start to worry about stuff she would put my mind at ease. Wish there were more people like her in the service business.”
-Michael B
“Thank you to the team in making this process simple! We love our home and y’all helped make it happen!”
-Rodney P
“I can’t stress enough the value of the responsiveness and knowledge Ronna shared with me. Always positive interactions even when I was confused or frustrated.”
-Lisa M
“We had a little credit snafu (that we were able to rectify). Before meeting Nash, I was in contact with another lender who made us feel less than worthy due to this credit issue. I appreciated that Nash didn’t make us feel this way and reassured us that he would help us figure it out had we not gotten it rectified. I was also impressed how accessible he was with such speedy responses including sending pre-qualification letters.”
-Shannon K
“Shannon Brown made our experience wonderful! She is incredibly reliable & knowledgeable and made this process a breeze. 10/10 experience, I highly recommend using Shannon Brown with SFMC.”
-Kaitlin G
“As a first-time homebuyer, I was nervous and didn’t know where to start. From the very beginning, Brandi made the process so easy to understand. She took the time to explain every step, answered all my questions, and helped me feel confident about my decisions. She was always just a phone call or text away and truly went above and beyond to make sure I felt supported. Closing on my first home was such a big moment, and I couldn’t have done it without her guidance and encouragement. I highly recommend Brandi to anyone buying a home, especially first-time buyers!”
-Skylar O
“This was the smoothest house buying experience ever!”
-Michael W
“From the very beginning, Shanda was engaged with us through the whole process. It felt like she was invested in what we were investing in. Just a great experience.”
-Timothy K
Homeownership is more than just a closing date. It’s a life milestone. Every buyer’s journey deserves knowledgeable guidance and a true partner who is invested in their success. Our Loan Officers don’t just process loans, they serve as trusted advisors dedicated to helping individuals and families feel confident in every decision they make.
We’re grateful for the exceptional service our team provides and are inspired when clients share their experiences. This week, we’ll be spotlighting some of the incredible feedback our Loan Officers from SFMC Home Lending and our sister companies.
“Becky’s willingness to answer my questions, no matter what time of day, and always being proactive. She never got annoyed with my questions, no matter how ignorant they were; she went above and beyond. After closing, she called me to congratulate my family and me and hoped it was a blessing for us. Her going out of her way to call and say that speaks volumes about her character and kindness.”
-Cameron T
“Quick turnaround. Steve made us aware of our numbers the entire process. there were no last minute surprises. Thank you Steve for the quality of care and your teams commitment to excellence.”
-Jeffrey K
“Ruth Ann made herself available to answer any questions I had, she was very proactive. She is very patient, kind and knowledgeable. She is very personable and has a genuine heart to help all her clients.”
-Jeremiah K
“Travis communicates wonderfully and makes it simple each time I purchase a home.”
-Julea W
“Your team responded to questions quickly. The responses were thorough and the follow-ups were timely. Your team was courteous and displayed excellent customer focus. Buying a home can be very stressful. This process was so smooth and frictionless that I did not feel much stress. You were transparent with the numbers and flexible to our needs.”
-Kerwin M
“Donnie was easy to work with, catered to our specific needs, prompt to answer questions, and was very diligent.”
-Sadie C
“Taylor went above and beyond! Always made the time for whatever questions or concerns ever had! He’s the best!”
-Lena L
“They kept us aware of what we needed to do and how to do it. The process was very easy.”
-George P
“Jason Anderson made our experience great. In my opinion he went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable with the whole process.”
-Juan V
“We could not have asked for a better loan officer than Ethan! From the very beginning, he was always available whenever we had questions, no matter how big or small. His knowledge and professionalism gave us the confidence we needed throughout the entire home-buying process. Ethan guided us every step of the way, made sure we were on the right path, and explained everything clearly so we always felt informed. Any challenges that came up, he handled quickly and with ease, which took so much stress off our shoulders. We are beyond grateful for Ethan’s support and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a smooth and worry-free lending experience!”
-Benny G
We see homeownership as more than a simple transaction. It’s a meaningful milestone. Every buyer’s path deserves expert guidance and a genuine commitment to their success. Our Loan Officers go the extra mile serving as trusted advisors who are passionate about helping individuals and families make confident, well-informed choices.
We’re proud by the outstanding service our team delivers every day, and are elated when our clients share their stories. This week, we’ll be highlighting more amazing feedback our Loan Officers receive showcasing the lasting impact they have across SFMC Home Lending and our sister companies.
“Excellent communication, consistent updates, incredible programs, and amazing customer service.”
-Max R
“Communication was great! Matt really explained all the fees and numbers with detail. If we had any questions he was always available. Could not have asked for anyone better!”
-Gerardo M
“Again Ms Liz is the best. Her honesty and caring for our well being with the house was great. She’s forever a part of my family. Ms Liz helped my children buy their home. My son a Lafayette police officer was killed, Officer Segus Jolivette. So when we decided to move closer to my daughter to help with the kids Ms Liz took over. When she found out who we were she told me “you’re going to be in your house for Christmas.” And we were. She’s was another blessing sent from God because He had the plan and we just had to follow. My daughter would talk about how Segus would call her all times of the day and night, and she was always there to help and answer questions. And she was the same with us, always answering and always pleasant. Thanks again for everything I am so happy to be closer to my daughter and the children. I feel a little more at peace now. I recommend Ms Liz to anyone. She is the best.”
-Edwanda C
“Where do I start! Lisa has been amazing from start to finish, very knowledgeable in the industry she take her time to explain things & break it down in a way that you can understand it. Anytime I had a question or concerns she was a phone call away & always answered or communicated in a timely fashion. Lisa was very patient & made me feel at ease on days I wanted to give up. My experience was top tier Highly recommended!”
-Delona B
“Prompt service. Knowledge to think outside the box. And, persistently checking in to see if there was anything he could do for me.”
-Matthew K
“The professionalism, transparency and too notch communication made this experience extremely pleasant as a first time homebuyer!”
-Regina V
“From beginning to end, Charles made the process easy, answered all our questions and kept us informed throughout the process.”
-Debra L
“Diane’s creativity, communication, and compassion. I felt as though she treated us as though we were family”
-Mark R
“The communication and the overall attitude of the team made the process smooth and made me feel comfortable about the process. Everything was clear and transparent. The team was all very friendly and willing to answer my questions when I had them.”
-Katryna G
“How streamlined the entire process was and that is all thanks to Jarred and his team. He makes this process so easy and is great to work with.”
-Kristie D
We’re proud to see our loan officers taking to social to provide their followers with valuable content and mortgage insights.
From explaining mortgage basics and market updates to highlighting client success stories, our team is not just talking about what we do, they’re showing it day in and day out.
This commitment to transparency and education is part of what sets our team apart. Check out some recent posts and see firsthand how they’re serving their communities, educating their followers, and helping people turn their homeownership dreams into reality.
We believe homeownership is more than just a transaction. It’s a journey that deserves expert guidance and genuine care. Our Loan Officers aren’t just mortgage professionals; they’re trusted partners that are passionate about helping individuals and families make confident, informed decision.
With clear communication, expert insight, and unwavering support, they’re with you every step of the way.
We’re proud of the exceptional service our team provides and even prouder when our clients share their experiences. Each week, we’ll be spotlighting the incredible reviews our Loan Officers receive, showcasing the real impact of their dedication across SFMC Home Lending and our sister companies.
“Great communication and explanation of the process. I felt comfortable asking every basic question. Lightning quick responses and that I got the keys right after I signed made my life so much easier. Not to mention the professionalism shown when dealing with push back from the sellers team. Premium service. 13/10”
-Michelle K
“Jason was amazing. He communicated with me daily and kept me up to date in the process. Jason will fight for you and will help you to get all the information you need in a timely manner. Jason was caring and thoughtful. He made you feel like family and not just a client.”
-Irene T
“As first time homebuyers, we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into. However, Jake and his team displayed knowledge and confidence, which in turn allowed us to understand and trust what we were hearing. Jake is honest, kind, and passionate. I would choose him again and again.”
-Jett D
“We chose this team on a referral. They did not let us down!”
-Karen T
“We were never in fear of not getting the loan. Pete walked us through ever step and was honest about what we should expect. He was there for every question we had and touched base with us throughout the process.”
-Kiedron K
“Kenna and her team was INCREDIBLY patient with us in our pretty unique circumstances. With everything that happened, she got everything pushed through in the most perfect timing.”
-Gabriel B
“The service and personal attention we received from Ronna and her team were exceptional and beyond what we were expecting! As first time home buyers everything was new to us and the most important thing we wanted was someone we could trust. Ronna was there for us every step of the way. I’m glad we chose her services and would recommend Ronna to anyone buying a home.”
-Gibi Z
“Angela and her team guided me and informed me about all the important Information on time and they have excellent communication skills.”
-Gabriel R
“The constant communication and how Roger and Daniela worked to get our loan funded quickly. They were always quick to respond to any questions and to explain our options. We never felt like we were a bother to them.”
-Annette H
“Michael and his team consistently go way above and beyond to take care of their clients. Our latest home purchase was particularly complicated, and Michael worked his magic all the way up to and including the day of closing to make sure we could get funding. I’m very grateful to have found him and his company many years ago.”
-Bryant C
