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There’s a lot of outdated information floating around about homebuying.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.
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
Big achievements deserve big celebrations, and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro is a pretty impressive feat to conquer. It’s a climb that demands mental strength, physical endurance, and a serious commitment to pushing past your limits. I had the privilege of sitting down with John Donnelly, our Executive Director of Sales, who recently took on this challenge and came back with powerful insights, unforgettable memories, and a renewed perspective on what it means to set your sights high.
What made you decide to take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?
I read a book called The Twelve Hour Walk that challenges you to walk for 12 hours with no music, no podcasts, and no conversation. Just you and your thoughts. I took that challenge and filled a notebook with reflections. I was turning 50. I wasn’t in great shape. I felt like I needed to do something that would push me and prove to myself I could still do hard things. Kilimanjaro had been in the back of my mind for about a decade. During that walk, it moved to the front. I came home and committed to the climb.
How did you prepare? Was it a lengthy preparation process?
I joined a gym and focused on building strength and endurance. My workouts included lunges, step-ups, squats, and upper body work since I would be carrying a pack. I started walking regularly and built up to longer hikes with elevation. Over time, I logged 115 gym workouts and put in countless miles on foot. It was a long journey, but every bit of it mattered when I got on that mountain.
How did you stay motivated to push through the early mornings, training sessions, and see this through to completion?
It came down to having a clear vision. I made a deposit. I committed. And I told people about it. That created accountability. But the deeper motivation was the image I had in my head of reaching the summit. That picture kept me focused when I didn’t feel like going to the gym or getting out of bed early. I wasn’t just training. I was preparing for something that mattered to me. What I didn’t expect was how much I would enjoy the process. I was eating better. I was in better shape. I felt stronger, more focused, and more alive. I could feel myself becoming the kind of person I wanted to be. That change was just as motivating as the climb itself. The mountain was the goal. But who I was becoming along the way became the reward.
When you arrived in Tanzania and were standing at the base of Kilimanjaro, what were your thoughts?
The first time I saw it was from the airplane. I looked out the window and saw it rising above the clouds. It looked massive. Later, from the ground, the clouds cleared and I saw it again. Every time I caught a glimpse, it looked taller. It was beautiful. And real. It didn’t feel overwhelming, but I had a deep respect for what I was about to take on. It was almost surreal. I was really there. After months of training and planning, this thing I had imagined was now right in front of me. I knew we had a long way to go to reach the summit, but I felt determined. I was ready for the challenge. I felt calm, focused, and grateful to even be standing there at the base of the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, knowing the journey was about to begin.
How long was your climb? What did you do to stay motivated through what were probably harsh conditions?
We took the Lemosho Route. It was a seven-day climb. We had good weather most of the time, but the nights were cold. Waking up in a frozen tent and heading out before sunrise took some mental strength. We had to hike high to acclimate and then drop back down to sleep. That cycle repeated a few times. The toughest stretch was summit night. We left camp at 11 PM and reached Uhuru Peak around 7:30 AM. That was the real test. Physically and mentally.
How did you feel approaching and then standing at the summit?
I thought I would feel this big emotional release. Instead, I felt exhausted. At that altitude, with only half the oxygen, everything is harder. We didn’t stay at the summit long. The guides wanted us to start the descent quickly. We took pictures, crossed the glacier, and stopped to rest at Stella Point. I was proud. I was grateful. And I was thankful to be standing next to my friend Mark Cabal, who joined me for the climb. Sharing that moment made it even more meaningful.
Mark Cabal and I just finish the Barranco Wall, this was one of the most fun part of the climb. It was challenging but not too technical. This was my dream. This was my goal. I had been talking to Mark about it at lunch one day, just sharing what I was planning. A few weeks later, he called and said he wanted to go. When I asked him why, he simply said, I don’t want you to do it alone. That is what true friendship looks like. He didn’t need the mountain, but he wanted to be there for me. Having him with me at the summit made the entire experience more special. I will never forget that.
How was the descent? How did you feel thinking about what you had just accomplished?
The descent was tough. You could breathe better, but the trail was steep and filled with loose gravel. Everyone in our group slipped at some point. My legs were worn out. My toes were wrecked from hitting the front of my boots. The first few hours were brutal, and then we had another long hike down to camp. It didn’t fully hit me what I had accomplished. I just felt tired. The pride came later.
Do you have a certain memory that stuck with you?
Yes. My summit porter, Aristo. I first noticed him before the climb. He was leading songs and dancing at the guide office. I asked to meet him a few days in, and we hit it off. He ended up being assigned to walk with me on summit night. He carried my gear, encouraged me, and made sure I was safe. At one point I was so tired I stopped and just stood there. He walked up and wiped my nose for me. I’ll never forget that. He called me Papa. I called him my man. I honestly don’t know if I would have made it to the top without him.
Thinking back on your journey from deciding to take this on to walking back into your home, what did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I can still do hard things. That when I say I’m going to do something, I follow through. That’s part of why I put this goal out there publicly. I wanted people to see me finish. Coming home, I felt alive and ready for more. I turned 50, but in a way, I feel like I’m just getting started. I have more to give. And more I want to do.
What’s next? Are there any other big adventures or challenges on your radar?
I’m still reflecting and letting this one settle in. I’ve looked at the Mont Blanc trail in Switzerland, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and Everest Base Camp. All are interesting to me. But for now, I’m staying in the routine. I’m keeping the workouts going and staying consistent. One of my mentors once told me I wasn’t good at celebrating wins. This time, I want to do that right before I chase the next one.
Congratulations on this huge accomplishment, John!
Summer homebuying offers a unique window of opportunity for families eager to get settled before the first day of school. While the process of purchasing a home always requires careful planning, closing before the school year begins can deliver numerous advantages, from a smoother transition for children to potential market benefits.
This guide will walk you through the primary pros of summer homebuying, a few considerations to be aware of, and actionable tips to help you navigate the process confidently.
Summer typically brings a surge in listings. According to the National Association of Realtors (2023), housing inventory in June and July can be up to 20% higher than in winter months. This means you have a better chance of finding a property that aligns with your needs whether that’s a home in a specific school district, extra bedrooms, or a large backyard.
“Families are often surprised at how much choice they have in summer. With more listings, you can prioritize both location and features,” notes Mary Taylor, a Senior Mortgage Advisor at SFMC Home Lending.
Starting at a new school is a big adjustment. When you move in summer, your children have time to get familiar with their neighborhood, meet classmates, and settle into routines before classes begin.
According to a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics (2021), students who transition to a new school during summer show fewer academic disruptions and social stress.
Lenders, real estate agents, and title companies often anticipate higher summer volume and adjust staffing to keep transactions on track. While demand is high, efficient processing workflows can help you close more quickly if you submit a complete application and respond promptly to document requests.
Closing before school starts can align your moving expenses with the current tax year. If you qualify for deductions related to moving costs (consult your tax advisor), completing your move during summer can simplify record-keeping.
Pre-approval strengthens your offer and clarifies your budget. It also signals to sellers that you’re serious and ready to close without delays.
From contract to closing, plan for 30–45 days. Start your search early and allow extra time for inspections and appraisals.
Focus on school district boundaries. Use resources like GreatSchools (https://www.greatschools.org) to compare ratings and reviews.
Choose a trusted real estate agent and title company experienced with summer transactions. Clear communication is essential to avoid last-minute surprises.
At SFMC Home Lending, we understand the urgency and excitement of buying before school starts. Our team is committed to:
Let us help you move forward confidently and start the school year in a place you love.
At SFMC Home Lending, we believe a great customer experience begins before the first conversation. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website—completely redesigned with you in mind.
Our updated website delivers more than just a modern look and feel. It reflects who we are today: a company rooted in trust, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional home lending experience.
From top to bottom, this is a 100% new site—every page has been rebuilt for clarity, speed, and access to the information that matters most. Here’s what you can expect:
Our new logo and visual identity reflect the next chapter of SFMC Home Lending. The clean, inclusive design represents our dedication to clarity and trust at every step of the lending journey.
Finding what you need has never been easier. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, our streamlined menu and enhanced page structure help you get answers faster.
We’ve significantly expanded our educational resources to help you feel more confident and informed. From mortgage basics to mortgage tips, the new SFMC Home Lending Blog will be regularly updated with fresh insights tailored to your journey.
“A well-designed website is no longer just a digital business card—it’s a living part of your brand experience,” says our marketing team lead. “We’ve built this new site to serve our borrowers, partners, and team with clarity, relevance, and transparency.”
Our blog will be updated frequently with new content—from helpful mortgage tips and industry trends to financial wellness strategies and success stories. Be sure to bookmark the site and check back often for:
Every detail of this new site supports our mission: to make the home lending process clear, accessible, and empowering. Whether you’re just starting your research or are ready to apply, the new sfmc.com is your go-to resource.
Thank you for being a part of the SFMC Home Lending community.
In a perfect world, the experience and skill of an excellent, highly trained professional loan officer will make the choice of selecting between two lenders easy once you have the facts.
Consider this tutorial your Hall of Fame Coaching Lesson 101.
Glad you asked because I happen to think so. More on that in a minute. Be forewarned though, the answer may surprise you because…
It might not actually be best to get your mortgage loan from a bank.
However, this post is about helping YOU know how to decide, for yourself. Of course, I’d love to have your business, but I’m not always everyone’s best answer. While I’ll fight hard to earn your business, I’ll also be the first to tell you, that’s a great deal, stick with it.
I’m a visual learner, so I’m going to use a movie to help me tell this story.
Who creates better storyboards to make you rethink your life than Hollywood? Movies paint pictures for me that I might not otherwise see. Titans of the Silver Screen spell out the good guy, overemphasizing the bad guy so clearly.
Frankly, only Hollywood could turn the act of borrowing money into the classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”
“It’s a Wonderful Life.” Capra, F. (Producer and Director). (1946) Public Domain
Am I the only one beginning to ask, is it better to get a mortgage from a banker or a broker?
Sure that’s how Hollywood portrays the story. But wasn’t it shady brokers who created the housing debacle?
A fair question. And the answer is yes. And no.
Without getting into the weeds, significant reform took place across every platform of lending after 2008. The education, training, licensing, and accountability in place for lenders and loan officers across the board could arguably be more stringent than for Real Estate Agents.
What that means for you is that anyone you select from this point forward is held to a higher standard than either Mr. Potter or George Bailey. Or anyone you dealt with prior to 2008.
At Service First Home Loans we have taken that responsibility to the next level. We ARE highly trained mortgage professionals, not just registered individuals. We have passed the rigorous testing processes and demand continuing education requirements above the industry standard. If you are ready to experience the difference, we would be honored to meet your home lending needs.
I’ll admit. The wonderful life visualization wasn’t totally fair. Hollywood paints a compelling picture of most anything being better than the banker, Mr. Potter. The truth is knowing if it is better to get a mortgage from a banker or broker varies depending on your needs.
The established relationship you have with your bank, and the amount you have invested with your bank or credit union could be an advantage. However, if you are not an elite, highly invested customer with that kind of leverage, it may be to your disadvantage to get your mortgage from the bank.
WHY?
Before digging deeper into the answer for your situation, it is crucial that you know there are actually more lenders to choose from than a bank and a broker. Without all the facts, I could easily steer you into a direction. Seeing all the options helps you to weigh the choices better. There are actually four types of lending institutions. In reality, I could refer you to a mortgage loan from any of the following. And this is a shortlist.
If you skipped the infographic STOP – go back and review, because it will really help explain the four the types of lending institutions.
Moving on then. In the next section, you will find a breakdown of the types of lending scenarios generally offered at these four kinds of institutions. Which will help you weigh out the pros and cons of each. Getting you closer to the answer if it is better to get a mortgage from a traditional bank, a mortgage banker or a broker, or an internet lender.
The knowledge that you have more than a bank, banker, or broker to get a loan from might seem overwhelming. Generally, I agree that less is more. In this case, more is better.
The below comparison chart shows you how the Local Small Business Bankers and Brokers, Banks/Credit Unions, Internet Direct Lenders/Brokers vary.
And don’t let local small business fool you into thinking poorly run. It’s more likely the highly coveted local secret.
There are different licensing requirements and abilities. The differences can affect more than just your customer experience.
Understanding how these lenders vary will help you determine if it better for you to get a loan from a mortgage banker or broker, internet direct lender, or bank.
Does it come as a shock that some of the people promising you the best of the rocket-fast services may have no prior mortgage experience? That you are acting like their on the job training experience. Or are potentially only registered but not licensed loan officers acting as a jack of all trades?
Does it make you feel comfortable knowing that your loan officer might be sitting in an open cubicle next to his buddy talking about your financial life at the bank or internet lender of choice?
This is where the Hall of Fame Coaches level up.
So, now that you have a much better understanding of the multiple lending options available to you, have you decided to seek out your local bank or credit union? Does that high advertising budget from an internet direct lender still appeal to you?
Or, are you asking how do I find the right mortgage banker or broker near me?
Unfortunately if you Google the term mortgage bankers, you will often get mixed results, as the term is mostly misunderstood, even by industry professionals. But a great place to start is by asking one of the other hands involved in a mortgage loan transaction.
This might seem intimidating, but as our moms used to say, they are more afraid of you than you are of them. Okay, maybe that’s not exactly the right analogy.
But, these highly trained mortgage professionals would love to have you stop in and ask some questions. Promise. Just give them a minute to pick their jaws up off the floor, as walk-in traffic is uncommon. But it’s totally acceptable to do! Tell them Michael Chalker sent you. 🙂
One of the two most important people on your home lending team is your Realtor. If you need help figuring out who the right Realtor is for you, check out our Choosing the Best Mortgage Home Team for Me series.
Many people are not aware that Realtors have preferred lenders. They are thrilled to refer you to their top choices, even if your objective is simply to refinance at this time.
It’s good for business. You may have to exchange an email address for a stellar lender. But they know if you love your lender, you will not forget who referred you to them when it’s time to buy or sell.
A widely misunderstood and overlooked key player in every mortgage transaction is the role of the Title Company. We take a deep dive into the role of the Title Company in the Choosing the Best Mortgage home Team for Me Series.
For our purposes here, if you want to get to the best of best, call and ask at a local office who they would use. Or better yet, refer their mother to.
These guys work with EVERYONE, from the absolute best and the WORST of the WORST.
I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how to find your bank or credit union.
Thanks Captain Obvious. You may not be aware, however, that many of them have mortgage lending divisions. These are not located at your local branch. But they might be next to a grocery store or in a strip mall.
If you already have a loan with your bank, you can call the number on your monthly statement, and they can sometimes help.
If you just can’t resist that big advertising budget and promises to have a speedy loan transaction, please just know that they are the last in the order of priority list based on my professional experience.
BTW…my experience? That’s over 27 years at the writing of this article by the way. Oh and I have apps, and easily upload your paperwork just like they do, just not the advertising budget to blast it everywhere.
I’ve said my peace.
Now, for an Internet Direct Lender or Broker, you can easily find them through a quick Google search for Quicken Loans, Zillow, or Lending Tree. They use their advertising dollars at the top of the search feeds as well as television ads.
As you can see from the infographic listed above, there is more involved in the world of mortgage lending than you are taught in Econ 101 or the social media feed. So, as you prepare for interviewing these mortgage lenders, you are probably wondering, what does a lender do anyway?
A quick study says that the lender asks about your credit and banking information, requests proof, makes you sign some paperwork, tells you it will be a few weeks while someone else approves it. Then, you’ll close the loan and be done with it.
While that is true, the analogy is oversimplified, to a fault.
Albert Einstein said, “everything should be as simple as possible, but no simpler.” I go into extensive detail about my role as a loan officer in my post Hopes.Fears.Dreams.Goals.Boundaries.
To summarize here, though:
Most loans can be structured in at least two or possibly three programs. It makes little difference to me. I cannot legally push you towards one program over the other for my benefit.
However, it may make ALL of the difference in your world.
I am all in favor of saving as much money as I can. Let’s just say, I have a nickname that sounds really similar to flight pass. But like Einstein’s quote, I believe everything should be as inexpensive as possible, but not necessarily the cheapest available.
When I was a young man, freshly out of the Marine Corps, my budget for the entire month resembled my current house payment. And even though I can afford much more now, being frugal has stuck with me. But along the way, I realized that replacing cheap stuff frequently didn’t save me any money in the long run.
The initial investment may have cost more, but the longevity and reward of those investments were often worth it.
This is how I approach the lending process. One of the most stressful, emotionally difficult life scenarios involves your home.
There are times that my rates and fees are the exact same as the discount lender down the street and other times they are not.
It is my job to answer the tough questions. To help you understand the scenarios and the numbers. To turn the impossible into the miraculous, or to deliver the difficult news that says, “you’re not going to the big leagues, not yet, not today. But here’s the roadmap to get you there.
More than once in my career, I have said, I cannot provide the best deal for you. Your bank will do fine. That broker is offering a screaming deal. That refi is a slam dunk, go ahead, take that rate from Quicken, or the guy I perceive as Mr. Potter. That is how I sleep at night.
At the end of every day, I remind myself that you may not remember what I said, you may not remember what I did, but you absolutely remember how I made you feel.
If I’ve done my job that feeling for you is, empowered, educated, hopeful. Finally, there is confidence in knowing how to select the best bank to get a mortgage loan, even if it’s not at a bank.
We don’t do life with businesses, we do life with people. So the people we do business with matters in life.
It is my goal to educate you about possible options that will suit your needs. There is no “one size fits all” approach in mortgage scenarios. My time and devotion are given to evaluate your particular situation and to offer the best decision for you and your family’s needs. During my tenure in the mortgage industry, I have selected a variety of positions, enabling me to better understand how the mortgage process works. This seasoning allows me to provide even better service to you, my clients.
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