Expert Mortgage Tips for 2025 Homebuyers

Apr 5, 2025

Learn how buyers can secure better mortgage rates, leverage seller concessions, and make smarter home purchases in 2025.

Are you wondering how today’s mortgage market is affecting buyers? With interest rates rising and competition increasing, it’s more important than ever to understand your options. In this video, Chad Hauseman, a seasoned mortgage expert from First Down Mortgage, breaks down the latest trends in financing and offers his tips for securing the best deal.

Watch the full video or use the timestamps below to jump to specific topics that interest you the most:

00:00 — Introduction

02:38 — Broker vs. bank: What’s the difference?

05:23 — 2025 insights

06:44 — Seller concessions & 2-1 buydown

10:00 — Buyer’s leverage

11:11 — HELOC rates

13:57 — Final advice

The 2025 housing market is shifting in favor of buyers, making it a great time to purchase a home. Buyers have more ways to save as seller concessions and two-one buydowns become more common. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or moving to a new area, this market offers a chance to find a home that fits your budget and needs. If you have questions or need guidance, please reach out. You can call me at 904-405-1995 or send an email to Jeff@PursuitRealEstate.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

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About Jeff Riber

Hey, I’m Jeff. Good to meet you!

Officially, I got my real estate license in 2007. But the passion for real estate began well before that. My Dad (and my Mom, Uncle, Granddad, Cousins, Sister…) was in the real estate business. I can remember going to his office as a kid. Right around the time the MLS was converting from a paper handbook to an online database. And being fascinated by the idea of being able to see, online, listings of homes that were for sale. I was around 11 or 12 at the time, and can now look back to realize that was the initial spark.

Fast forward. I actually began my journey as a real estate agent in 2007 (yes, just before the “great recession”) after working in the mortgage business for a few years. In 2011, I took on the role of broker/owner at ERA Heavener Realty. Then in 2023 we opened an independent brokerage, Pursuit Real Estate.

Throughout my career, I have brokered over a thousand transactions and personally bought and sold more than 80 homes. Some years back, I was privileged to be nominated to the Jacksonville Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 (although 40 is clearly in the rear-view now!).

It wasn’t always easy. I’m sure you’d say the same for accomplishments that have taken you years/decades? But, thankfully, we’ve built a team and established processes capable of delivering at a high-level for the clients we serve.

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President, has this quote that I love: “Every person who invests in well-selected real estate in a growing section of a prosperous community adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth.” We live in a place (northeast Florida) and time when this still holds true! If your goal is to improve your well-being and that of your family, home-ownership is undoubtedly the way to go.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I love traveling alongside my wife to fun and exciting places (though the destinations have become less fascinating as we have more kids. I.E. Disney). Additionally, spending quality time with our crew, Anniston, Miles, Ava, Lily, and Leighton, keeps me on my toes. And, despite losing a step or two, I still love playing basketball.

Feel free to reach out, would love to hear about what you’d like to accomplish in real estate!

Jeff Riber
BK3574783
Pursuit Real Estate
3725 Dupont Station Ct S, Ste 1
Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 405-1995
jeff@pursuitrealestate.com
pursuitrealestate.com

(904) 405-1995

jeff@pursuitrealestate.com

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