# The Spiegel Group


## Posts

- [Five “Adulting” Savings Hacks for Home Buyers](https://thespiegelgroup.com/five-adulting-savings-hacks-for-home-buyers/): Buying a house without cash? Only in fantasy movies. Here’s how real people (like you) stash away a nest egg without living in a box. Automate your savings Set it and forget it — straight deposit into a high-interest account. Kill unused subscriptions You don’t need four streaming services at once. Make tough love decisions. Sell what you don’t use Your bike that’s been gathering dust can pay for a future roof. Stop the tiny leaks Skip daily latte runs and impulse gadgets — those \$5 losses add up fast. Explore assistance programs I’ll help you find grants and programs […]
- [Loan Types 101](https://thespiegelgroup.com/loan-types-101/): Let’s decode the mortgage alphabet soup: – Conventional: Great if your credit’s solid and you’ve got some money down – FHA: Lower credit and down payment? This one’s for you – VA: For veterans — zero down and no PMI – USDA: Rural homes with 0% down, if you qualify – ARM: Adjustable rates — good short term, risky long term Not sure which one’s right for you? That’s what I’m here for
- [Cosigning a Mortgage: Think Before You Sign](https://thespiegelgroup.com/cosigning-a-mortgage-think-before-you-sign/): Cosigning is a big deal — you’re not just ‘helping out,’ you’re legally responsible. What you’re agreeing to: – If the borrower misses payments, it hits your credit. – It could impact your ability to borrow in the future. – You don’t own the house — but you own the risk. Bottom line: Be honest about the risks before saying yes.
- [How Much Income Do I Need to Buy a Home?](https://thespiegelgroup.com/how-much-income-do-i-need-to-buy-a-home/): It’s less about the number and more about the ratio. Lenders look for: – A debt-to-income (DTI) ratio below 43%-45% (some loans can go higher) – Stable job history (W-2 or solid self-employment) – Enough income to cover mortgage + taxes + insurance + debts We’ll help you run the numbers. You might be closer than you think.
- [Should I Buy or Rent?](https://thespiegelgroup.com/should-i-buy-or-rent/): Here’s the truth: it depends on your life stage, finances, and plans. Renting: – Flexible – Low commitment – No maintenance headaches Buying: – Builds equity – Predictable payments (fixed mortgage > rising rent) – Tax perks Ask yourself: Am I sticking around for at least 3–5 years? Can I handle the upfront costs? If yes — let’s talk ownership.
- [Understanding an Appraisal Contingency](https://thespiegelgroup.com/understanding-an-appraisal-contingency/): Appraisal contingency can be added to the real estate contract in Texas.  This doc says: if the home doesn’t appraise for the price you offered, you can walk away or renegotiate. Why it matters: – It protects you from overpaying. Pro tip: If the appraisal comes in low, don’t panic — it’s a chance to get a better deal or reassess the price.
- [Find the Right Neighborhood—It’s More Than Just Curb Appeal](https://thespiegelgroup.com/find-the-right-neighborhood-its-more-than-just-curb-appeal/): You can repaint a house. You can’t repaint the neighbors. Choose wisely. Look for: – School zones (good even if you don’t have kids) – Commute sanity – Nearby parks, food, and essentials – The neighborhood’s direction — is it up-and-coming or already peaking? – Vibes — go at different times of day and listen to your gut
- [The 'Oops, There’s More' Homebuying Costs](https://thespiegelgroup.com/the-oops-theres-more-homebuying-costs/): You thought the down payment was it? Nope. Here’s the full damage report — sorry, no take-backs! What are some costs you could have to pay beyond the down payment: – Appraisal fees – Home inspection (totally worth it) – Title & escrow fees – Lender fees (hi again — that’s us) – Taxes and insurance (escrowed) – Moving & day-one stuff (you need light bulbs and maybe a celebratory pizza) Budget tip: Expect 2–5% of the home’s price on top of your down payment. Plan ahead — no one likes closing-day surprises.
- [What the Heck Is “Cash to Close”?](https://thespiegelgroup.com/what-the-heck-is-cash-to-close/): I get this one all the time: “Wait, I thought my down payment was all I needed?” Surprise! There’s a little more to it. Here’s the breakdown. Cash to close includes: – ✅ Your down payment (yes, that part’s obvious) – ✅ Closing costs (think appraisal, title fees, lender fees, etc.) – ✅ Prepaids (property taxes, insurance, and a few interest days) How much do I need? Rule of thumb: 2–4% of the home price *on top* of the down payment. When do I pay it? Right before closing — usually a wire to the title company. You’ll get a […]
- [Preapproval: AKA Your Golden Ticket](https://thespiegelgroup.com/preapproval-aka-your-golden-ticket/): Let’s talk about getting preapproved — not to be confused with “prequalified,” which is basically just vibes and a napkin estimate. Preapproval is the real deal. Why it matters: You wouldn’t walk into a poker game without chips. Same goes for buying a house. Preapproval tells sellers you’re legit, ready, and able to close.  It also let’s me say “hey here’s the loans you qualify for” with absolute certainty vs. a wish and a prayer. Is preapproval hard? Nah.  There’s some work on your part in the beginning but generally if we do that upfront the rest is smooth sailing.  […]
- [How to Shop for a Home Without Losing Your Mind (or Wallet)](https://thespiegelgroup.com/how-to-shop-for-a-home-without-losing-your-mind-or-wallet/): As your lender, let me be straight with you: it’s way too easy to fall for a house that’s gorgeous… and completely out of budget. Let’s not do that. Here’s how to stay grounded: 1. Start with your non-negotiables. Location, layout, school zone — the things you *can’t* change. Focus there. Fixtures can wait. 2. Get preapproved before you get attached. It’s like bringing cash to an auction — it shows you’re serious and keeps you in budget. 3. Tour with purpose. Limit the Zillow binging. Take notes. Compare what you saw to what you *really need*. 4. Think beyond […]

## Pages

- [Realtor Resources](https://thespiegelgroup.com/realtor-resources/): Helping Realtors cut through the BS and earn the income that comes with it. Meet Robert Spiegel—your expert mortgage and real estate financial advisor. He’s here to help Realtors like you leave behind the frustrations of the “mortgage industry BS” and begin a journey towards achieving financial and business success! Get Started With Robert Top 1% of Loan Officers in the US 23+ Years of Expert Industry Experience 4.9 Stars on Google So, you’re a successful Realtor, but… Robert Spiegel brings a unique style to the stage – honest, straightforward, and refreshingly candid. Unlike those who regurgitate outdated information, Robert […]
- [Public Speaking](https://thespiegelgroup.com/public-speaking/): Navigate the Mortgage Landscape with Confidence Harnessing mortgage knowledge for your financial success. Are you tired of Real Estate speakers delivering the same old boring content over and over again? Do their presentations feel like they haven’t evolved in the past 20 years? If you’re seeking a refreshing change, you need a speaker who can candidly discuss the current market, emerging trends, and share actionable strategies for building your business. Get Started With Robert Experience a Speaker Like No Other Robert Spiegel brings a unique style to the stage – honest, straightforward, and refreshingly candid. Unlike those who regurgitate outdated […]
- [Reviews](https://thespiegelgroup.com/reviews/): Client reviews from around the internet. Our clients are the foundation of our success. Questions? Start here Learn More You Want Proof? 😊
- [Contact Us](https://thespiegelgroup.com/contact-us/): Contact Us Feel free to send us a message, give us a call. Our group of friendly staff is here to help. Office Location 815 Hawthorne St Houston, TX 77006 Phone Number (713) 961-5363 Send a Message TEAM@THESPIEGELGROUP.COM
- [Learning Center](https://thespiegelgroup.com/learning-center-2/): Stay informed about new posts here – join our notification list. Our blog articles are geared towards first-time home buyers and mortgage market news. We will never spam you or sell your information. Read the Articles Blog Page Form First NameLast NameEmail8 + 3 =Are You Human?1112Submit Form How to Shop for a Home Without Losing Your Mind (or Wallet) First Time Home Buyer As your lender, let me be straight with you: it’s way too… Preapproval: AKA Your Golden Ticket Mortgage Tips Let’s talk about getting preapproved — not to be confused with “prequalified,”… What the Heck Is “Cash […]
- [Meet Our Team](https://thespiegelgroup.com/meet-our-team/): Meet The Team Backed By Great People, 100% Customer Focused. The most important asset to our company, is our people. Our team was built with you as our focus. Robert Spiegel Branch ManagerNMLS#: 198315 Dena Kubina Production PartnerNMLS#: 1717739 Stephanie Pope Senior Loan Processor
- [About Us](https://thespiegelgroup.com/about-us/): About Us A little about how we began and where we are going. We are here to serve you. Buying, selling, and owning Real Estate is complicated. There, I said it.  You know what makes it worse? All the noise that pushes people to make horrible financing mistakes. You see, the internet was supposed to make big financial decisions easier. We have so much data in the palm of our hands. However, it has done the opposite. We’re overwhelmed with data and information, making it impossible to even determine if you’ve got an impartial source. Then there’s the state of […]
- [Loan Options](https://thespiegelgroup.com/loan-options/): Loan Options Finding a great home loan involves careful consideration of your needs, finances and history. We are here to guide you. Questions? Start here Learn More Purchase Refinance Journey Form What are your goals? We are committed to helping you reach them. I want to purchase I want to refinanceNextWhere is the home located? City/ZipPreviousNextWhat type of home? Single Family Townhouse Condominium Multi-Family Farm/RanchPreviousNextWhere are you in the home buying process? Signed a purchase contract Found a home Looking to buy within one month Looking to buy in 1 to 3 months Looking to buy in more than 3 monthsPreviousNextHow […]
- [Mortgage calculator](https://thespiegelgroup.com/mortgage-calculator/): Mortage Calculator
- [Mortgage Preapproval](https://thespiegelgroup.com/mortgage-preapproval/): Become more attractive to sellers as a pre-approved buyer. Great realtors require buyers to get pre-approved before even starting to house hunt. Plus pre-approval is the only way to make sure you qualify for the terms you’re expecting. Questions? Start here Learn More Before you start looking for your new home, we can help you with a mortgage pre-approval and strategy. This is the most important step of the entire process: determining the financial strategy for your new home. We work to help you get pre-approved and on your way to home ownership! Simply fill out our mortgage application and […]
- [Home](https://thespiegelgroup.com/): It’s time to have us in your corner. We believe in transparency. We also believe that if we strive to offer you the ideal financing solutions for your mortgage needs, without all of the yuck that the industry tries to push on consumers, you’ll make smarter financial decisions. Isn’t it time you had an advocate? Questions? Start here Ready? Get Pre-approved Welcome to The Spiegel Group Buying, selling, and owning Real Estate is complicated. There, we said it. You know what makes it worse? All the noise out there that pushes people to make horrible financing mistakes. The internet was […]
- [Privacy Policy](https://thespiegelgroup.com/privacy-policy/): Who we are Suggested text: Our website address is: http://thespiegelgroup.com. Comments Suggested text: When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment. Media Suggested […]
- [Person Page](https://thespiegelgroup.com/person-page/): Karin Burrows Founding Partner Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse nec quam vitae tellus malesuada vehicula. Practice Areas Business Law Criminal Law Employment Law Gov & Administrative Law Securities Law Biography Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse nec quam vitae tellus malesuada vehicula. Mauris interdum erat non mauris commodo, eu aliquam tortor viverra. Fusce ac arcu non velit ultricies lacinia et vel libero. Aliquam vitae aliquet diam, vitae posuere felis. Donec iaculis dui sit amet purus sollicitudin, id pellentesque ex commodo. Education & Court Admissions Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse […]
- [Attorneys](https://thespiegelgroup.com/attorneys/): Attorneys Over 20+ Years of Experiences Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse nec quam vitae tellus malesuada vehicula. Mauris interdum erat non mauris commodo, eu aliquam tortor viverra. Fusce ac arcu non velit ultricies lacinia et vel libero. Aliquam vitae aliquet diam, vitae posuere felis. Donec iaculis dui sit amet purus sollicitudin, id pellentesque ex commodo. Reputation Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Respect Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Results Lorem ipsum […]
- [Contact](https://thespiegelgroup.com/contact/): Contact Us Headquarters Our company located in the heart of the financial district in New York City Wall StreetNew York, NY 10005info@consulting.com T : +1 (333) 444 4040F : +1 (444) 777 9988 Free Consultation Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse nec quam vitae tellus malesuada vehicula. Mauris interdum erat non mauris commodo, eu aliquam tortor viverra. Fusce ac arcu non velit ultricies lacinia et vel libero. Aliquam vitae aliquet diam, vitae posuere felis. Full Name Email Company/Organization Contact Preferences Phone EmailAdditional Comments Submit Got a Question? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit […]
- [Practice Areas](https://thespiegelgroup.com/practice-areas/): Practice Areas Banking and Finance Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Learn more Commercial Law Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Learn more Construction Law Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Learn more Consumer Law Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Learn more Corporate Law Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing […]
- [Home2](https://thespiegelgroup.com/home-2/): It’s time to have us in your corner. We believe in transparency. We also believe that if we strive to offer you the ideal financing solutions for your mortgage needs, without all of the yuck that the industry tries to push on consumers, you’ll make smarter financial decisions. Isn’t it time you had an advocate? Questions? Start here Ready? Get Pre-approved Pre-Approval Calculator Loan Option Welcome to The Spiegel Group Buying, selling, and owning Real Estate is complicated. There, we said it. You know what makes it worse? All the noise out there that pushes people to make horrible financing […]


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