Lisa Stepp-Seritt NMLS # 680403 Mpire Financial, Sr. Loan Officer

10/16/2026

Could your inspection period help make your offer more attractive — without offering more money? 🏡

Part 2 of my 7 Ways to Build a Stronger Home Offer Without Just Paying More: THE INSPECTION PERIOD.

When a seller accepts an offer, they want certainty. Depending on the property, local market, and contract, you and your Realtor may be able to shorten the inspection period and reduce the amount of time the seller is waiting to know whether you're moving forward.
That does NOT mean skipping an inspection or unnecessarily giving up buyer protections.
It means building an offer strategically.

Your Realtor helps you understand the property, contract, and real estate risks. I make sure your mortgage financing is prepared to support the strategy.

📍 I'm Lisa Stepp-Seritt with Mpire Financial, based in Knoxville, Tennessee. Our team helps homebuyers across multiple states and three time zones.

Thinking about buying?

👇 Comment OFFER or visit LisaStepp.com and let's build your financing strategy before you make the offer.

Next: Part 3 — The Loan Approval Period and why strong financing can help your offer stand out.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity 🏠

Loan approval and terms are subject to qualification, program requirements, property eligibility, and underwriting. Real estate contract terms and practices vary by state and transaction.

10/15/2026

Think you have to be the highest bidder to win a home? Not necessarily.

🏡 Part 1 of my 7 Ways to Build a Stronger Home Offer Without Just Paying More: PRICE WITH A PURPOSE.

Before increasing your offer by $10,000 or $20,000, understand what that does to your monthly payment, cash to close, and overall financing strategy.

Your Realtor knows the property and local market. I help you understand what each option means to your money. Together, we can build an offer strategy that makes sense for YOU.

📍 Based in Knoxville, Tennessee, with a team helping homebuyers across multiple states and three time zones.

Thinking about buying a home?
👇 Comment OFFER or visit LisaStepp.com to start building your financing strategy before you make an offer.

Part 2 tomorrow: The Inspection Period.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity

Loan approval and terms are subject to qualification, program requirements, property eligibility and underwriting. Real estate contract terms and practices vary by state and transaction.

10/14/2026

Calling all short-term rental investors! 🏡 Before you pass on that next property, let’s take another look at the financing.

Some DSCR loan programs use the interest-only payment—plus taxes, insurance, and applicable HOA dues—to calculate the property’s qualifying ratio. That could make a difference.

You can also pay extra toward principal instead of making only the required interest-only payment. More flexibility deserves a closer look at the long-term numbers.

Buying a Smoky Mountain cabin or exploring another investment market? Send me the listing and rental-income information. Let’s compare your options and build your portfolio with a plan!

Visit LisaStepp.com and select “Review My Deal.” You’ll also find calculators, guides, and other helpful tools.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504

Investment properties only. Subject to underwriting and program eligibility. Interest-only payments do not reduce principal; required payments may increase afterward. Prepayment penalties may apply.

10/13/2026

Realtors—before recommending another price reduction, ask: **What’s actually holding the buyer back?** 🏡

The price? The monthly payment? Or the cash needed at closing?

A seller credit may help with eligible closing costs or a mortgage buydown. An overpriced home may still need a price adjustment. The key is knowing which problem you’re solving.

Watch this quick video, then send me your listing and proposed reduction. **Let’s compare the numbers before your seller makes the cut.**

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity.
Seller credits and buydowns are subject to program limits, eligible costs, and approval.

10/08/2026

Lisa Sponaugle Stepp-Seritt

Explore Your Buying Options

10/08/2026

John Collins

Explore Your Buying Options

10/07/2026

Has a credit score stopped a homebuying conversation too soon? 🏡

One of my lending partners now relies on automated underwriting approval instead of a set minimum credit score for eligible conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.

That doesn’t mean everyone qualifies. Exceptions apply—including conventional loans requiring mortgage insurance—and other underwriting requirements must still be met.

📩 BUYERS: Message “FICO” to explore your options.

🤝 REALTORS: Are you receiving Agent Matters? My weekly newsletter brings you financing updates, industry news, and practical ideas to keep clients engaged and help you continue closing business.

Message “AGENT” to get signed up. Have a buyer who’s stuck? Let’s talk through the scenario together.

25 years of mortgage experience—in your corner.
Let’s Stepp Up Your Game!

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity. AUS approval required. Product exceptions apply. All loans subject to credit and underwriting approval.

10/06/2026

Saved for the down payment? Great. But how much will you actually need at closing? 🏡

Your down payment and your cash to close are two different numbers—and understanding both helps you plan with confidence.

Watch as I explain:
✅ What closing costs include
✅ How earnest money gets credited
✅ How seller contributions and lender credits may help
✅ Why you should keep savings available after closing

Your friend’s mortgage numbers aren’t your numbers. Let’s look at yours.

💬 Message me “PLAN” to talk through your down payment, closing costs, and available options.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity. All loans subject to credit and

10/02/2026

Veterans: struggling to find the right home? Your VA benefits may give you more options than you realize. 🇺🇸

Eligible borrowers can explore VA financing to:
🏡 Purchase a home
🔨 Build a new home
🛠️ Buy a home that needs qualifying repairs or improvements

Construction and renovation options depend on the lender, property and program requirements.

I’m Lisa Stepp-Seritt with Mpire Financial. With 25 years of mortgage experience, I help you understand your options and take the next step with confidence—whether you’re exploring Knoxville, East Tennessee or another area where I’m licensed.

Ask me about Stepp Up Housing Rewards, too, and whether you qualify.

📩 DM me “VA” and tell me your goal: BUY, BUILD or RENOVATE. Let’s talk through what could work for you.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Office: 865-352-8222 | Mobile: 518-894-0517

Equal Housing Opportunity. All loans subject to credit, income, eligibility and property approval. Program availability and restrictions apply. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Veterans Affairs or any government agency.

10/01/2026

“I’m waiting for mortgage rates to drop.”

That could make sense—but what if the home you want costs more by then? 🏡

A lower rate is only one piece of the puzzle. The purchase price, rent while you wait, closing costs, and opportunities to negotiate all matter.

In this video, I break down what to compare before you put your homebuying plans on hold—and when waiting may actually help.

Thinking about buying or moving to Tennessee? Let’s look at what makes sense for YOUR budget.

📩 DM me “COMPARE” to start the conversation.

Lisa Stepp-Seritt | NMLS #680403
Mpire Financial | NMLS #2108504
Equal Housing Opportunity. Subject to credit and underwriting approval. Examples are illustrative; future rates, home values, and refinancing are not guaranteed.