Wine & Keys: Building Your Credit Today to Buy in 2026

Are you thinking about buying a home in 2026? 🏡 The steps you take today with your credit and finances can unlock your future keys. Join us for an afternoon of education, wine, and networking designed to help you prepare for homeownership the right way.

This isn’t your average seminar — we’ve partnered with The Wine Concierge to bring a curated wine tasting experience that pairs perfectly with practical tips from our real estate, lending, credit, and title experts.

What You’ll Learn

• Credit Building Strategies — how to raise your score, avoid myths, and create a 12–18 month action plan (Ronda Brunson, Ms. B Credit Queen)
• Financing 101 — how your credit impacts interest rates, down payments, and buying power (Jacob Rossman, Cazle Mortgage)
• Closing Costs Explained — what they are, how much to budget, and how to avoid last-minute surprises (Olivia Lucas, Lawyer Express Title)
• The 2026 Buyer Roadmap — rent vs. buy, the step-by-step timeline, market outlook, and first-time buyer mistakes to avoid (Coby Smith, Chateau Seekers at Keller Williams Capital Properties)

Why Attend?

✅ Discover what it takes to be ready to buy in 2026

✅ Enjoy a guided wine tasting while you learn

✅ Connect directly with trusted professionals (credit counselor, lender, title rep, realtor)

✅ Leave with resources, checklists, and the option to schedule a free 1:1 consultation

Agenda Snapshot

• 1:00 PM – Check-in & Networking
• 1:20 PM – Welcome & Introductions
• Rotating Wine Tastings + Expert Presentations
• 3:00 PM – Networking Break
• 4:00 PM – Closing

🎟 Seats are limited — RSVP today to secure your spot.

Info: Theme: Building credit = building buying power

- How scores are calculated (payment history, utilization, age, etc.)

- Quick wins vs. long-term strategies (disputes, debt management, utilization hacks)

- Common myths: closing cards, paying off collections, etc.

- How to raise your score over 12–24 months (example: 640 → 700+)

- Offer: 1:1 credit analysis / consultation sign-up at event

Info: Theme: From credit to pre-approval

- How credit score affects interest rate, monthly payment, and buying power

- Minimum score requirements for FHA, VA, Conventional, etc.

- Why stable employment and consistent savings are key

- Down payment strategies (3%, 5%, 20%) + assistance programs

- What to start gathering now (pay stubs, tax returns, savings history)

- Offer: pre-approval planning session or soft-pull credit analysis

Info: Theme: The Market, The Timeline, and The Plan: How to Buy Smart in 2026

- Rent vs. Buy

- Step-by-step timeline: credit → pre-approval → house hunting → closing

- What to expect at each stage of the process

- What’s happening now in the local market (inventory, pricing, rates)

- First-Time Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

- Offer: 1:1 Buyer Consultation & Buyer Guide

Info: Theme: Closing costs and protecting your future purchase

- What title insurance is and why it matters (protects your investment)

- Typical closing cost range in MD/DC (2–4% of purchase price)

- Hidden fees buyers forget to budget for (taxes, escrows, transfer fees)

- Why early planning helps — avoiding surprises at closing

- Offer: closing cost worksheet + Q&A session

Also check out other Food & Drink events in Middle River, Workshops in Middle River.