Author: Kevin Martini

Kevin Martini (NMLS 143962) is a Certified Mortgage Advisor and Producing Branch Manager at Martini Mortgage Group at Rate in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since 2006, he has originated more than $1 billion in home loans and helped families across Raleigh, the Triangle and North Carolina use their mortgage as a tool to build long-term wealth. Kevin's philosophy is simple: any mortgage company will tell you what you CAN do, but very few will help you understand what you SHOULD do. That's why he built Martini Mortgage Group on a Strategy Before Structure approach. Every home loan is designed around the client's full financial picture, short- and long-term goals, and total cost of borrowing, not just today's rate. Because the team's Certified Mortgage Advisors and Mortgage Strategists are paid a salary rather than 100% commission, their fiduciary-style advice focuses on what's best for the client before, during and long after closing, with the goal of helping families grow their wealth, reduce debt and plan for a debt-free retirement. Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management from Nova Southeastern University's Huizenga School of Business & Entrepreneurship. He hosts the Martini Mortgage Podcast, with more than 250 episodes, and shares mortgage strategy and market news on Instagram (@KevinMartiniLive) and YouTube (@MartiniMortgage).

  • Mortgage Rates Above 7 Percent: Why Your Lender Matters

    ByKevin Martini

    Mortgage rates above 7% make choosing the right Raleigh mortgage lender more important because your lender decision affects more than today’s rate. Kevin Martini of Martini Mortgage Group help North Carolina homebuyers evaluate the total cost of borrowing, including points, loan structure, and future refinance opportunities. Your mortgage servicer may change after closing, but ongoing mortgage management can help you evaluate when keeping, refinancing, or restructuring your mortgage makes financial sense.

  • Seller Credit vs Price Cut Raleigh: 3 Truths Before Buying

    ByKevin Martini

    Seller credit vs price cut Raleigh: for most first-time buyers, a $10,000 seller credit is worth more than a $10,000 price reduction. On a $430,000 Wake County home with 5% down, the price cut saves about $63 a month, while the credit covers most closing costs on day one. Logan Martini of Martini Mortgage Group show the three exceptions that flip the answer. Those are the 3% conventional cap under 10% down, credits larger than real closing costs, and a low appraisal. With 66.3% of Raleigh-area sales including a concession in August 2026, sellers in Cary, Apex, and Garner are already saying yes to this ask.

  • NC Home Advantage Mortgage: 2026 Guide for NC Buyers

    ByKevin Martini

    NC Home Advantage Mortgage financing can help eligible North Carolina homebuyers purchase a primary residence with a 30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA, USDA, or eligible conventional…