Mortgage: The Death Pledge
Mortgage: ‘mortuus’ meaning ‘dead’ and ‘gage’ meaning ‘pledge‘
So I’ve had this article idea on my desktop since November 2024. It was an empty Word document simply titled “LLPA-free refinance.” It was something I was thinking about for a long time because often a rate and term refinance won’t pencil (make sense financially) unless there’s a certain interest...
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Published on: 2026-01-22
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Welp, the same movie we saw last year is back in theatres for 2026! And mortgage rates are going to be on a wild ride once again. On Monday, President Trump threatened tariffs on several European countries for not giving him Greenland. Then backed off yesterday, announcing he wouldn’t follow...
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Published on: 2026-01-22
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
If you’ve ever compared mortgage rates, you may have come across some strange numbers along the way. Or perhaps some really specific numbers with multiple decimal places. For example, 5.745% instead of say 5.75%, or 5.99% instead of 6%. It probably seems overly granular and hard to make sense of....
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Published on: 2026-01-21
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Well that didn’t take long… We’re only 20 days into the New Year and mortgage rates have already completed a nice little round trip. Less than two weeks ago, the 30-year fixed averaged 6.21% before the Trump admin unveiled a new MBS buying proposal to lower mortgage rates. Rates duly...
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Published on: 2026-01-20
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Lately, I’ve seen countless posts on social media from homeowners complaining that their escrow account is short. And that their monthly housing payments will need to go up X dollars per month to cover the shortfall. It’s either being driven by rising property taxes or higher insurance premiums. Or in some...
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Published on: 2026-01-20
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Everything has been coming up roses for mortgage rates in 2026, but that could soon change if the Greenland situation spirals out of control. At the moment, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are hovering around 6%, which is basically a three-year low. That led to a surge in home loan applications...
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Published on: 2026-01-19
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
At last glance, the 30-year fixed was back in the 6% range, rising from a brief spell in the 5s after news broke that Fannie and Freddie would buy mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Trump’s plan for the pair to buy $200 billion in MBS sent mortgage rates down last Friday to...
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Published on: 2026-01-16
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
The new Bilt cards have finally been unveiled, and while there are a lot of details, I’m going to focus on the mortgage piece. There are three versions of the card and they all have the capability of earning points for paying your mortgage each month. However, to actually earn...
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Published on: 2026-01-15
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
DSCR Investor 40-Year Loan Programs Now Available at MortgageDepot As investor needs continue to evolve, long-term financing options with aggressive qualification standards are more important than ever. Our Investor (DSCR) program delivers precisely that. What Is the Investor (DSCR) Loan? Our Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) Investor program allows borrowers...
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Published on: 2026-01-14
Source:
Mortgage Depot
By now you’ve likely heard of mortgage rate lock-in. It’s the theory that homeowners won’t move if they have mortgage rates well below prevailing market rates. For example, a homeowner with a sub-3% mortgage rate is less likely to sell, all else equal, if rates are currently 6%. And guess...
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Published on: 2026-01-14
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
A major mortgage lender has announced it will allow crypto to be used for mortgage approvals, without the need for liquidation. This has been a sticking point for those with sizable crypto holdings who still want to take advantage of a traditional mortgage. While they could sell their holdings and...
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Published on: 2026-01-13
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
One of the key ways to track mortgage rates is to look at the 10-year bond yield. It acts as a bellwether for 30-year fixed mortgage rates because most home loans only last for about a decade. They are typically paid off ahead of time, whether it’s due to a...
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Published on: 2026-01-12
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
I wanted to wait until today to weigh in on the new plan for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase MBS to see where the chips fell. And it looks like what I expected, an improvement of .125% to .25% in 30-year fixed mortgage rates thus far. Trump announced...
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Published on: 2026-01-09
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Sometimes, a borrower may owe back taxes to the IRS; having an IRS installment agreement (or one that’s still pending approval) doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting a mortgage. However, it does require specific underwriting calculations that we must apply to ensure accurate debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Here’s How It Works...
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Published on: 2025-12-17
Source:
Mortgage Depot
Our Bridge Loan Program provides short-term financing for real estate investors and homeowners. Now available in both 1st- and 2nd-lien positions for standalone transactions, this program makes property transitions smooth and efficient. A $149 monthly bridge servicing fee begins after closing and continues only until the loan is fully paid off....
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Published on: 2025-12-10
Source:
Mortgage Depot
When disasters strike, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or severe storms, they don’t just damage property; they disrupt lives. We’re here to help rebuild hope. That’s why we’re proud to offer a special mortgage program designed specifically for borrowers impacted by federally declared disasters. Whether your clients lost their home or their...
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Published on: 2025-12-03
Source:
Mortgage Depot
When it comes to mortgage financing, not all loan programs treat credit challenges the same way. One area where this is especially true is how judgments are handled. We’re breaking down the rules for Conventional vs. FHA loans when a borrower has outstanding judgments. Conventional Loans: Strict Requirements For Conventional...
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Published on: 2025-11-19
Source:
Mortgage Depot
Nigel Hypolite is a highly analytical and client-focused Mortgage Loan Officer based in Houston, Texas. Known for his strong communication, problem-solving abilities, and exceptional attention to detail, Nigel empowers homebuyers with clear guidance and confidence throughout the mortgage process. With extensive experience in mortgage lending, community development, and grant program...
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Published on: 2025-11-12
Source:
Mortgage Depot
We stay up-to-date on the latest lending updates, so our clients and partners can move with confidence. Fannie Mae has just announced exciting changes that will take effect for loans registered on or after November 16, 2025. These updates are to expand access to financing while making the credit evaluation...
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Published on: 2025-11-07
Source:
Mortgage Depot
Our Commercial Bridge Loan Program is here to help you move quickly and strategically. We now proudly offer bridge financing from $1 million to $10 million for purchase or refinance transactions. With 2- and 3-year interest-only terms, high LTVs, and competitive rates starting at 9.500%, our program delivers the creativity...
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Published on: 2025-10-30
Source:
Mortgage Depot
For some families, foster care income is a vital and reliable source of household income. But when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage, the rules for how this income can be used differ depending on whether you’re applying for a conventional loan or an FHA loan. Here’s what you...
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Published on: 2025-10-29
Source:
Mortgage Depot