Mortgage: The Death Pledge
Mortgage: ‘mortuus’ meaning ‘dead’ and ‘gage’ meaning ‘pledge‘
It seems the hot jobs report released this morning has already run out of steam. The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the delayed January jobs report this morning, showing the surprise addition of 130,000 jobs. That was well below the median forecast of 55,000, but there were again, revisions… So...
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Published on: 2026-02-11
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The Truth About Mortgage
Our borrowers can use IRA funds as income when applying for a mortgage. This financing option opens doors for retirees, self-employed borrowers, and individuals with substantial assets but limited reported income. Borrowers can now use funds from an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to help qualify for a mortgage. These funds can...
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Published on: 2026-02-11
Source:
Mortgage Depot
I came across a chart the other day on Instagram that showed how a 30-year fixed is paid down over time. They chose an interest rate of 6.75% to highlight how slowly a mortgage is repaid over time, with much of the balance only paid off toward the end of...
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Published on: 2026-02-09
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Helen Chang is a dedicated Mortgage Loan Originator with a strong background in lending, banking, and client-focused financial services. With hands-on experience guiding clients from application through closing, she provides tailored mortgage solutions designed to meet both short-term needs and long-term financial goals. Known for her clear communication, responsiveness, and...
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Published on: 2026-02-09
Source:
Mortgage Depot
Seeing that it’s February, I thought I’d take the time to remind everyone that mortgage rates are lowest in the month of February! This is based on my own research in which I took Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) data going back to 1972. I tallied up the...
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Published on: 2026-02-07
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The Truth About Mortgage
Yesterday was a good day for mortgage rates and a very bad day for the stock market. That tends to be how it works because when stocks fall, investors seek the safety of bonds. When more bonds are being scooped up, their associated yield (or interest rate) falls. That’s essentially...
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Published on: 2026-02-06
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
I talk about mortgage rates a lot because I know they are top of mind for home buyers (and existing homeowners). Even if the difference in monthly payment is negligible, consumers seem to be obsessed with mortgage rates. It’s why we see headlines constantly, and weekly surveys, and daily rates...
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Published on: 2026-02-05
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
While last year was the worst year since the GFC in terms of home price growth, 2026 is slated to be another typical UP year for the housing market. Some outlets like Redfin have already referred to it as the “Great Housing Reset,” expecting price normalization as housing affordability finally...
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Published on: 2026-02-04
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
As a reputable mortgage broker, we excel at providing financing for real estate investors who flip properties for a living. We have programs for investors with experience and for those just starting in the business. Below are bullet points about our Fix-and-Flip mortgage program. Loan Amounts Up to $7.5 Million From single-family homes to...
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Published on: 2026-02-04
Source:
Mortgage Depot
It seems like just yesterday we were navigating a government shutdown. In fact, the last one ended on November 12th, 2025, less than three months ago. That was the longest shutdown in U.S. history and disrupted both economic data distribution and mortgages in process. The current one is simply a...
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Published on: 2026-02-03
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
If you’re shopping mortgage rates, here’s a simple tip to make it more advantageous. Ask each lender, broker, bank, etc. for their no-cost option first. This means their lowest interest rate with no lender fees, no points, and nothing rolled into the loan amount. This will give you a clear...
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Published on: 2026-02-02
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Just days after the latest Fed meeting concluded, we have a new Fed chair in former Fed governor Kevin Warsh. Warsh previously served as a Fed governor from 2006 through 2011, the youngest in history, and resigned that March because he was opposed to a second round of Quantitative Easing...
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Published on: 2026-01-30
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
One thing I always hear veteran homeowners say to new home buyers is to open a HELOC as an emergency fund. That way if anything comes up, you’ve got a lifeline to pay for mandatory expenses, whether it’s the power bill or groceries. The general idea is you get a...
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Published on: 2026-01-29
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
During a speech in Iowa yesterday, President Trump once again reiterated his pledge to bring down mortgage interest rates. He also noted that they were already at three-year lows, which has led to a 30% spike in mortgage applications, including a 100% rise in refinancings. Trump has been outspoken on...
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Published on: 2026-01-28
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
The Fed will wrap up its two-day meeting tomorrow, culminating in another rate decision that is overwhelmingly expected to result in zero change. In other words, no rate hike and no rate cut. Just staying the course. At last glance, the odds of the Fed standing pat was 97.2%, per...
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Published on: 2026-01-27
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
We are excited to announce a powerful new conventional cash-out refinance option that allows qualified homeowners to access more of their home equity, up to 90% loan-to-value (LTV), without private mortgage insurance (PMI). This enhanced program is ideal for homeowners looking to consolidate debt, fund renovations, invest, or improve overall cash...
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Published on: 2026-01-27
Source:
Mortgage Depot
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
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
