Mortgage: The Death Pledge
Mortgage: ‘mortuus’ meaning ‘dead’ and ‘gage’ meaning ‘pledge‘
In case you’re unaware, mortgage lenders pull a tri-merge credit report when you apply for a mortgage, whether it’s for a home purchase or a refinance. The general thought is that a home loan is a very large loan and the more data, the better. This means gathering credit history...
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Published on: 2025-12-23
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
I already compiled and posted my annual list of 2026 mortgage rate predictions. But one more mortgage rate prediction just dropped, and it’s a doozy. Yes, I’m being mostly facetious, but I still have to report it and let you digest it as you will. It came during President Trump’s...
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Published on: 2025-12-18
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
Just when you thought all the mortgage M&A was done for the year, one last one snuck in. Well, there are actually two more weeks in the year, so maybe I shouldn’t call it just yet. But the latest one involves the nation’s largest mortgage lender and a big time...
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Published on: 2025-12-17
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
One of the biggest potential movers for mortgage rates is the monthly jobs report. However, the one released today was a little weird because it arrived on a Tuesday in the third week of the month. It’s supposed to arrive on the first Friday of the month, but the government...
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Published on: 2025-12-16
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Hard to believe it’s that time of the year again, but here we are in mid-December. Who’s ready for the 2026 mortgage rate predictions? Ready or not, everyone is beginning to weigh in and that means I need to as well. Before I do, let’s take a second to look...
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Published on: 2025-12-15
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the new FHA loan limits for calendar year 2026 today. As you probably expected, they have risen from 2025 thanks to continued home price appreciation on a national basis. The new “floor” limit, which is the minimum even if it exceeds...
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Published on: 2025-12-11
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
It’s been a weird few weeks for mortgage rates. The 30-year fixed rose about a quarter-percent going into the Fed’s latest cut, driven by hawkish sentiment. In short, that we were getting close to the Fed’s terminal rate (as low as they go) and that future cuts might not materialize....
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Published on: 2025-12-11
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
A reader just told me that he was able to get a client approved for a refinance with a sub-500 FICO score. And this is a conforming loan, those backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. For reference, the pair up until very recently required a minimum 620 FICO score...
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Published on: 2025-12-10
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
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
Lately, there’s been a funny thing where the Fed gets together, decides to cut rates, and then mortgage rates jump. It has confused a lot of people who mistakenly think the Fed sets mortgage rates. In reality, the Fed simply sets its own short-term rate called the federal funds rate,...
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Published on: 2025-12-09
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
The mortgage and real estate industry is no stranger to disruptors, especially over the past few years as scores of companies have tried to change the way we buy, sell, and obtain a home loan. One of the latest examples is “Tomo Mortgage” a venture-backed fintech with some big-name founders...
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Published on: 2025-12-08
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
Just when you thought the 50-year mortgage debate was over, the CEO of the nation’s top mortgage lender has chimed in on the topic. Yes, I know it’s been discussed ad nauseam, but I guess we have to keep talking about it now. United Wholesale Mortgage’s CEO Mat Ishbia is...
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Published on: 2025-12-04
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
We’ve got about 30 days left in the year before we ring in 2026. In my 2025 mortgage rate predictions post, I called for a 5.875% 30-year fixed by the fourth quarter. That hasn’t been delivered, yet, but there is still time, and a decent amount of it to boot....
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Published on: 2025-12-03
Source:
The Truth About Mortgage
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
We offer a non-QM mortgage loan for DACA recipients. These individuals are allowed with a valid EAD card reflecting C33 status. Brief description of the DACA mortgage program. Up to 90 LTV Loan amounts to $3.5MM Bank Statements, Full Documentation, 1099 Only, P&L Only and Investor Cash Flow. Fixed Rate,...
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Published on: 2025-10-24
Source:
Mortgage Depot