Mortgage: The Death Pledge

Mortgage: ‘mortuus’ meaning ‘dead’ and ‘gage’ meaning ‘pledge

There isn’t much on the economic calendar this week, meaning mortgage rates will likely print flat. This differs from last week, when we managed to pack a ton of labor data into a holiday-shortened week. The good news (for mortgage rates) is the labor market showed signs of weakness, though... Read more
Published on: 2026-07-06
I said it was going to be a big week for mortgage rates and it didn’t disappoint. But oddly, mortgage rates shot up for a reason unrelated to jobs data. It was words from new Fed chair Kevin Warsh that caused rates to jump yesterday. Today, they will likely ease... Read more
Published on: 2026-07-02
Be careful what you wish for when you nominate someone to accomplish a specific task. It’s no secret that President Donald Trump selected Kevin Warsh as Fed chair to cut rates, something he hoped would lead to lower mortgage rates as well. But thus far, Kevin Warsh has done more... Read more
Published on: 2026-07-01
Real estate investors often choose to purchase and hold rental properties through a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for liability protection, partnership structures, and easier management of multiple investment assets. However, conventional mortgage programs can make it difficult for LLCs with several members to qualify for financing. Our DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio)... Read more
Published on: 2026-07-01
Source: Mortgage Depot
Looking for mortgage rate relief? It could come without any further improvement in bond yields. Instead, Basel re-proposal, which boils down to improved bank capital requirements, could push rates lower as banks increase their appetite for mortgages. But not all borrowers would benefit equally. Those who could muster large down... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-30
If you’re watching mortgage rates, keep a close eye on the abundance of jobs data being released this week. There are three key reports being released, including the all-important Employment Situation on Thursday, a day early due to the July 4th holiday. We’ve also got the job openings report Tuesday... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-29
A while back I noted that mortgage rates were trending higher. This was after a long period of trending lower. It was effectively a switch in direction. And a notable one because we were seeing lower and lower interest rates before an abrupt shift higher, driven by the unexpected strikes... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-25
Maybe the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is the ticket to lower mortgage rates. After all, that is essentially what caused them to jump about 75 basis points since the end of February. There was really no other explanation for the abrupt rise in mortgage rates over the past... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-24
Wedding Gifts May Be Considered Acceptable Mortgage Funds Many borrowers receive substantial monetary gifts from family and friends during wedding celebrations. One common concern borrowers have is whether those large deposits can be used toward a mortgage transaction. The good news is that in many cases, funds received as wedding... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-24
Source: Mortgage Depot
I’ve seen a lot of articles lately talking about how you can still get a sub-6% mortgage rate, despite the recent uptick. We had 5% mortgage rates as recently as early March, but then they climbed back above 6.5% due to the conflict with Iran. They’ve kind of been stuck... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-23
Marina Tsydendambaeva is a dedicated Mortgage Loan Originator who is passionate about helping individuals and families navigate the home financing process with confidence. She believes that every client deserves personalized guidance, clear communication, and a mortgage solution that aligns with their unique financial goals. Drawing from her background in real... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-18
Source: Mortgage Depot
Unfortunately, many conventional mortgage programs leave borrowers behind after a bankruptcy, foreclosure, or major credit event. Conventional lenders often require lengthy waiting periods that can prevent borrowers from purchasing or refinancing when they are financially ready to proceed. We offer Non-QM Second Chance financing solutions for borrowers who need another... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-17
Source: Mortgage Depot
Mortgage rates got a little boost today thanks to an apparent peace deal between the U.S. and Iran. However, the 30-year fixed remains well above the average seen before the war began a few months ago. At last glance, it was still priced about 5/8 higher than where it stood... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-15
A new Reuters poll conducted between June 1st and June 11th revealed that housing experts expect elevated mortgage rates through at least 2028. The survey found that the median forecast for the popular loan type is 6.4% for the third quarter of this year and 6.3% for the fourth quarter.... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-11
It feels like we’re repeating history, and not the pleasant kind. Inflation readings came in at their worst since 2023, which incidentally was when the 30-year fixed seemed to peak this cycle around 8%. But this time around, mortgage rates are holding steady, seemingly undeterred by the rapid price increases.... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-10
With mortgage rates above 6.50% these days, the average home buyer today actually pays more in interest than the purchase price. For example, a $400,000 home with 20% down and a 6.5% interest rate equates to $408,000 in total interest over 30 years. And that’s if you put down 20%.... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-09
For self-employed borrowers, access to business funds can be a valuable resource when purchasing or refinancing a home. These funds are often used for down payments, closing costs, or reserve requirements. However, conventional mortgage guidelines require lenders to carefully evaluate whether withdrawing funds from a business could negatively impact its... Read more
Published on: 2026-06-03
Source: Mortgage Depot
Ilya Simkin is a licensed Mortgage Loan Originator and real estate professional with a strong background in sales, business development, and client relationship management. With years of experience working in competitive real estate markets, he brings a strategic and client-focused approach to helping borrowers achieve their homeownership and investment goals.... Read more
Published on: 2026-05-26
Source: Mortgage Depot
Student loan debt is one of the most common concerns we hear from borrowers. Each mortgage agency calculates student loan debt differently. Here’s what you need to know. Fannie Mae Student Loan Guidelines Under Fannie Mae, if a student loan payment is not reflected on the credit report or is... Read more
Published on: 2026-05-20
Source: Mortgage Depot
In today’s mortgage landscape, it’s easy to assume that Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA all underwrite loans the same way. On the surface, their guidelines may look increasingly similar, but when you dig into the details, important differences still exist. These nuances can make or break an approval, especially for self-employed... Read more
Published on: 2026-05-13
Source: Mortgage Depot
Needing funds to improve your home… but having little or no equity, our Home Improvement Loan program is your answer. Most home financing options, cash-out refinances, HELOCs, and second mortgages are all based on one key factor: equity. If you don’t have enough equity, you’re usually out of options. Our Home Improvement Loans are different. No LTV... Read more
Published on: 2026-05-05
Source: Mortgage Depot