2 Oct, 2025

We’re two days into the 4th quarter of the 2025, two days into another government shutdown, and… companies are relishing their September numbers. I have been hearing from a few companies that had strong performance in September. For example, Union Home Mortgage has been in the news lately, and the company had a record lock month with over 5,000 units and $1.67 billion over all channels. As we noted here a couple of weeks ago, UHM announced the acquisition of the origination assets of Sierra Pacific, whose lock volume totaled $521 million for the month, so combined that puts UHM with a total of $2.18 billion. (The asset acquisition, led by STRATMOR, became official on October 1st.) Residential lending is always changing, and in The Big Picture, today at noon, PT, Dustin Owen, host of The Loan Officer Podcast, will touch on the potential for Fannie and Freddie re-public offerings, explore how the Trump Administration and FHFA could shift the landscape, and dig into hot-button topics like LO comp, and increasing non-QM production. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s are sponsored by Spring EQ, one of the nation’s leading non-bank home equity lenders, giving partners more ways to serve customers. Known for speed, service, and innovation, Spring EQ makes tapping into home equity easier. Hear an interview with AHMC’s Matthew VanFossen on his new role as Chair of State and Local for MBA, key agenda items, and how people can get involved with advocacy.) Services, Products, Software, and Tools for Lenders and Brokers

1 Oct, 2025

Florida Home Buying: What You Must Know Before You Offer

* **Market Dynamics:** Florida’s housing market is competitive, experiencing fluctuating inventory and price appreciation, though showing signs of stabilization in recent months.
* **Financial Preparedness:** Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Interest rates are elevated compared to recent years, impacting affordability. Understand closing costs, typically 2-5% of the loan amount.
* **Property Taxes & Insurance:** Florida property taxes vary by county and can be higher than in other states. Homeowner’s insurance is significantly more expensive due to hurricane risk. Flood insurance may also be required.
* **Due Diligence:** Conduct thorough inspections (general, wind mitigation, 4-point) to identify potential issues. Understand disclosure requirements, especially related to previous flooding or sinkhole activity.
* **Contract Contingencies:** Common contingencies include financing, appraisal, and inspection. Waiving contingencies can strengthen an offer in a competitive market but increases risk.
* **Geographic Considerations:** Be aware of flood zones, hurricane evacuation routes, and HOA restrictions, which can impact property value and lifestyle. Coastal properties command higher prices but face greater risk.
* **Real Estate Professional:** Work with an experienced Florida real estate agent knowledgeable about local market conditions and legal requirements.
* **Document Review:** Carefully review all documents, including HOA rules, title commitments, and seller disclosures, before making an offer.
* **Average Days on Market:** Monitoring the average days on market (DOM) can provide insight into market speed and negotiation leverage. This has been increasing in certain areas.
* **Price Negotiation:** Be prepared to negotiate the purchase price. Offering price relative to list price varies by region and property type.

1 Oct, 2025

Come on… you don’t believe politics and mortgages are separate? Look at politicized government housing agencies: whoever is running HUD, whether it is Bill Pulte or Scott Turner, posted this note on the website. Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that all we had in the news were tariffs and Fed Governor Lisa Cook? (By the way, all the living Fed Chairs have come out in favor of Federal Reserve independence and against the firing. And mortgage occupancy fraud involving her and President Trump’s cabinet members? Here’s the latest.) Starting today, the shutdown has necessitated a furlough of certain federal employees and significant curtailment of certain operations requiring agency staff intervention or action at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Agriculture. National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) authorities have expired today. The MBA continues to advocate for an extension of NFIP’s authority to avoid disruptions to the housing market, including joining other trade groups in a letter to Congressional leadership. (Today’s podcast can be found here and this week’s are sponsored by Spring EQ, one of the nation’s leading non-bank home equity lenders, giving partners more ways to serve customers. Known for speed, service, and innovation, Spring EQ makes tapping into home equity easier. Hear an interview with Spring EQ’s Reno Heine on when and why loan originators should consider HELOC and HELOAN products for clients, key factors in choosing between them, and the future outlook for second mortgages.)