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.)

30 Sep, 2025

* **Florida’s median home price was approximately $420,000 in late 2023/early 2024.** Fluctuations occur based on location and property type.
* **Pre-approval is crucial:** Obtain mortgage pre-approval *before* house hunting to determine affordability and strengthen offers.
* **Realtor representation is highly recommended:** Buyers’ agents typically work on commission paid by the seller.
* **Offer negotiation is common:** Expect counteroffers, and be prepared to adjust your initial bid.
* **Earnest money deposit:** Typically 1-3% of the purchase price, held in escrow.
* **Inspection period:** Usually 10-15 days to conduct inspections (home, wind mitigation, four-point).
* **Wind mitigation inspection can significantly reduce insurance costs:** Focusing on roof, openings, and structural integrity.
* **Title insurance:** Protects against title defects or legal issues.
* **Closing costs:** Typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount, including lender fees, title fees, and taxes.
* **Florida is a “buyer beware” state:** Thorough due diligence is crucial.
* **Property taxes in Florida average around 0.98%:** but vary by county.
* **Homestead exemption:** Available to Florida residents, reduces taxable value by up to $50,000.
* **Condominium ownership involves specific regulations:** Review condo documents carefully.

30 Sep, 2025

“Why do millennials think the government saved their lives? Because they are indebted to it forever.” Here in Colorado, the United States federal government owns more than a third of Colorado land. Quick, build subdivisions! But the federal government is in the news for another reason. Either I’m getting older, or these budget stalemates seem to come more often every year. Furloughed people don’t buy houses, some may not make their mortgage payments, and hundreds of thousands of federal employees will be furloughed if additional funding cannot be approved. Lenders are on alert, of course, and there are more details in the Capital Markets section below. Meanwhile, LOs are just trying to keep up on trends and in today’s Mortgage with Millennials at 1PM ET, sponsored by Tidalwave, the hosts sit down with Bradley Clerkin, Head of AI at ThoughtFocus, and Jayendran GS of Prudent AI, to explore how stronger data pipelines, compliance-ready models, and borrower-facing innovations are transforming underwriting, risk management, and the customer experience. And at 2PM ET, the hosts are joined by Liz Green and Michael Simmons on Mortgage Pros 411 to discuss appraisal trends. (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 a discussion between Robbie and Rob Chrisman about what lenders are seeing.)

29 Sep, 2025

Florida mortgage rates, like national trends, are sensitive to economic factors such as inflation and Federal Reserve policy. Recent inflation data exceeding expectations has put upward pressure on rates. As of late 2023 and early 2024, mortgage rates hovered between 6-7%, impacting affordability in the Florida housing market, where prices remain relatively high. Experts predict continued volatility with potential for increases if inflation persists or the Fed adopts a more hawkish stance. Demand remains a key factor; strong demand coupled with limited inventory could prevent significant rate decreases. Potential homebuyers should monitor economic indicators closely and consider locking in rates during dips to mitigate future increases.

29 Sep, 2025

Here in Colorado, banking, credit unions, and independent mortgage banks are a solid part of the economic fabric. LOs here and everywhere are scrambling to add value and educate their borrowers and referral partners ahead of a potential federal shut down tomorrow night. For those who want to know how Colorado, or any state, is doing this year origination-wise, the CFPB rides to the rescue with current nationwide and state-level stats. Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research (ESR) Group projects Single-family mortgage origination activity at $1.85 trillion in 2025 and $2.32 trillion in 2026, with the refinance share to rise from 26 percent in 2025 to 35 percent in 2026 on the lower mortgage rate outlook; New and existing home sales to total 4.72 million in 2025 and 5.16 million in 2026. Loan originators also care about trends in rentals, and on a more granular level, a story from the apartment building side of things from San Francisco reports that a huge owner of apartments is in default. If true, that’s not good. (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 NEO Home Loans Ryan Grant on a growing shift in the mortgage industry as originators seek platforms that offer true operational control, pricing transparency, and long-term business support, delivering on promises the traditional broker model often fails to keep.)

28 Sep, 2025

* **High Demand, Limited Inventory:** Florida continues to experience strong demand for housing, fueled by population growth and migration. Inventory remains relatively low in many markets, driving up prices.
* **Population Growth:** Florida’s population is steadily increasing, adding over 300,000 residents between 2022 and 2023 (U.S. Census Bureau). This growth creates sustained demand for housing.
* **Price Appreciation:** While price growth has cooled compared to the peak of 2021-2022, median home prices remain elevated in many areas. Some markets may see further appreciation while others stabilize or experience modest declines.
* **Rising Insurance Costs:** Property insurance rates are a significant concern, impacting affordability and investment returns. Some areas face significantly higher premiums than others.
* **Rental Market Dynamics:** Strong rental demand persists, especially in urban areas and near employment centers. Investors are focusing on rental properties to capitalize on income generation.
* **Geographic Disparities:** The real estate market varies significantly across Florida. Coastal areas, cities, and retirement destinations have different dynamics compared to inland and rural regions.
* **Investment Strategies:** Strategies to consider are fix-and-flips, buy-and-hold rentals, and diversification in different Florida markets.
* **Economic Factors:** Interest rate changes, inflation, and overall economic conditions affect the real estate market. Monitoring these factors is crucial for making informed investment decisions.
* **Short-Term Rental Regulations:** Varying city and county short-term rental rules affect profitability. Some jurisdictions have strict regulations, while others are more lenient.
* **Focus on Affordability:** Investors are increasingly seeking opportunities in areas with more affordable housing options to cater to a wider range of buyers and renters.

27 Sep, 2025

Florida property taxes are a significant cost for homebuyers. The average effective property tax rate in Florida is roughly 0.80-0.97%, lower than the national average, but varies significantly by county. Homestead exemption offers a tax break on primary residences, reducing taxable value by up to $50,000. Assessments are based on fair market value as of January 1st each year. Tax rates (millage rates) are set by local governments. Save Our Homes assessment limitation caps annual increases in assessed value for homesteaded properties at 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), whichever is lower. New construction and properties that have changed ownership are reassessed at market value. Buyers should research current and historical tax rates for their desired location and estimate future tax liability. Certain exemptions are available for seniors, disabled persons, and veterans. Property tax bills are typically mailed in November and discounts are offered for early payment.

26 Sep, 2025

Florida’s housing market is competitive, requiring strategic selling approaches. Key facts:

* **Inventory:** Florida’s housing inventory remains relatively low compared to historical averages, creating a seller’s market in many areas.
* **Median Sale Price:** The median sale price in Florida varies significantly by region but has generally increased year-over-year, albeit at a slower pace than recent years.
* **Days on Market (DOM):** DOM has increased in some markets, indicating buyers are taking more time to decide. Strategically priced homes sell faster.
* **Staging:** Professionally staged homes can sell for up to 5% more than non-staged homes, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
* **Marketing:** High-quality professional photography and virtual tours are essential. Listings with these features attract more online views.
* **Negotiation:** Understanding current market trends allows for confident and effective negotiation. Being prepared to offer seller concessions, such as covering closing costs or offering home warranties, can attract buyers.
* **Seasonality:** Sales activity often peaks in spring and summer.
* **Interest Rates:** Fluctuating interest rates impact affordability and buyer demand.
* **Cash Buyers:** A significant percentage of Florida transactions involve cash buyers, offering quick closings but potentially lower offers.
* **Property Type:** Condominiums, single-family homes, and waterfront properties show varying levels of demand and appreciation depending on the location.