S & K Mortgage Team

06/06/2026

06/05/2026

Facts of Life: Midwest Storm Season and Home Insurance.

Today, we are going to talk about the facts of life in real estate. Not the awkward school version. The grown-up version with homeowners insurance, roof age, deductibles, and the Midwest’s favorite uninvited guest: severe weather.

We may not deal with hurricanes here in the Midwest, but we know tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, heavy rain, and roof claims. Around here, Mother Nature does not need an appointment to inspect shingles.

That is why insurance should be part of the home-buying conversation early. A buyer can love the home, the kitchen, the yard, and the neighborhood, but the final monthly payment still must make sense. Homeowners insurance can affect that payment, and in some cases, it can affect loan approval or closing timing.

For buyers, this means getting an insurance quote early. Do not wait until the end of the deal to find out what coverage costs. Also ask about wind and hail deductibles, roof coverage, and whether the policy pays replacement cost or actual cash value.
For sellers, this means knowing your roof age, roof material, claim history, and whether there has been past storm damage. A clean insurance story can help make your listing easier to explain and easier to finance.

For homeowners, storm season is a good reminder to review your policy before the sirens go off. Check your deductible, take updated photos of your home, and make sure you know what is covered. It is not the most exciting weekend activity, but it beats searching for paperwork during a thunderstorm.

The real estate market is not always simple, but good planning helps. When buyers, agents, lenders, and insurance professionals talk early, there are fewer surprises later. And in real estate, fewer surprises are almost always a good thing.

Have a buyer or listing where insurance, payment, or pre-approval needs a second look? I am happy to help.

06/05/2026

Clear communication matters. Especially when the clock is ticking. Buying a home already has enough moving parts. Borrowers should not have to chase answers or decode vague updates.

Local guidance from Global State Mortgage brings clarity, accountability, and real support when it matters most.

05/29/2026

Markets Are Taking the Scenic Route This Summer.

As we head into summer vacation season, the markets are acting a little like a family road trip: the destination looks promising, but there may be a few detours, snack stops, and “are we there yet?” moments along the way.

Stocks had a strong month, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching new highs. That is a good sign that investors still feel confident about company earnings, especially in the technology sector. But the bond and energy markets are still dealing with some bumpy roads because of ongoing tensions overseas.

Oil prices remain one of the biggest things to watch. When oil stays high, it can keep inflation concerns alive. And when inflation worries rise, mortgage rates can feel the pressure too.

The good news? The Federal Reserve does not appear eager to overreact to short-term energy price spikes. That may help keep mortgage rates from moving sharply higher unless global tensions get worse.

So, what does this mean for real estate?
Buyers may still need a good plan, a solid pre-approval, and realistic numbers before they start shopping. Sellers should understand that today’s buyers are watching monthly payments closely. And agents who can educate clients clearly will stand out.

Think of it this way: in this market, the best clients are not just packed for the beach. They are packed with information.

And yes, sunscreen helps too.

Have questions about how today’s mortgage rate environment could affect your buyers, sellers, or listing strategy? I am always happy to be a resource.

05/28/2026

This week on Sake & Hot Tubs, Lisa and Fred take on a deeply personal — and incredibly important — topic: divorce.

As two people who have both lived through it, they talk honestly about how difficult it can be to balance the emotional side of divorce while still making smart business and financial decisions for your future.

Lisa also shares insight from her role as a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®) — a specialized certification that helps divorcing individuals navigate the complex intersection of mortgage financing, real estate, and divorce strategy. From protecting long-term financial stability to understanding housing options during a major life transition, this expertise can make a huge difference during an already overwhelming time.

This episode is thoughtful, practical, and rooted in real-life experience — for anyone trying to stay afloat while rebuilding what comes next.
https://www.sakeandhottubs.com/s1e22-divorce-decisions-and-staying-afloat/

This week on Sake & Hot Tubs , Lisa and Fred take on a deeply personal — and incredibly important — topic: divorce. As two people who have both lived through it, th…

05/27/2026

Simplicity Creates Momentum
The Law of Three is not about thinking small. It’s about creating focus.

When everything is important, nothing is. But when you narrow your plan to three strategies, three goals, and three relationships, it becomes easier to remember, easier to execute, and easier to track.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/law-three-why-focus-beats-busy-every-time-fred-kreger-4hrwc

05/26/2026

A quiet truth about divorce settlements:

The largest asset on the marital balance sheet is almost always the home. And the largest unmanaged risk in the settlement is almost always — the home.

Not because anyone is being careless. Because the home sits at an intersection most divorce teams aren't built to cover on their own: family law, tax planning, mortgage qualification, title, credit, and timing. Miss one, and language gets written that won't fund.

This is the lane I work in.

As a Certified Divorce Lending Professional (CDLP®), here's what I bring to your team:

• Buy-out and refinance scenarios modeled before settlement language is locked
• Mortgage qualification stress-tested against the actual decree
• Title, credit, and fraud exposure flagged early — not discovered later
• A coordinated handoff with the financial and tax professionals
• A housing plan the client can actually live in post-decree

The Divorce Lending Association calls this a "settlement-ready" approach. I call it the difference between a decree that closes and a decree that holds.

If you're building a divorce team and the home is on the list — there's a seat for me. Reach out directly and let's set up a conversation. I'll show you exactly how I integrate into your existing workflow.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is traditionally celebrated with cookouts and parties, and often signifies the beginning of summer. It’s important, however, to respect and observe the actual meaning of Memorial Day, which is a National Day of Mourning honoring those who have died serving the U.S. Armed Forces. It’s important to remember that for many, this is a tough day. It’s difficult to raise a glass, light off fireworks, and smile with the crowd when the observance hits close to home.

05/23/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, let’s pause before we talk markets.

This weekend is more than cookouts, lake days, and wondering who forgot the hamburger buns. It is a time to honor the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. Their sacrifice gives us the freedom to build homes, serve our communities, raise families, and chase the American dream.

Now, the market update.
Global markets opened on Friday, watching renewed talks between the United States and Iran. There are signs of progress toward a possible ceasefire, but key issues remain. The Strait of Hormuz is still a major concern because it is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. When oil prices rise, inflation worries often rise too.

Why does that matter for housing?
The good news: oil prices pulled back, and markets welcomed signs that diplomacy may prevent further escalation. The caution: markets remain sensitive to headlines, energy prices, debt levels, and Federal Reserve comments.

For buyers, strategy matters.
For sellers, pricing matters.
For agents, calm guidance matters.

As we honor Memorial Day, I am reminded that home is one of the most meaningful words in America. It is where freedom is lived every day.

Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day weekend.

05/22/2026

Online lending can look fast and easy—until the offer is on the line, the clock is ticking, and nobody is answering the phone.

A strong local lender brings real communication, market knowledge, agent relationships, and accountability from pre-approval to closing.

When it matters most, local wins.