Elizabeth Aldape - Mortgage Loan Officer - NMLS #1711974

11/02/2026

🏡 HIGHER INTEREST RATES MIGHT ACTUALLY WORK IN YOUR FAVOR… HERE’S WHY!

I know, I know… nobody gets excited about higher interest rates. 😂 But hear me out!

While everyone is waiting for rates to come down, there may be opportunities happening in today’s market that buyers shouldn’t overlook.

Here’s how higher rates can actually benefit you:

💰 1. Less competition: When rates are higher, some buyers sit on the sidelines. That can mean fewer competing offers and less pressure to get into a bidding war.

🤝 2. More negotiating power: Sellers may be more willing to negotiate on price, contribute toward closing costs, or offer money toward an interest rate buydown.

🏡 3. Potentially better purchase prices: Less buyer demand can create opportunities to negotiate a better deal instead of competing in an overheated market.

📉 4. You can refinance later: If rates improve in the future, you may have the opportunity to refinance. But remember, refinancing isn’t guaranteed, and it comes with costs and qualification requirements.

Here’s what I want buyers to understand:

You can negotiate the purchase price TODAY. You cannot negotiate yesterday’s purchase price tomorrow.

Sometimes buying strategically in a higher-rate environment can put you in a better position than waiting for everyone else to jump back into the market.

The goal isn’t just to get the lowest interest rate. It’s to get the best overall deal.

Don’t let the headlines make the decision for you. Let’s look at the numbers!

📩 Thinking about buying? Send me a message. Let’s run the numbers and see what opportunities are out there!

10/29/2026

🏡🎉 IT’S OFFICIALLY UNDER CONTRACT!! 🔑✨

One step closer! 🏠🥂

So excited for my clients as we take another big step toward closing day! Now it’s time to get everything lined up and make it to the finish line.

Buying a home can feel overwhelming, but having the right team in your corner makes all the difference! 🤝

Who’s next?! 👀🏡

If buying a home is on your radar, let’s chat! I’d love to help you map out a plan to get those keys in your hands. 🔑

📩 Message me to get started!

10/28/2026

Are you self-employed or a freelancer looking to buy a home? 🏡✨

Qualifying for a mortgage when you work for yourself is completely doable, but documentation is key! Here are 3 things lenders look at:

1️⃣ Two years of tax returns: We typically average your net self-employment income over the past 2 years.
2️⃣ Profit & Loss statements: Having updated year-to-date financial statements keeps your application moving quickly.
3️⃣ Write-offs matter: Remember, lenders calculate your income after tax deductions, so reducing your taxable income can affect your buying power!

Want to review your tax returns before applying? Send me a message or drop a comment below, and let's map out your path to homeownership! 📩

10/27/2026

🏡 WHAT ARE SELLER CONCESSIONS? 👀💰

Buying a house? This is something you NEED to know! 👇

Seller concessions = the seller agreeing to help pay some of your costs when you buy a home. 🙌

Instead of the seller lowering the price of the house, they may agree to help cover certain expenses you would otherwise have to pay out of pocket at closing!

💡 Here’s an easy example:

Let’s say you’re buying a house for $350,000, and your closing costs are $10,000.

You negotiate with the seller to contribute $8,000 toward your closing costs.

✅ You could save $8,000 out of your own pocket at closing!
✅ You may have more money left over for moving expenses, furniture, or emergencies.
✅ The seller still sells their home, and you have less cash to bring to the closing table!

⚠️ There are limits on how much a seller can contribute, depending on your loan type, down payment, and other factors. The money also has to go toward eligible expenses — you generally can’t just pocket the extra cash!

🔥 MY TIP AS A MORTGAGE LENDER: In the right situation, negotiating seller concessions can be a great way to make buying a home more affordable without having to ask for a lower purchase price!

Thinking about buying a home? 🏡 Let’s talk about how we can structure your offer to make the most of your money. 💰

📩 Message me today on how this can work for you.

10/16/2026

💰 DID YOU KNOW YOUR ASSETS COULD HELP YOU QUALIFY FOR A MORTGAGE? 🏡

You don’t always need a big paycheck to qualify for a home loan!

With asset depletion, certain lenders may use eligible assets like stocks, investment accounts, or other liquid assets to calculate qualifying income.

💡 Here’s a simple example: If you have a large investment portfolio but little monthly income, you may still have options to qualify for a mortgage!

This can be especially helpful for retirees, investors, and high-net-worth borrowers.

🏡 The bottom line: Your income is only part of the picture. Your assets may help you qualify, too!

📩 Have questions? Message me, and let’s explore your options!

Send a message to learn more

10/15/2026

🏡 YES, INTEREST RATES ARE HIGHER… BUT HERE’S THE OPPORTUNITY! 👀

I know higher interest rates have a lot of buyers sitting on the sidelines, but there’s another side to the market we need to talk about. 👇

💰 SELLERS ARE GETTING MORE MOTIVATED.

As homes sit on the market longer, some sellers are becoming more willing to negotiate on price, offer closing cost assistance, or help buyers get into a home.

🎄 And with the holidays approaching, some sellers may be even more motivated to get their homes sold before the end of the year!

🏡 Here’s the strategy: You may have more negotiating power today than you would in a highly competitive market.

And remember, if rates improve in the future, refinancing may be an option if you qualify. But you can’t go back and renegotiate the purchase price you paid for your home!

⚠️ No one can guarantee home prices will drop everywhere, but this market may create opportunities for buyers who are prepared.

Don’t just wait for the perfect interest rate. Let’s look at the numbers and see if the right home and the right deal are out there for YOU! 🔑

📩 Message me, and let’s talk about your options!

10/14/2026

🏡 SELF-EMPLOYED? YOU CAN STILL BUY A HOME! 💼

Being your own boss doesn’t mean you can’t qualify for a mortgage!

As a self-employed borrower, lenders typically look at your tax returns, business income, and how long you’ve been self-employed to determine what income you qualify with.

💡 Here’s what you should know:
✅ You may qualify even if your income changes month to month.
✅ Your business write-offs can affect how much income you qualify with.
✅ Depending on your situation, there may be alternative loan options worth exploring!

🚨 My biggest tip: Talk to a me BEFORE you file your taxes if you’re planning to buy a home. The deductions that help lower your tax bill could also impact your mortgage qualifying income.

Being self-employed shouldn’t stop you from exploring homeownership! Let’s look at your options. 🏡

📩 Message me, and let’s put a plan together!

10/13/2026

💰 Did you know lenders can use your bonus income to help you qualify for a home loan? 🏡

If you earn bonuses on top of your regular salary, that extra income may help you qualify for MORE home!

As lenders, we typically look at your bonus history, how consistent it is, and whether it’s likely to continue. In many cases, we average your bonus income over time to determine how much can count toward qualifying.

✨ The bottom line: Don’t assume you won’t qualify just because part of your income comes from bonuses!

📩 Have questions about what income can be used to qualify? Let’s talk!

10/10/2026

🏡 Homeowners — when was the last time you shopped your homeowners insurance?

You DO NOT have to refinance your mortgage to switch insurance companies!

I recommend reviewing your homeowners insurance every year. A lower premium could mean a lower escrow payment — and potentially a lower monthly mortgage payment. 💰

Every dollar matters! 💵

Don’t assume you’re getting the best rate. Shop it, compare it, and save where you can!

Do you need some recommendations to compare? Message me and I’ll make the introduction for you 😊🏡

10/09/2026

Fun Friday: "Things Austin buyers say "Can I get a pool AND be near Zilker?"

Every Austin buyer has a wish list. Mine would include breakfast tacos within walking distance.

What's the one must-have on your dream home list?