Chad Burckhard, Loan Officer

10/16/2026

Closing costs might be about to get cheaper and this is worth paying attention to.

FHFA Director Bill Pulte is expected to announce as soon as today that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will only require credit reports from two bureaus instead of three. Fewer reports means lower costs for buyers and it could take effect within one to three months. This is especially good news for first-time buyers and anyone with thin credit who has been sitting on the sidelines.

Now pair that with what else is happening in the market.

Rents just posted their biggest annual jump since April 2025, up 2.7 percent to $1,932 a month, while home values barely moved. That gap is widening in favor of buying.

Yes rates jumped this week. But that is making sellers more flexible on credits, buydowns, and pricing. Buyers are adapting too with adjustable-rate mortgages climbing to 8.1 percent of applications.

The market is shifting and prepared buyers are the ones winning right now.

Send your buyers my way early and I will run the payment scenarios that keep your deals alive.

09/28/2026

Some buyers may suddenly have more purchasing power in 2026 without changing a single thing about their income. Here is why.

New conventional loan limits are increasing which means the ceiling for conventional financing is moving higher. For many buyers this creates a bigger window of opportunity because they may now be able to purchase higher-priced homes while staying within conventional loan guidelines instead of having to move into jumbo financing.

Why does that matter? Conventional loans typically offer more flexibility, more competitive rates, and more program options than jumbo products. Staying within conventional guidelines can make a real difference in what a buyer qualifies for and what their payment looks like.

This is especially important for move-up buyers, buyers in higher-cost areas, and anyone who felt stuck between price points because of where the previous limits sat.

For Realtors the biggest takeaway is this: every time financing options expand new conversations open up. Now is a great time to reconnect with buyers who paused their search, past clients who have been thinking about moving, and homeowners who may finally be ready for their next step.

Understanding changes like this is how you bring more value to your clients and create more opportunities to grow your business.

Reach out anytime if you want to talk through what this means for a specific buyer or situation.

09/24/2026

The Fed made a move this week and I know buyers and Realtors are asking the same question: what does this mean for mortgage rates?

Here is the biggest misconception worth clearing up. When the Fed changes rates mortgage rates do not automatically move by the same amount. Conventional mortgage rates are influenced more by long-term market factors including inflation expectations and the bond market. They are related but they are not the same thing.

The positive takeaway is that the Fed's actions are designed to create more economic stability and help bring inflation under control. If investors gain more confidence that inflation is improving that creates a healthier environment for mortgage rates to improve over time.

For buyers this is a good reminder that the goal is not to wait for the perfect market moment. The right strategy is understanding your options, negotiating wisely, and making a decision based on your personal goals.

For Realtors this is a great opportunity to educate your clients, cut through the noise, and be the trusted advisor they need when headlines create uncertainty. The agents who bring clarity and confidence right now are the ones building stronger relationships and growing their business long term.

Reach out anytime if you have questions about what this means for your specific situation.

09/22/2026

💰 WANT TO BECOME A LOAN OFFICER? What if you could start a career as a Loan Officer with the support to actually learn the business from the ground up? The Edge MLO Academy is giving 10 people each month the opportunity to: 💰 Receive a base salary 🎓 Have their education paid for 📚 Have t...

09/22/2026

More space than you expect in East Nashville.

Stop by 1602 Lischey Ave this Saturday and tour a renovated home with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, approximately 2,370 square feet, a finished basement, dedicated office, and fenced backyard.

•Open House•
Saturday, September 19
10:00–11:30 a.m.
Now offered at $874,900

David Doran | 615-522-8892
Meridith Doran | 615-522-8895
The Impala Group | eXp Realty LLC

09/22/2026

09/18/2026

A buyer you talked to six months ago who was not ready might have a completely different opportunity today. And the reason is worth understanding.

For years mortgage approvals have relied heavily on traditional credit scoring models. The challenge is that a credit score does not always tell the complete story of someone's financial habits. A person who has been diligently managing their finances, building responsible credit behavior, or who simply has a limited credit history may not have been fully captured by the models lenders have traditionally relied on.

That is changing.

The mortgage industry is expanding the use of newer credit models like VantageScore 4.0. These models are designed to look at a broader picture of someone's credit history and recognize responsible financial behavior that may not have been visible before.

What that means in practice: buyers who have been working to improve their credit, buyers who have limited credit history but strong financial habits, and buyers who simply did not fit the traditional lending model may now have options they did not have six months ago.

For realtors this is a direct reason to go back to your past leads. The opportunity may not be that they need more time. They may just need a new conversation with the right mortgage professional.

And for buyers who were told not yet it is worth having that conversation again.

Reach out and let's take a fresh look at what is possible.

09/15/2026

🏡 FIRST-TIME BUYER ESCAPE ROOM 🔐

Buying your first home doesn’t have to feel complicated. You just need the right plan to unlock each step.

Credit ✅
Cash to Close ✅
Monthly Payment ✅
Pre-Approval ✅

📲 DM me “ESCAPE” and I’ll build you a personalized first-time buyer game plan.

Chad Burckhard | Edge Home Finance
📞 270-303-8979
NMLS #2106061

🇺🇸 Veteran | Trusted | Results