Dave Gardner NMLS 2457447

04/28/2026

If you know anyone studying for the SAFE MLO exam, this can help:

01/27/2026

Attention Homeowners & Realtors: A Game‑Changing VA Renovation Loan You Should Know About!

Did you know there’s a VA loan option that lets eligible Veterans buy or refinance AND roll in up to $50,000 in home improvements — all in one loan?

We now offer a **VA Renovation (Rehab) Loan** that’s perfect for homes needing updates, repairs, or upgrades that would normally derail a VA purchase. This program is more flexible than many standard VA rehab options, and it’s opening doors for buyers who want move‑in ready *and* fixer‑upper potential.

For REALTORS
You can now confidently show homes that:
- Need repairs to meet VA Minimum Property Requirements
- Have outdated kitchens, bathrooms, or systems
- Need roof, HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work
- Could shine with cosmetic upgrades
- Even have room for *luxury improvements* (yes — pools and outdoor living spaces are allowed!)

This loan turns “not VA‑eligible” homes into real opportunities.

For HOMEOWNERS
Thinking about refinancing and renovating?
This program allows:
- **Up to $50,000 in renovation funds**
- **Up to 90% financing** on refinances
- **Jumbo loan amounts** up to $1.2M
- **Zero down payment** for eligible VA buyers

It’s a powerful way to update your home, increase value, and keep everything under one affordable VA‑backed loan.

Perfect for:
✔ Veterans buying a fixer‑upper
✔ Sellers wanting to attract VA buyers
✔ Realtors expanding inventory options
✔ Homeowners planning renovations
✔ Anyone frustrated by homes that “almost” qualify for VA

If you work with Veterans — or *are* one — this is a program worth knowing.

11/03/2025

Nice to start the week with a clear to close!

09/19/2025

Great to end the week with a Cleared to Close

09/11/2025

Quick overview of how different loans work.

09/10/2025

If you have been waiting to buy, now should be your time. Competition for houses is about to get tight.

Home buyers and refinancers applied for mortgages at the highest level since 2022 as mortgage rates fell to their lowest since last October.

Mortgage volume was higher last week than the same time last year as borrowers rushed to take advantage of falling rates.

Significant increases were seen in applications for both purchases and refinancing, especially for borrowers with larger loans.

Mortgage demand is higher by 27% year-over-year as borrowers jump on a decline in mortgage rates.

08/21/2025

Here is what the "experts" are forcasting based on bond market trends. If you are sitting on the fence waiting on that big rate drop, you may be there a while.

08/14/2025

VA IRRRL Refinance Opportunity – Lower Your Rate, Save Big
If your current VA loan is 6.25% or higher, it’s time to explore a VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL). Rates today are 🔥 and could mean real monthly savings with a fast, streamlined process.
💡 Why Choose a VA IRRRL?
• ✅ No appraisal required
• ✅ No income verification
• ✅ Low or no out-of-pocket costs
• ✅ Fast, simplified refinance
• ✅ Lower your monthly payment or switch to a fixed-rate loan
📊 Sample Scenario (For Illustration Only)
• 📍 ZIP Code: 36330
• 🏡 Home Value: $600,000
• 💵 Loan Amount: $500,000
• 💳 Credit Score: 780
• 📉 Interest Rate: 5.75% (Fixed)
• 💥 APR: 5.885% (5.79% if fees are rolled into loan)
• 💰 Monthly Principal & Interest: $2,918
⚠️ Important Disclosures
This example assumes a 30-year fixed-rate VA IRRRL. Rates, terms, and payments may vary based on your credit profile, loan amount, and property type. This is not a commitment to lend. Subject to underwriting approval. VA funding fee may apply unless exempt.
📞 Ready to Save?
Call or text Dave Gardner at 334-494-0554, 1st Securities Mortgage NMLS #116848, MLO NMLS #2457447, licensed in AL, FL, MI. Let’s run your numbers and see how much you could save. It’s quick, easy, and could be a game-changer.

08/12/2025

Why Your Credit Card Score Is Lying to You (When It Comes to Mortgages)
The credit score you see on your credit card statement is usually a VantageScore, while mortgage lenders use FICO scores specifically required by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Score models differ: VantageScore (consumer use) vs. FICO (mortgage lending).

Score ranges vary: Experian and Equifax 300–850, TransUnion 309–839.

Weighting factors: Mortgage FICO scores are often stricter on collections and high balances.

Tri-merge reports: Lenders pull all three bureaus and use the middle score.

This is why your mortgage score is often 20–40 points lower than what you see online.

08/11/2025

If you know a medical professional in Michigan, this is a great product for them. Contact me, Margie, or Mike for more information.