Don ODell Mortgage Originator

09/06/2026

08/29/2026

A 2.3% month-over-month decline in the median new home price led to some headlines suggesting that home prices are falling. But the median price is based on the mix of homes sold. In July, sales of homes priced between $300,000 and $399,999 increased notably, which helped pull the median price lower. In other words, a lower median sales price doesn’t necessarily mean home values are declining. Broader market data continues to point to steady home price appreciation nationwide.

For homeowners and homebuyers, even modest annual gains can add up over time. A $500,000 home appreciating at 3% per year, for example, would gain roughly $15,000 in value in the first year alone. Over time, that appreciation can become a meaningful part of a homeowner’s overall wealth.

08/23/2026

How Homeownership Can Build Wealth Over Time

Home prices increased 0.21% from July to August and are now 1.71% higher than they were a year ago, according to ICE’s latest Home Price Index.

Bottom line: Based on the pace of appreciation over the past six months, home prices are currently on track for about 3% annual appreciation. While that may seem modest, the impact can add up over time.

For example, a $500,000 home appreciating at 3% per year would gain roughly $15,000 in value in the first year, $80,000 over five years, and $172,000 over 10 years. That growth can become a meaningful part of a homeowner’s overall wealth over the long term.

08/15/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Don O'Dell by Payton P - Don made everything very easy to understand and was very thorough with the process. Any questions I had, Don had the answer!!

Click to see all 211 reviews of Don O'Dell, Loan officer | NMLS # 83055

08/13/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Don O'Dell by Bernice B - Don was professional, knowledgeable, and very responsive, making the mortgage process easy and stress-free for my clients. I knew they were informed, supported, and in good hands throughout the process. I highly recommend Don to any REALTOR® looking for a lender who truly cares about his clients and delivers a great experience.

Click to see all 211 reviews of Don O'Dell, Loan officer | NMLS # 83055

08/02/2026

At Kevin Warsh's second meeting as Fed Chair, the Federal Reserve voted to keep its benchmark Federal Funds Rate unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%. This marked the fifth consecutive meeting without a rate change, following a series of cuts late last year.

While the Fed Funds Rate does not directly set mortgage rates, it influences borrowing costs throughout the economy and helps shape the broader interest rate environment.

Bottom line: While June's PCE report showed inflation moving in the right direction, it remains above the Fed's 2% target. Policymakers continue to balance bringing inflation lower while avoiding unnecessary strain on a labor market that has shown signs of slowing.

08/01/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Don O'Dell by Ariel W - Don was great to work with for our loan process.

Click to see all 208 reviews of Don O'Dell, Loan officer | NMLS # 83055

07/27/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Don O'Dell by Elizabeth A A - Don was very helpful through the entire process. He helped ensure we understood everything and was always available to answer any questions and assist us in completing tasks within a timely fashion. We greatly appreciate all of his efforts to make this sometimes overwhelming process as smooth as possible!

Click to see all 207 reviews of Don O'Dell, Loan officer | NMLS # 83055

07/24/2026

Oil Prices Climb -- Rising tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher this week, renewing concerns that inflation could remain stubborn. The latest economic data had little impact on financial markets, and mortgage rates finished the week near their highest levels in roughly one year. Bottom Line: Inflation concerns remain elevated as energy prices rise, mortgage rates continue to hover near one-year highs, housing inventory remains constrained, and builders face ongoing affordability and cost challenges. At the same time, the labor market continues to show resilience, reinforcing expectations that interest rates could remain higher for longer.