The Money Store Mid Atlantic

04/20/2026

The biggest story in real estate right now is not rates, inventory, or prices. It is the ceasefire, and here is why it changes everything for buyers who have been sitting on the sidelines.

When the conflict in the Middle East kicked off in late February, oil prices spiked, Treasury yields jumped, and the spring market essentially froze in place. But the two-week US and Iran ceasefire announced earlier this month has already pulled the 10-year Treasury yield back down and stabilized energy markets. That matters for one significant reason: mortgage rates follow the 10-year Treasury. When that yield comes down, your rate comes down with it.

Freddie Mac's chief economist Sam Khater is already calling this a positive development for homebuyers that could spark a stronger spring market than we saw last year. The buyers who went quiet in March are watching this closely, and a more stable backdrop tends to bring fence-sitters right back into showings fast. Add to that the fact that Bright MLS is reporting a historic rise in inventory, which means more choices and more room to negotiate the moment confidence returns.

If you paused your home search this spring, now is the time to take another look. The window is opening back up and buyers who move with the right strategy right now are going to be very well positioned.

04/07/2026

Two things just happened in real estate that are worth paying close attention to right now.

First, Fannie Mae just approved crypto-backed mortgages for the first time ever. A new partnership between Better Home and Finance and Coinbase now allows borrowers to pledge Bitcoin or USDC as collateral for a loan that covers their down payment, and you keep ownership of your crypto the entire time. This is the first time a government-sponsored enterprise has ever backed a product like this, and the significance of that cannot be overstated.

According to a Redfin survey, about 13% of younger buyers have already had to sell their crypto just to fund a down payment. This changes that entirely.

Second, Realtor.com just identified the week of April 12th through April 18th as the single best time to list a home this year. Listings during that window historically get nearly 17% more views and sell about 17% faster than other weeks. Spring is when buyer activity peaks, more people are searching, more people are touring, and there is genuine urgency because families want to be settled before summer.

Whether you are buying, selling, or just watching the market, these two developments matter. Follow me for more data-driven updates on what is actually happening in real estate right now.

04/02/2026

If you have been considering buying a home outside of a major city, USDA just made a move that could seriously speed up your path to closing.

The Department of Agriculture just launched what they are calling the Rural Housing Modernization Initiative, and it changes the process in a meaningful way. Qualified lenders can now approve and close guaranteed USDA loans on their own, which means less back and forth, fewer delays, and a faster timeline from start to finish. This brings USDA in line with how VA and FHA loans already work, and if you have ever been frustrated by longer USDA timelines, that frustration is about to become a thing of the past. USDA also launched a new online portal called My RD Loan that gives borrowers with direct loans 24/7 access to their account, payments, and loan information all in one place.

Here is the best part. Nothing changed with eligibility. Same guidelines, same protections, just a smoother experience. And USDA loans are still one of the best kept secrets in home lending: zero down payment, no PMI, and now a faster process from application to closing.

If you are buying in a rural or suburban area and want to know if you qualify, send me a DM and I will check your area for free.

03/23/2026

The Fed just voted to keep rates unchanged, and while that sounds like nothing happened, the real story underneath is actually really good news for buyers.

This is the second meeting in a row with no change, and the Fed is still projecting at least one rate cut later this year. But here is what most people completely missed while they were focused on the Fed. Affordability has been quietly improving in the background. A new Zillow analysis found that a median income household can now afford a home priced around $331,000, which is over $30,000 more in buying power compared to just one year ago. That is the strongest buying power we have seen since early 2022.

What is driving it? Mortgage rates are down from their peak, incomes are rising, and home price growth has flattened. All three of those things are working in favor of buyers right now at the same time.

The market is not going to send you a notification when it is time to move. But the data is pointing in one direction. Get pre-approved, stay close to your loan officer, and be ready when the right home shows up.

03/16/2026

A lot of people are asking me right now whether this is a good time to buy a home. Here is exactly what I am telling them.

Yes, there is a lot happening. Global events are affecting energy prices, inflation data keeps shifting back and forth, and tariffs are creating cost pressure across the board. That uncertainty is pushing some buyers and sellers to the sidelines. But here is what most people are completely missing. The government just passed one of the biggest housing bills in a generation.

It is called the ROAD Act and it passed with massive bipartisan support. It restricts large Wall Street investors from scooping up single family homes and streamlines the permitting process so more homes can actually get built. That is a genuine and significant win for everyday home buyers. Less competition from institutional investors means a more level playing field for you and your family.

On top of that, low inventory is keeping home values stable, which is great news whether you are buying or already own.

The headlines might sound scary right now but the opportunity underneath them is real. The buyers who move with the right strategy this spring are going to look back and be very glad they did. Reach out and let's talk about what that strategy looks like for you.

03/09/2026

The trigger lead era is officially over, and if you have ever applied for a mortgage and had your phone blow up with calls from lenders you never contacted, you know exactly why this matters.

For years, the moment your credit was pulled during a mortgage application, the credit bureaus could legally sell your personal information to dozens of competing lenders within hours. That practice is now federally banned in all 50 states. President Trump signed the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act on September 5th, 2025, and it took effect this week on March 5th, 2026. Your data stays private, your phone stays quiet, and the lender you chose is the one you actually get to work with.

The home buying process is already stressful enough. You deserve to go through it with focus, trust, and peace of mind.

If you are thinking about buying a home, now is a great time to start that conversation with someone you actually chose. Follow me for more updates on what is changing in real estate and how it affects you.

02/15/2023

Meet Chris Short!

Chris the Branch Manager at the Ocean City Office. He has been in this business longer than he would like to admit. Chris is dedicated, hard working and all around a super awesome guy.

Connect with him today!

**all things in posts captions are true, so if you have burrito recommendations or also love vests! Let him know ✌🏼😬

02/14/2023

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day ❤️

5 Ways You Can Spread The Love!

1. Reach out to someone who may be feeling lonely or down and brighten their day with a kind word or gesture.
2. Donate to a charity that is helping those in need.
3. Spend time with family and friends, and appreciate the time that you get with them.
4. Tell someone that you appreciate them, and why.
5. Make a conscious effort to spread positive vibes and energy to those around you.

Some say it’s a Hallmark holiday, but we say it’s a great way to make someone’s day better 💕🥰♥️

11/02/2022

🚨🚨SOCIAL MEDIA MASTERMIND 🚨🚨

It's no secret that the social media world changes just about every few months.

Join us for this Virtual event on November 10th at 11AM to learn how to stay ahead of the game!!!

Scan the QR code to signup, it's FREEEEEE!!!!

10/27/2022

Looking to learn more? Join our marketing team and the Storyy team for the free virtual event on November 10th and brush up on an old skill or develop a new one!

Sign up today!
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4716666320507/WN_Ij6iDLiiSmSnDBSl5s4Cyg

09/06/2022

4.62 star review received on Experience.com for Casey Holland by Devin A W - Super quick responses and very friendly help throughout the entire loan process which is simple enough to follow even a caveman could do it (eventually)

Click to see all 1002 reviews of Casey Holland,
Personal Mortgage Advisor NMLS 375148