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Ben Cohen, SVP of Mortgage Lending at Rate

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Ben Cohen, SVP of Mortgage Lending at Rate

Ben Cohen at Rate LO NMLS #217528 Managing Director / SVP of Mortgage Lending
http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/ Rate, Inc.

makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in/on this website for any purpose and will not be liable for any loss or damage (direct, indirect or consequential) arising from the use of the same. Any reliance you place on such information is strictly at your own risk. The thoughts, opinions and/or views expressed herein are the sole responsibility and product of their respective author(s). NMLS ID:217528 NMLS 2611

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NMLS ID #2611 (Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) • IL - Residential Mortgage Licensee - IDFPR, 122 South Michigan Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, Illinois, 60603, 312-793-3000, 3940 N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613 .0005932 • NMLS ID:217528

10/28/2026

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) and cash-out refi get mixed up all the time, and it's easy to see why.

Both are ways to make use of the equity you've built, they just work very differently. Knowing how they compare puts you in a better spot to decide what fits when your goals shift. No need to have it all figured out today.

Save this for when the time feels right, and reach out whenever you'd like to talk it through.

10/28/2026

The Fed is meeting this week, but does that mean mortgage rates are about to drop? 👀

Not necessarily! The Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, and the mortgage market often reacts to economic expectations before the Fed even makes an announcement.

The takeaway? Don’t base your homebuying decisions on what you think rates are going to do.

Focus on what makes sense for your finances today, and work with a lender who can help you navigate the market as it changes. 🏡

10/28/2026

Condo financing changes continue to be a hot topic! 🏙️

As buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals navigate the new guidelines, understanding how these changes could impact financing options is more important than ever.

Appreciate The Real Deal including my perspective on what this means for Chicago’s condo market and how buyers can stay ahead of the curve. https://therealdeal.com/chicago/2026/10/27/how-chicago-is-adapting-to-new-condo-lending-rules/

10/27/2026

Deciding exactly when to lock in your mortgage rate is the ultimate million-dollar question. If I had a crystal ball and knew exactly when rates were going to spike, I would tell every single client to lock their rate immediately and pay a little bit of money upfront to secure it.
But the reality is that nobody can perfectly predict the market. If I could actually time these interest rate changes, I would not be talking to you right now or selling mortgages at all! I would be completely retired and living somewhere with warm weather, probably down in the Caribbean.
Since we cannot rely on magic to predict the housing market, the smartest strategy is to focus on securing a monthly payment you can comfortably afford right now. Send me a DM and let’s build a solid, realistic plan for your Chicago home purchase today. 👇

10/26/2026

First-time homebuyers often think the only difference between renting and owning a home is the monthly payment, but it absolutely is not.

While renting means paying 100% interest on your landlord’s property, owning a home allows you to build your own long-term wealth and equity. Beyond just the mortgage payment, homeownership provides fixed housing costs for the life of your loan, potential tax advantages, and complete financial control over your future. The true value of buying a house extends far beyond a single monthly number.

Ready to stop renting and start building your own equity in the Chicago market? Send me a DM and let’s review your true buying power today.

10/23/2026

Never buy a home with the assumption that you will just be able to refinance next year. 🛑🏡
There are absolutely no guarantees in the housing market. While I do believe that interest rates will eventually come down, no one can accurately predict if that drop is 30 days, 90 days, or a full 12 months away. Instead of trying to time the real estate market, the smartest move you can make is to get educated and focus on what you can comfortably afford right now. There are plenty of different loan strategies we can utilize to put you in a secure financial position from day one without having to rely on a future refinance.
Send me a DM and let’s build a realistic Chicago homebuying plan today! 👇

10/22/2026

Getting a home under contract now with a delayed spring closing sounds like a great strategy, but it creates a few hidden mortgage challenges. Securing a five or six-month rate lock is difficult, and you will typically be forced to accept a higher interest rate or pay significantly more in upfront fees.
You also have to manage the strict shelf life of your loan approval. Income and asset verifications are only valid for 60 days, while credit reports and home appraisals expire after 120 days. If a seller demands your mortgage commitment early in the process just to feel comfortable, your original appraisal will expire before a spring closing and you will end up paying for a completely new one out of pocket.
Navigating a delayed closing requires careful planning so you do not waste your own money on duplicate fees. Send me a DM and let’s build a customized timeline that protects your transaction from contract to closing day.

10/21/2026

Everyone is waiting for interest rates to drop, but let’s look at the actual math. 📈🤔
If you buy now at a $475K purchase price with a 7.00% rate, your estimated monthly payment is $3,160. If you wait for rates to finally hit 5.75%, that same home could easily appreciate to $575K, leaving you with a higher monthly payment of $3,355. You are essentially waiting around just to pay more every single month for the exact same house. Do not let the fear of today’s interest rates price you out of tomorrow’s real estate market.
Send me a DM and let’s run the real numbers on your Chicago home search today! 👇

10/20/2026

If you have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for interest rates to drop, it is time to shift your perspective. 📺🏡
As I recently shared on Chicago Live, you simply cannot predict interest rates. Long after you close on a home, you typically don’t remember your exact rate, but you will absolutely feel your total monthly payment every single month. It is mission-critical to understand your budget, know exactly how much cash you have available, and back into a purchase price that actually works for your lifestyle. Do not let a headline keep you from your goals—don’t be afraid to get pre-approved and start looking at homes!
Ready to find a monthly payment you are actually comfortable with? Send me a DM and let’s map out your Chicago homebuying strategy today! 👇

10/19/2026

Let’s break down another crucial homebuying Do vs. Do Not! 🛑🏡
When you are in the market for a new home, DO keep your job and income situation as consistent as possible. DON’T suddenly switch from a salaried position to being self-employed without having a serious discussion with your lender first. Your income structure plays a massive role in your debt-to-income ratio and overall buying power, and sudden career changes can completely derail your mortgage approval in the Chicago market.
Ready to map out a rock-solid homebuying strategy? Send me a DM and let’s get your plan dialed in before you make any big career moves! 👇

10/19/2026

Agents 📢 Need a copy of the recent condo changes to share with your clients or just to keep handy? DM me!

09/01/2026

School's in session! Rate is here to help you check off your essentials before house hunting. 🏡✏️

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply.
Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

08/13/2026

Pattern recognition is the first step. Now it's time to break it.

Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit http://ms.spr.ly/6182a1zqj. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

08/06/2026

The best way to stop paying rent? Owning a home. We can help with that.

Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit http://ms.spr.ly/6183aEcoZ. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply.

08/03/2026

Our choices shape our days, and our days shape our lives. Start living yours in the Rate App.

Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit http://ms.spr.ly/6188a8x04. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

07/25/2026

Car guy? No. House guy.

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply.

Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit http://ms.spr.ly/6181v7DIb. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

07/22/2026

All the tools to live a longer, happier life - all in one place

07/21/2026

Closing day: 🥳🔑🏡 Moving day: 📦😵‍💫🍕🛏️

Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit http://ms.spr.ly/6180vfO4Y. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Restrictions apply.

07/20/2026

Consider this a stress-free sample of all the Rate App app has to offer.

Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit http://ms.spr.ly/6187v2bBc. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

07/14/2026

The couch situation is between you and the doorway. The utilities do not have to be.

Rate Concierge gives you one point of contact to transfer and set up your utilities and internet at your new home, at no additional cost. Less time calling providers. Fewer moving-day surprises. One less horror story. Rate Concierge, powered by OneSource.

Guaranteed Rate Inc. D/B/A Rate; NMLS #2611. For licensing information visit http://ms.spr.ly/6189vFO99. Operating as Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in New York. Equal Housing Lender.

Address

3940 North Ravenswood
Chicago, IL
60613

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

https://www.bencohenlends.com/, https://www.rate.com/Ben

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