Ted Learakos

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United American Mortgage Corporation

Serving the lending needs of the Real Estate community since 1 NMLS #247040

VA FHA Approved in 13 States

10/31/2026

👻 Rates Giving Your Borrowers a Fright?

When rates feel scary, it's good to have a few treats up your sleeve.

No tricks.

Just solutions from a solutions-based company with proprietary loan options that today include 30 year loans with rates set for 7 years in the low 6's and even high 5's (depending on the fico scores and loan amounts)!

Reach out today to learn more about our exclusive loan products and how they can help you close more deals before year-end.

Happy Halloween from the team at UAMC! 🎃

10/29/2026

🏡📉 Mortgage Market Update: More Financing Options & Fed Uncertainty!

More Financing Options Than You May Realize!

Did you know our credit union lending partners offer competitive, low-rate financing options for qualified buyers? Even better, some programs allow financing for 2–4 unit properties with up to TWO additional ADUs! This creates exciting opportunities for buyers and investors looking to maximize their real estate potential.

📉 Meanwhile, the Market Is Second-Guessing the Fed.

Although the Federal Reserve has not raised short-term rates, markets are pricing in an approximately 80% probability of a December rate hike. That makes this week's Fed meeting especially important as investors look for clues about what's next.

Adding to market uncertainty are reports surrounding Microsoft's workforce plans, along with several key economic releases, including housing price indexes, consumer confidence, new home sales, and a $70 billion Treasury auction.

The good news? Agency mortgage-backed securities and mortgage rates started the day slightly better than Monday's close.

💬 Mortgage Talk with Ted

Whether you're exploring financing for a multi-unit property, considering an investment, or simply wondering where rates stand, there may be more options available than you think.

📞 Call anytime for a personalized rate quote based on your FICO score, loan-to-value ratio, and loan type.

Financing options are subject to lender guidelines, property eligibility, and borrower qualifications.

10/23/2026

📉 MORTGAGE TALK WITH TED | RATES DROP TO NEAR 1-MONTH LOWS! 🏡

Some welcome news for homebuyers and homeowners! Mortgage rates saw a significant improvement today, reaching their lowest levels since September 23.

What's driving the drop? Growing concerns over AI-related spending and disappointing earnings from major technology companies have prompted investors to shift money out of riskier investments and into safer bonds, including U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities.

As demand for bonds increases, mortgage rates tend to move lower.

📊 HERE'S THE GOOD NEWS:

✅ Average top-tier 30-year fixed mortgage rates dropped approximately 0.10 percentage points today.

✅ Rates are now at their lowest levels in nearly a month.

✅ Most 30-year fixed mortgage rates are back in the high 6% to low 7% range.

💡 THE TAKEAWAY: While the technology sector is experiencing volatility, the bond market is benefiting—and that's creating some welcome relief for mortgage borrowers.

🏡 Thinking about buying or refinancing? This could be a great time to revisit your financing options.

📲 Call Ted or anyone on the team for a personalized rate quote based on your credit profile, loan type, and property details!

Rates are subject to change and vary based on individual qualifications.

10/20/2026

🏡 MORTGAGE TALK WITH TED | RATES SHOW SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT! 📉

The mortgage market is starting the week on a positive note! Mortgage rates have improved slightly from Friday's close, with most 30-year fixed loans ranging from the high 6% to low 7% range.

While it's a relatively quiet week for economic data, several key reports could influence where rates head next.

📊 THIS WEEK'S MARKET WATCH:

📅 Monday: NAHB Housing Market Index
📅 Tuesday: Housing Starts & Pending Home Sales
📅 Wednesday: 20-Year Treasury Bond Auction
📅 Thursday: September Leading Economic Index
📅 Friday: Manufacturing & Services PMI and Consumer Sentiment

💡 THE TAKEAWAY: Rates are showing modest improvement, but upcoming economic reports and bond market activity could shift momentum.

🔑 Thinking about buying or refinancing? Your rate depends on your FICO score, loan-to-value ratio, and property type.

📲 Call Ted or anyone on the team for a personalized rate quote!

Rates are subject to change and individual qualifications.

10/14/2026

📉 MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE | RATES HIT 2-WEEK LOW! 🏡

Some welcome news for homebuyers and homeowners! Mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels in two weeks, thanks to favorable movement in the bond market.

Investors are showing renewed interest in bonds as higher yields create attractive buying opportunities. This increased demand has helped push mortgage rates lower, offering a potential opportunity for those considering a purchase or refinance.

📊 WHAT'S NEXT? All eyes are on the upcoming inflation report. Lower-than-expected inflation could help rates continue their downward momentum, while hotter numbers could send them back toward recent highs.

💡 AN OPTION WORTH EXPLORING: A 30-year mortgage with a rate fixed for the first seven years could be a financing strategy worth discussing, depending on your goals and circumstances.

🏡 Thinking about buying, refinancing, or exploring your options? Don't wait to find out what today's market could mean for you. Reach out for a personalized quote based on your loan type, credit profile, and financing needs.

10/13/2026

📈 MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE | VOLATILITY CONTINUES, BUT OPPORTUNITIES REMAIN!

After a sustained Treasury market selloff pushed longer-term yields to new 2026 highs, U.S. Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities showed signs of recovery toward the end of last week. Strong demand at Treasury auctions and several market rebounds suggest selling pressure may be easing, although volatility remains.

🏡 NOW FOR SOME GREAT NEWS: A $2.5 MILLION HOME PURCHASE APPROVED!

When traditional lending options were exhausted, experience, persistence, and the right relationships made all the difference.

This complex financing scenario presented several significant challenges:

✔️ $2.5 million primary residence purchase
✔️ 97% combined loan-to-value (CLTV)
✔️ Declining tax return income, despite strong signs of recovery in 2026
✔️ Multiple traditional and Non-QM lenders unable to approve the loan

Despite these obstacles, Valley Strong Credit Union stepped in with a common-sense lending solution, approving a 30-year loan with a rate fixed for the first seven years! 🎉

💡 THE TAKEAWAY? When one lender says no, it doesn't always mean the financing journey is over. Creative solutions, industry experience, and strong lending relationships can open doors that others couldn't.

📲 Considering a purchase or refinance? Let's explore your options and find a financing solution that works for your unique situation.

10/01/2026

📈 MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE | RATES TRIED TO DROP… THEN REVERSED COURSE

Mortgage rates showed some promise early today—but once again, the improvement didn’t last.

The bond market started relatively flat before gaining ground following this morning’s PCE inflation data. For a brief window, it looked like rates might finally recover some of the ground lost recently. Instead, the market reversed course, leaving rates higher by the end of the day.

Unlike some recent market moves, there wasn’t one headline or economic report to point to as the clear cause. Instead, the bond market continues to reassess several major factors at once—including expectations for Federal Reserve policy, inflation and the supply and demand for government debt. Month- and quarter-end trading may have added to today’s volatility as well.

As we enter the fourth quarter, one thing is becoming increasingly important: buyers should understand all of their financing options—not just the traditional 30-year fixed mortgage.

🏡 Could an ARM make sense in today’s market?

Adjustable-rate mortgages can offer an interest rate that is fixed for an initial period—commonly 5, 7 or 10 years—before becoming adjustable. Depending on the buyer, loan structure and long-term plans, it may be an option worth exploring alongside traditional fixed-rate financing.

I’ll be speaking at Aramis Real Estate tomorrow morning and co-hosting another event at the UAMC Event Center later in the day, where we’ll be discussing today’s mortgage environment and strategies heading into Q4.

📲 Have questions about ARMs, fixed-rate mortgages or other financing options? Give me a call. I’m happy to walk through the available programs and provide an exact quote based on loan type, LTV and credit profile.

Ted Learakos | Loan Officer
📞 714-349-7733
DRE # 01178418 | NMLS # 247040
United American Mortgage
DRE # 01154798 | NMLS # 1942

09/25/2026

📈 MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE | RATES MOVE SHARPLY HIGHER

Yesterday started relatively quietly in the bond market—but it certainly didn’t end that way.

After weeks of trading within a fairly familiar range, Mortgage-Backed Securities sold off sharply late in the day as expectations for future Fed policy shifted. The 10-year Treasury yield pushed above 5.1%, while the average top-tier 30-year fixed mortgage rate jumped approximately 0.09% to 7.26%.

That puts rates back near levels we haven’t seen since 2024.

If this trend continues, we could see more borrowers looking toward 7-year ARMs and other financing strategies as alternatives to traditional 30-year fixed mortgages.

Meanwhile, we recently had a great BOLD gathering at the Man Cave—always a good opportunity to connect, talk strategy, and stay on top of what’s happening in this rapidly changing market.

Mortgage markets can move quickly. If you’re buying, refinancing, or simply wondering what today’s rate environment means for your options, give me a call. Your individual rate will depend on factors including loan type, LTV, credit and FICO.

📲 Ted Learakos | 714-349-7733
NMLS #247040 | DRE #01178418

09/15/2026

📈 MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE | RATES ARE ON THE MOVE

Mortgage rates are starting the week moving higher, as markets brace for Wednesday’s Federal Reserve decision.

The conversation has shifted. Markets are now preparing for the possibility of higher near-term policy rates, while rising tensions in the Middle East and oil prices above $100/barrel are adding another layer of inflation uncertainty.

So, with mortgage rates climbing again, here’s the big question:

🚨 IS IT TIME TO PANIC?

No.

Changing markets don’t mean there aren’t opportunities—they simply mean you need the right strategy.

🏡 Whether you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or simply wondering what today’s rates mean for you, call me or anyone on our team. Let’s talk through the options and find a solution that fits your situation.

And for a little perspective…

📅 On June 14, 1985, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 12.27%.

We survived. We adapted. We thrived.

Today’s market may be changing, but opportunities are still out there. 🔑

📲 Call for current rates and exact quotes based on FICO score and loan type.

09/11/2026

📈 MORTGAGE MARKET UPDATE | RATES MOVE HIGHER

Mortgage rates moved slightly higher following the latest U.S. Treasury buyback announcement.

Treasuries play an important role in the mortgage market, often serving as a baseline for mortgage pricing. The market had been anticipating a larger Treasury buyback announcement than what was ultimately delivered, causing bond yields—and mortgage rates—to move higher in response.

The good news? Rates didn’t spike, but they did experience some upward pressure.

👀 WHAT’S NEXT?
All eyes are now on Friday’s CPI inflation report, which could be the next major catalyst for mortgage rates.

🏡 Thinking about buying or refinancing? Rates can vary based on FICO score, loan type, and individual scenario. Call for an exact, personalized quote.

Address

3198-F Airport Loop Drive
Costa Mesa, CA
92626

Website

http://tedlearakos.com/

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