Mortgage Marc

08/19/2026

Mortgage rates are the biggest distraction in housing. Rates are DOWN from last year.

Demand is basically FLAT.

If buyers won't buy at 6.5% after refusing to buy at 7%, you've learned something important:

The problem isn't rates.
The problem is price.

08/08/2026

I asked one question… How long are you going to wait?

Their last lender never asked the question.
So they never thought about it.

“wait… how long are we going to wait?!? Said the wife to the husband.

“what rate are we waiting for?!?”

It was at THIS moment where I knew they needed to see the numbers.

Average 30 Year Rates:
Aug 2026 – 6.75%
Aug 2025 – 6.63%
Aug 2024 – 6.73%
Aug 2023 – 6.90%
Aug 2022 – 4.99%

$1800 rent after 1 year = $21,600
$1800 rent after 2 years = $43,200
$1800 rent after 3 years = $64,800
$1800 rent after 4 years = $86,400

I ask the questions.
Then we make decisions based on math.

If you want to explore the numbers without a credit pull… DM ME

08/06/2026

There’s still a stigma around VA loans that dates back many years, and unfortunately, I still hear it from some Realtors today.

The truth is, today’s VA loan is not the nightmare it used to be.

✅ VA buyers are often some of the most qualified borrowers I work with. Many have stable income, strong credit, and little to no debt.

✅ Other than a WDO inspection and water inspection if you have a well system, There are no additional home inspections required by the VA. A home inspection is always optional and recommended for any buyer, regardless of loan type.

✅ The VA appraisal process is very similar to other government-backed loans. The appraiser is simply ensuring the home meets basic safety and livability standards while determining value.

✅ VA loans don't take any longer to close. We still close VA loans in 25-30 days from consummation.

I’ve helped countless veterans close on homes smoothly with VA financing. In many cases, the biggest obstacle isn’t the loan—it’s outdated misconceptions.

Realtors: please educate yourselves before discouraging a seller from accepting a VA offer. Our veterans have earned this benefit through their service, and they deserve to have their offers evaluated based on their strength—not myths from decades ago.

Let’s stop spreading outdated information and start giving our veterans the opportunities they’ve earned. 🇺🇸

08/05/2026

Here’s what Realtors need to know today:

• The job market is still holding steady.

* Job openings declined slightly in June.
* Hiring actually increased a bit.
* Layoffs remain low.
* Overall, employers are still hiring, but they’re being more selective.

• Mortgage rates hit a one-year high.

* The average 30-year mortgage rate climbed to 6.81%. We are now at 6.75% this morning.
* Purchase applications fell to a five-month low.
* Higher rates continue to keep some buyers on the sidelines.

• Why are rates moving higher?

* Inflation concerns continue to pressure the bond market.
* Investors believe the Fed may keep rates higher for longer.
* As Treasury yields rise, mortgage rates typically follow.

• Wall Street is preparing for more inflation.

* Major banks like Barclays and HSBC are increasing investments in inflation-protected bonds.
* Many investors believe inflation could remain elevated longer than expected.

👀 What’s next?

* Today: ADP Employment Report
* Thursday: Initial Jobless Claims
* Friday: Jobs Report

Friday’s Jobs Report will be the biggest market-moving event this week and could have a significant impact on mortgage rates.

As always, if you have buyers or sellers with questions, I'm here to help !

08/04/2026

💡 PERSPECTIVE

Stocks vs Houses?

Aside from the fact that you NEED shelter, that debate always ignores the one thing that actually matters….nobody finances your brokerage account.

$50K in an IRA at 10% gets you about $130K in the last decade.

$50K down on a home, gets you a much bigger asset, and the typical homeowner gained $232K+ in equity in that same decade, on an asset the bank helped you buy.

Same money in. Very different amount of asset working for you.

Yes, there’s maintenance, taxes, interest. Real costs. Have to consider those too but….leverage is the cheat code.

Buy The House.

08/02/2026

Waiting for a lower rate?

Many buyers consider holding off for a lower rate, but this strategy is not always as advantageous as it seems. Say you’re looking at a $400K home. You’ve got 20% to put down and rates are 7%. You’ll pay $2,129 a month.

Imagine you wait and rates fall to 6.5%, but home prices rise 3%. Now your home costs $412K, which means you have to bring in more cash for 20% down. Your payment shrinks only $46 to $2,083 a month — and you lost time you could have spent building equity.

07/27/2026

🩺🏡 Attention Doctors, Residents & Medical Professionals! 🏡🩺

You've worked hard to build your career—now let your mortgage work for you.

With our Doctor Loan Program, qualified medical professionals may be able to:
✅ Purchase a home with little to no down payment
✅ No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) on eligible loans
✅ Use an employment contract prior to starting your new position
✅ Flexible student loan considerations
✅ Finance higher loan amounts designed for medical professionals

Whether you're a resident, fellow, attending physician, dentist, veterinarian, or other eligible medical professional, we can help you explore your home financing options.

📞 Thinking about buying a home? Let's discuss how the Doctor Loan Program can help make homeownership more accessible while preserving your savings.

Message me today for a personalized review of your options!

07/17/2026

Okay, but genuinely....
July is the most underrated month to buy a home and I will die on this hill.

Less competition. More motivated sellers. Concessions on the table that disappear the second the market picks back up.

The buyers who close in September? A lot of them started in July.
While everyone else was waiting for the “right time”… they were already under contract.

The moral of the story is... Stop peeking. Come on in. The door is literally open.

Call or DM anytime.

07/16/2026

FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan

Buy, Renovate, and Finance with One

🏠 Turn a fixer-upper into your dream home!
With an FHA 203(k) Renovation Loan, you can purchase or refinance a home and include renovation costs in a single mortgage.

Benefits of an FHA 203(k) Loan
✅ One Loan, One Closing

Purchase price and renovation costs combined into one loan

✅ Low Down Payment

As little as 3.5% down for qualified borrowers

✅ Expand Your Home Search

Consider properties that need repairs or updates

✅ Finance a Wide Range of Improvements

Kitchen remodels
Bathroom renovations
Flooring replacement
Roof repairs or replacement
HVAC systems
Plumbing and electrical updates
Accessibility modifications
Structural repairs

✅ Build Equity Faster

Increase property value through renovations

✅ Competitive FHA Financing

Flexible qualification options compared to many conventional programs

Eligibility Requirements
✔ Minimum 580 Credit Score for 3.5% down payment (lender overlays may apply)
✔ Primary Residence Only

Home must be owner-occupied

✔ Debt-to-Income Ratios Must Qualify

Income must support the total housing payment and other monthly obligations

✔ Stable Employment & Income

Verifiable income and employment history required

✔ Property Must Meet FHA Guidelines

1–4 unit properties may be eligible
Existing homes only (not new construction)

✔ Licensed Contractors Required

Renovation work generally must be performed by approved, licensed contractors

✔ Minimum Repair Cost Requirements

Improvements must meet FHA 203(k) program guidelines

Who Is It For?
🏡 First-Time Homebuyers
🏡 Buyers Seeking Fixer-Uppers
🏡 Homeowners Looking to Renovate Through a Refinance
🏡 Buyers Wanting to Build Equity Through Improvements

Eligible Improvements
🔹 Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling
🔹 Roof, HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Updates
🔹 Flooring, Paint & Cosmetic Improvements
🔹 Foundation & Structural Repairs
🔹 Energy-Efficient Upgrades
🔹 Accessibility Improvements
🔹 Room Additions & Home Modernization

Ready to Renovate?
Buy the home. Finance the repairs. Create your dream space.

07/13/2026

Kind words from colleagues!

Click to see all 8 reviews of Marc Degre, Senior Loan Officer