Mike Pelagio at RATE - NMLS #1929475

08/27/2026

🏠 Cook County Homeowners, Don't Forget Your Property Tax Bill

The 2025 Tax Year Second Installment Property Bill is now available, and payments are do October 1, 2026.

If you're not sure where to find your bill or how to make your payment, I put together a simple guide that walks you through the process, including how to:

• Look up your property using your address or 14-digit PIN
• Check your balance and due date
• Pay online through Cook County Treasurer
• Pay from checking or savings account with no fee
• Confirm your payment was received

⚠️ One important reminder: If your property taxes are included in your mortgage escrow, check with your mortgage servicer before paying the bill yourself. You don't want to accidently make a duplicate payment.

Just purchased your home? Your tax bill may still show the previous owner's name. That's ok, just make sure the property address and PIN are correct.

08/25/2026

Considering a condo?

Before making an offer, it's important to make sure both the unit and the building meet financing requirements. I can review key factors that may impact loan approval, including:

✔ HOA Finances
✔ Insurance coverage
✔ Reserve funds
✔ Rental restrictions
✔ Lending eligibility

Send me the condo address, and I'll help identify potential issues before they become surprises.

08/18/2026

Everyone hopes for lower rates.

But if home prices increase while you're waiting, you may find yourself:

• Paying more for the home
• Borrowing more money
• Bringing more cash to closing
• Making a higher monthly payment

The goal isn't to perfectly time the market.

The goal is to make the best decisions with the opportunities available today.

Thinking about buying? Reach out and let's talk.

08/12/2026

Buying a home isn't just about having a place to live, it can be a step toward building long-term wealth.

When you own, your monthly payment can help build equity, you have more freedom to make the space your own, and you're investing in an asset that can frow in value over time.

While renting might be the right fit for some, many buyers are surprised to learn they may be closer to home ownership than they think.

Curious about your options? Reach out today and let's see what may be possible.

08/08/2026

Now, qualified buyers could skip mortgage insurance requirements altogether and save up to $361/month*. See if you qualify.

https://www.rate.com/mortgage/resource/can-i-get-a-mortgage-without-pmi?LOID=40502

08/06/2026

Luxury homes often require financing that goes beyond conventional loan limits, but that doesn't mean your options are limited.

Whether you're upgrading, relocating, or refinancing a higher loan balance, there are financing solutions designed to fit a variety of situations. The right loan structure can make a significant difference in your monthly payment and long term goals.

If you're considering a higher-priced home or simply want to understand your financing options, I'd be happy to help you explore what may be available.

Feel free to reach out anytime with questions.

07/30/2026

The Fed held rates steady again this week, the fifth hold in a row this year. 👀

Here's the interesting part, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh has said he personally favors lowering rates, but the board he leads still voted 9-3 to hold, with 3 dissenters actually pushing to raise rates instead. That kind of split tells you there's real disagreement about where things go from here.

Most experts are now expecting the Fed to raise rates before the end of the year, not cut them. That's a shift from the pattern we saw with the rate cuts at the end of last year.

The bottom line hasn't changed: if you need a home, you need a ho me. Nobody knows exactly when or if rates will drop again, and if they do after you buy, refinancing is always an option.

Next Fed meeting is September 15-16. Questions about what any of this means for your plans? Send me a message, happy to walk through it. 📲

https://www.rate.com/mortgage/resource/fomc-meeting-07-29-26?

The Federal Reserve’s July 2026 decision was to hold interest rates where they are. Learn how the mortgage market reacted, and more.

07/23/2026

Excited to see another beautiful home from Nitti Development.
If you're considering new construction, I'm happy to answer any questions about the financing process from pre-approval through closing.

https://nittidevelopment.com/preferred-lender/

07/23/2026

🏡 Self-employed? A bank statement loan may be an option.

Qualifying for a mortgage as a business owner can be different than it is for a traditional W-2 employee. Lenders often look closely at your cash flow, including:

✅ Large cash deposits
✅ Overdraft activity
✅ Consistent income trends
✅ Business revenue and expenses

The good news? Many self-employed borrowers can qualify using 12 or 24 months of bank statements instead of tax returns.

If you're self-employed and wondering what your options look like, let's connect and review your situation.