Des The Mortgage Guy

Des The Mortgage Guy With over a decade's experience in the financial industry, Desmond knows how to navigate the complex world of mortgage financing.

When it comes to mortgage financing… you’ve got a guy. 🏡💼
Proudly serving first-time buyers, veterans 🇺🇸🪖, first responders 🚔🚒, small business owners 📊, and investors 📈
📍IL/WI
Official Mortgage Partner of the Wisconsin VFW ⭐ He specializes in working with first time home buyers, first responders, the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces, and those whose financial situation requi

res outside the box thinking. When the big banks say no, Desmond says yes!

2387807, MAK Mortgage, Inc. Motto Mortgage Affiliated, 501 Peterson Rd Suite 200B, Libertyville, IL, 60048, Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee
915359, MAK Mortgage, Inc. Motto Mortgage Affiliated, 501 Peterson Rd Suite 200B, Libertyville, IL, 60048, Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee
As an Equal Housing Lender, We Do Business in Accordance With Federal Fair Lending Laws UNDER THE FEDERAL FAIR HOUSING ACT, IT IS ILLEGAL, ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, DISABILITY, OR FAMILIAL STATUS (HAVING CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF18) TO: Deny a loan for the purpose of purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing or maintaining a dwelling, or deny any loan secured by a dwelling; or Discriminate in fixing the amount, interest rate, duration, application procedures or other terms or conditions of such a loan, or in appraising property

08/18/2026

Five years ago, a small business owner tried to buy a home.

The problem? His actual income was strong, but his tax returns did not tell the full story. His lender told him he could not qualify, so he entered into a complicated lease to own arrangement instead.

Fast forward five years, and we are finally helping him turn that lease into the homeownership dream he was trying to achieve all along.

How?

I specialize in helping small business owners qualify for mortgages using a program that looks at cash flow into their business bank accounts rather than relying solely on traditional tax return income.

If you are self employed, you know that your tax return and your actual cash flow can tell two very different stories.

So if you know a small business owner who has been told, “You don't qualify,” don't let that be the final answer.

Send them my way. Let's see what options are available and help them achieve the American dream of homeownership

FAQ FRIDAY!A common misconception is that you need perfect credit to buy a home. The reality? Different loan programs ha...
08/14/2026

FAQ FRIDAY!

A common misconception is that you need perfect credit to buy a home. The reality? Different loan programs have different credit requirements, and your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle. Lenders may also consider your income, debt, employment history, down payment, and overall financial picture when evaluating your loan options. Have questions about your situation? Send me a message. I’m happy to help you understand your options.

08/03/2026

Home buyers are getting relief from an unexpected place: sellers.

Mortgage rates have not given buyers much breathing room, but the market is beginning to shift. In July, 1 out of every 5 active listings across the country saw a price reduction.

The buyers who stepped back from the market did not disappear. Many simply became more selective and waited for the right opportunity.

For buyers who said “not yet” because the monthly payment was too high, it may be time to take another look.

A lower purchase price can mean:
✅ A smaller loan amount
✅ Less cash needed at closing
✅ A lower monthly payment
✅ More negotiating power

The right home at the right price can completely change the equation.

Sellers are adjusting. Buyers are watching. Opportunities are opening up for those who are prepared.

If you walked away from buying because the numbers didn’t make sense, let’s run the numbers again. The answer may look very different today.

07/24/2026

🚨 Big Change for Condo Buyers Starting August 3 🚨

Mortgage underwriting is changing for conventional condo loans.

Beginning August 3, the Limited Condo Review option is being eliminated. That means many condo purchases and refinances that previously required minimal documentation will now need a Full Condo Review.

What does that mean?

🏢 More HOA documents required
⏳ Potentially longer underwriting timelines
📋 More scrutiny of the condo association's finances, insurance, reserves, and overall project health

If you're thinking about buying or refinancing a condo, getting started before these changes take effect could help avoid additional hurdles.

Have questions about how this may affect your purchase? Let's talk before the new guidelines kick in.

07/21/2026

💰 Could a higher mortgage interest rate actually improve your cash flow?

It sounds backwards, but for many homeowners, the answer is yes.

Here's why...

Millions of Americans are juggling credit cards with interest rates over 22%, personal loans with rates in the teens, and other high interest debt that's draining their monthly cash flow.

When you compare those rates to a mortgage in the 6% range, it starts to change the conversation.

A strategically planned debt consolidation cash out refinance isn't about getting the lowest mortgage rate. It's about improving your overall financial picture and creating healthier monthly cash flow.

For the right homeowner, it may help:

✅ Increase monthly cash flow
✅ Lower your total monthly obligations
✅ Consolidate multiple high interest debts into one payment
✅ Reduce financial stress and create more room in your budget

It's not the right solution for everyone, and that's okay. That's why I offer a no obligation cash flow review. We'll take a look at your mortgage, your debts, and your monthly budget to see if there's an opportunity to improve your financial situation.

If the numbers work, great. If they don't, I'll be the first to tell you.

📩 Send me a message or give me a call to schedule your free cash flow review. Sometimes the best financial move isn't chasing the lowest interest rate. It's creating more breathing room in your monthly budget.

07/16/2026

The biggest mistake I see homebuyers make? They wait until they find "the perfect house" before talking to a lender.

Here's why that's risky:

✅ You may qualify for more than you think.
✅ You may qualify for less than you think.
✅ There may be down payment assistance programs available that can change your budget.
✅ A simple credit strategy could save you thousands over the life of your loan.
✅ Having a fully underwritten preapproval can make your offer much stronger in a competitive market.

The best time to start the mortgage conversation isn't when you find a house... it's before you start looking.

Whether you're a first time buyer, a veteran using your VA benefit, a first responder, a small business owner, or an investor, every mortgage strategy should be tailored to your goals.

If buying a home is even a possibility in the next 6 to 12 months, let's have a conversation now. There is no pressure, just honest advice so you know exactly where you stand.

📩 Send me a message or comment "HOME" and I'll be happy to help.

Reason  #1231359 why working with a realtor instead of perusing Redfin on your own is important... Redfin states this li...
07/09/2026

Reason #1231359 why working with a realtor instead of perusing Redfin on your own is important... Redfin states this listing in Country Club Hills should have taxes and insurance well below real numbers. Monthly insurance will likely be at least $50 more monthly, and the actual monthly property taxes are over $300 higher! Working with an experience realtor and lender team can give you the REAL cost of homeownership. Ready to start your journey? Message me today and I'll connect you with one of my top partners.

Your dog already runs your life… they might as well have the yard they deserve.Whether it’s more space to roam, a fenced...
07/06/2026

Your dog already runs your life… they might as well have the yard they deserve.

Whether it’s more space to roam, a fenced-in backyard, or just a home that finally fits the way you actually live, I’m here when you’re ready to make that move happen.

Let’s turn “someday” into “let’s go see it.” 🐾

Do you want a loan officer focused on his weekend golf outing… or a mortgage adviser focused on protecting your money?Wh...
06/17/2026

Do you want a loan officer focused on his weekend golf outing… or a mortgage adviser focused on protecting your money?

When the Fed took a hawkish stance this afternoon and left future rate hikes on the table, I was watching the markets closely. I recognized pricing was about to worsen and locked my client’s rate just 19 minutes before the shift.

That timing saved them over $600 in costs.

Who you choose for your mortgage matters. Don’t trust just anyone—work with a professional who keeps their finger on the pulse and puts your financial interests first.

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Evergreen Park, IL

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