Des The Mortgage Guy

06/07/2026

😍😍😍

06/03/2026

🏡 BEYOND THE HEADLINES 🏡

You may be seeing reports that more homeowners are pulling their homes off the market. According to Redfin, delistings are rising nationwide and approaching levels seen during the early days of the pandemic.

But real estate is local, and Chicagoland is telling a different story.

While some cities are seeing a large number of canceled listings, the Chicago area had the second fewest delistings among major metro markets. That means buyers are still active, homes are still selling, and competition remains strong.

In a market like this, having the right team matters. A knowledgeable lender and experienced realtor can help you put together a winning offer and move confidently through the homebuying process.

Thinking about buying a home? Send me a message, and I'll connect you with one of the great Chicagoland realtors I partner with. Let's make your homeownership goals a reality!

05/25/2026

On this day and every day we honor, respect, and remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the American dream 🇺🇸

04/25/2026

🏡Open House today!🏡
9215 S. 83rd Ave, Hickory Hills
Saturday, April 25th, 11am-1pm
4 Bedrooms (2 on the main level)
2 Full Baths (1 on the main level)
+2,000 sqft inside
Over half and acre outside!

Stop by and say hi to Kyle Altenburg and find out how much down payment and monthly payment. It would take to purchase this home. It’s less than you would think!

04/24/2026

Channel your inner Beyoncé this Friday, because the latest homebuyer data is clear… the single ladies are making serious power moves in real estate 💃🏡

While married couples still make up the largest share of buyers, single women are outpacing single men at every age level and it’s not even close. Across Chicagoland, women between 22 and 40 are stepping up, building wealth, and taking control of their financial future.

Here’s why that matters:
On average, about two thirds of net worth comes from home equity. And homeowners? Their net worth is roughly 44x higher than renters.

Forty. Four. Times.

This isn’t just about buying a place to live. It’s about building something that works for you long term.

So today we’re celebrating the women making bold moves toward homeownership and financial independence 👏

And fellas… unless you’re planning on finding a future sugar momma, it might be time to catch up 😅

If you’re curious what buying could look like for you in today’s market, let’s talk.

03/27/2026

While it has been a tumultuous week for mortgage interest rates, perspective matters. Mortgage rates this date last year were 6.82%. Today, they are a 6.64%. Despite the doom and gloom news reports, homebuyers have more opportunity today than a year ago.

03/21/2026

Next up is this recently renovated three unit in Oak Park! I helped this seller with their purchase mortgage, and it is a night and day difference from when they purchased it. Beautifully updated and ready to start generating income for you day one!

This one you have to see! Located in the Frank Lloyd Wright-Prairie School of Architecture Historic district!! They live in top floor unit (first set of pics in the group is their unit). The units are spacious and very light and bright!! All three units are 2 bed (plus den office space in 2 of them)...

03/21/2026

The houses are open today! Starting with this unique listing hosted by The Altenburg Real Estate Group of Hanley Realty in Hickory Hills, it’s a beautiful day to see your next home!

03/09/2026

Big news! I’m officially licensed to originate mortgages in Wisconsin. I’m excited to help homebuyers across the Dairy State finance their dream homes. Even better, I’m proud to serve as a Preferred Mortgage Partner of the Wisconsin VFW, helping veterans and their families take advantage of the home loan benefits they’ve earned. If you’re looking to buy in Wisconsin, I’m ready to help!

03/05/2026

🏢 Thinking about buying a condo?

Condos can be an AMAZING opportunity for:

• First time home buyers
• Busy professionals who want low maintenance living
• Downsizers looking for the right size without the upkeep

Lower price points. Less exterior maintenance. Often great locations.

But here is something many buyers do not realize 👇

Condo mortgage rates are often slightly higher than single family home rates.

Why?

Because the lender is not just underwriting YOU.
We are underwriting the entire condo project.

That means we review:

• HOA financials
• Owner occupancy ratios
• Insurance coverage
• Pending litigation
• Overall project health

If the association is strong and well managed, smooth sailing. If not, it can impact financing options and pricing.

Before you fall in love with a unit, make sure you have a lender who understands condo approvals and can review the project early.

Check out my latest blog post to learn more about how condo financing works and how to avoid surprises.

Condominiums are often a smart option for first-time buyers, professionals who want low-maintenance living, downsizers, and even investors. But one question comes up frequently: Why can condo mortgage rates be slightly higher than single-family homes? The answer has less to do with the borrower and....