Brad Schenck - PrimeLending, Nmls:487528

03/30/2026

Condo complex eligibility changes including the removal of the 50% owner occupancy guideline!

03/06/2026

I have been receiving A LOT of questions about mortgage rates and how they are trending.

This morning I wrote a market update for some of our key business partners.

While the below market update is more depth than what might be helpful for many, I'm including it here for those that want to gain a deeper understanding on how current events are influencing mortgage pricing.

PLEASE REACH OUT DIRECTLY TO ME if you’re considering purchasing or refinancing a home soon.

I'm happy to provide specific perspective on your potential scenario.

--
The Bureau of Labor Statistics Jobs report released today showing there were 92,000 job losses for the month of February. This was a much weaker report than expected and increases the likelihood of future Fed Funds rate cuts. The unemployment rate ticked up from 4.3% to 4.4%.

The jobs data for December and January were revised lower by a combined 69,000 jobs. December was revised from positive 50,000 to negative 17,000 and January was revised lower by 4,000 to 126,000.

The labor market is clearly showing signs of weakness with a three-month average job gain of only 6,000 per month, a six month average of -1,000 per month and twelve month average of 13,000.

Picture one is a graph of job creation over the last five years

While a weak jobs report is typically good for mortgage pricing, the huge spike in oil prices is giving the bond markets pause.

Oil prices (picture 2) are up $20 per barrel in the last week and $10 per barrel today! Oil is a vital resource used in nearly every step of production and supply chains. Rising oil prices creates increased inflation. Inflation is the enemy of bond prices and limits the ability for the Fed to cut rates.

A bad jobs report would normally lead to improving mortgage pricing, yet sky rocketing oil prices are preventing mortgage pricing improvements.

The Fed has a dual mandate to support price stability (inflation target of around 2% per year) and maximum employment. A bad jobs report encourages the Fed to cut rates to support the labor market; however, rising oil prices creates extra inflation which discourages the Fed cutting short term rates.

Technical Perspective (picture 3): Mortgage bonds are currently sitting right at the 100-day moving average and have recovered this morning’s losses. If Mortgage Back Securities pricing can close at or above the 100-day moving average, it will be beneficial for potentially limiting further erosion in mortgage pricing. If MBS pricing closes below the 100-day moving average, it would set the stage for potentially further price worsening in the short term.

Mortgage rates move inversely to mortgage back security values. Red candles represent the cost for mortgage rates increasing while green indicates mortgage pricing improvements.

Once geopolitical tensions cool, there is reason to believe mortgage rates will improve, but for now, oil is dominating the market action.

01/13/2026

12/11/2025

The Fed cut short term interest rates yesterday! They surprised the markets by announcing purchases of $40 billion per month in treasury bills starting tomorrow.

This $40b is in addition to the Fed ending quantitative tightening at the start of December where they began ejecting additional capital into the bond markets.

Mortgage pricing responded positively to this news!!

Next year several members of the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) will change including Fed Chairman Powell. It’s expected the new voting Fed members will be more dovish (more supportive of lower rates).

The current housing market is greater for buyer’s negotiating power. Sellers may become less accommodating as mortgage rates improve and buyer competition grows.

If you are considering buying or refinancing, give me a call 303.883.3363 or send me a message.

I’d love the opportunity to give you honest advice supportive of your goals.

12/09/2025

We recently moved office locations. It’s the same building just up a floor and on the other side.

Today was my first day in the new space. I love how bright our new area is!

While I occasionally get together with customers in person, the majority of the face to face communcistion that occurs during the mortgage process is done over Zoom.

During a video call today, I realized I was extremely backlit. I have a bit of work to do to improving lighting for video calls to avoid making it look like km in the witness protection program 😄.

I’m super excited for the our new office suite.

11/04/2025

This is a super cool story… 😎🏡✨

I met a wonderful couple earlier this year who dreamed of buying their first home. At the time, their credit scores were too low and they didn’t have much saved for a down payment.

Still, they were determined to make it happen. Together, we came up with a game plan to boost their credit and build their savings.

Fast forward a few months… they’re officially homeowners! 🎉

They raised their credit scores above the target, their amazing Realtor negotiated for the sellers to cover closing costs, and we helped them access down payment assistance. All of this came together so they could close on a great home with very little out of pocket.

Just a few months ago, buying a home felt out of reach. With a plan, persistence, and a little guidance, they made it happen. 💪

If you’ve been dreaming about owning a home but aren’t sure where to start, let’s chat! I’d love to help you explore what’s possible and create your own path to homeownership.

10/16/2025

Are you thinking about refinancing but not sure if it makes sense?

This might surprise you...

Refinancing isn't just about dropping your rate by 1%.

Here are some other scenarios where it DOES make sense:

✅ Cash-out for high-interest debt - If you're carrying credit card debt at 19%+, consolidating into your mortgage could save thousands

✅ Home improvement plans - Future kitchen renovation? Home equity may be a cheaper route than most other forms of debt.

✅ Even small rate drops can make sense IF the refi is done with minimal costs

Every situation is unique. There is no "rule" about when is the right time to refinance.

Want me to run your numbers?

Send me a message 🤙

10/14/2025

Gorgeous autumn 🍂 morning!

10/08/2025

The right mortgage strategy can change everything.

A family came to me with a challenge: parents wanted to sell an investment property to their daughter, who’d been living there post-college. She didn’t yet qualify for a mortgage on her own, and while the parents offered to cosign, sellers typically can’t do that.

A refinance on the rental didn’t make financial sense either.

After some creative thinking and deep knowledge of the guidelines, we found a solution: the daughter was added to the title, and we used a cash-out refinance on her new primary residence—with her parents as non-occupant co-borrowers. Fannie Mae allowed what Freddie Mac wouldn’t.

Result?
✅ Daughter gained ownership
✅ Parents accessed equity
✅ Everyone won

Smart lending isn’t just about rates—it’s about strategy.
Got mortgage questions (simple or complex)? Let’s talk.

07/17/2025

Purchasing a home 🏡 is one of life’s biggest financial decisions!

Buying a house can cause anxiety and yet it can be extraordinarily beneficial.

I recently listened to a podcast where the guest shared how vital homeownership is for having a stake in crafting a supportive collective community.

This can be especially beneficial for raising kids.

These common questions can cause hesitstion:

“What if I buy and prices crash?”

“What if I lock and rates drop?”

“What if I get taken advantage of?”

That’s why we do NOT just quote numbers.

We guide you through a process, empowering you to make the best decision for you and your family.

Reach out to me when you are ready to start the conversation around homeownership!

We would love the opportunity to provide guidance on the current options available while offering specific steps you can take to be best positioned for buying.