Hillory Hracek, CMA - Certified Mortgage Advisor

Hillory Hracek, CMA - Certified Mortgage Advisor Hillory Hracek | Mortgage Advisor @ Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co | CO NMLS #450086 | NMLS #1539433

📊 Mortgage Rate Update to Start the WeekRates are kicking off the week relatively flat, continuing the calm trend we’ve ...
02/10/2026

📊 Mortgage Rate Update to Start the Week

Rates are kicking off the week relatively flat, continuing the calm trend we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks. After touching near 6% in early January, rates bumped up mid-month but have gradually eased and are now holding near recent levels.

The market is now waiting on Wednesday’s big jobs report, a major data point that could move rates in either direction. Last week showed that even smaller employment reports can create ripple effects, so this one will be worth watching.
(Those releases often influence day-to-day rate movement.)

While headlines can shift, mortgage rates typically move in measured steps rather than dramatic jumps.

🏡 What this means for buyers & homeowners:
• Stability = more predictable payment planning
• Good window to review purchase or refinance scenarios with real numbers.
• Don’t try to “time” the market—have a strategy instead. Ask questions and gather information without pressure.

Every household’s rate is specific to their situation—credit profile, loan type, property use, down payment, and other factors all play a role. I’m always happy to walk through options at your pace so you can make an informed decision that feels comfortable for you.

💬 Want me to price out YOUR scenario with TODAY’S market? Reach out to me—I’ve got you.

⚠️Important Disclosures⚠️

About the Rate Source Referenced:
National average rates referenced are based on the Mortgage News Daily (MND) Rate Index, which is updated each weekday around 4:00 PM EST. The MND Index reflects real-time changes from actual lender rate sheets rather than survey responses. It represents an average “top-tier” scenario with little to no discount points. Actual rates available to a consumer may vary by lender and individual loan characteristics, and are typically offered in 0.125% increments.
SOURCE: https://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/mortgage-rates

Educational Disclosures:
This post is for general educational market commentary only and is not an advertisement for credit, financial advice, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Loan approval is subject to credit approval, income verification, property approval, and program guidelines. Not all applicants will qualify. Your actual rate and payment may differ based on credit score, loan type, occupancy, property type, and other factors. Contact me for a personalized loan estimate and to discuss your individual qualifications.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor | NMLS # 1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Co Home Loans | Equal Housing Lender
CO NMLS #450086
📲 225-439-7602
📧 [email protected]
👩🏼‍💻 HilloryHomeLoans.com

January came in HOT 🔥And certainly set the tone for 2026. 🏆 ✨  #1 company-wide for new applications started in January— ...
02/06/2026

January came in HOT 🔥
And certainly set the tone for 2026. 🏆

✨ #1 company-wide for new applications started in January— 18 freshies🥵🤓
✨ #1 Top Team — Team Hammond with 23 units / $7M+ (I love being on this team!)👯‍♀️
✨ #3 company-wide for January Total Closed Volume $2M+
✨And Multi-Million Dollar Club for the month! (I’m usually in the Million Dollar Club so this is 😎)

I’m incredibly blessed to work with such amazing teammates and supportive partners. 🧡GCB🩵

Every loan tells a story: a move, a milestone, a fresh start. Thank you for letting me be a part of yours.

Grateful beyond words. 🤍🏡

NMLS #1539433 | Equal Housing Lender | Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company

🚨Market Update: Bonds Rally After Labor DataThis morning brought a meaningful shift in the bond market, and mortgage pri...
02/06/2026

🚨Market Update: Bonds Rally After Labor Data

This morning brought a meaningful shift in the bond market, and mortgage pricing liked what it saw.

The JOLTS report for December 2025 is out, and it delivered the softer labor data the bond market was hoping for. Job openings dropped to 6.54M vs 7.2M expected—the lowest level in years—and mortgage bonds have been rallying significantly since the release.

Here’s what we’ve seen this morning:
• Challenger layoffs report and Jobless Claims started the rally early
• JOLTS confirmed additional labor cooling
• UMBS prices moved higher and the 10-yr yield fell
• Pricing desks are showing better mortgage rate sheets compared to yesterday

This is one of the stronger bond mornings we’ve had in a while, and it’s a good reminder that rates respond to real economic data in real time, not headlines.

📌 What this means for you:

If you’re under contract or shopping, today’s movement may be worth paying attention to.

Improvements like this can be temporary, so timing your lock matters.

Remember: Rates don’t move in a straight line. One strong morning doesn’t guarantee the rest of the week, and today’s reaction shows the market is very sensitive to signs of labor cooling.

⚠️Important Disclosure:
This post is for general educational market commentary only and is not financial advice, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. Mortgage rates and pricing are subject to change at any time and vary based on many factors of individual borrower qualifications including but not limited to: borrower credit profile, income and debt ratios, loan amount, loan program and product type, loan purpose (purchase/refinance), occupancy type, property type, discount points, market conditions, and investor guidelines. Not all borrowers will qualify. Contact me for a personalized loan estimate and to discuss your individual qualifications.

Data is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics JOLTS report for December 2025, released February 5, 2026: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.nr0.htm

JOLTS = Job Openings and Labor Turnover Summary
UMBS = Uniform Mortgage Backed Securities

Most people don’t buy homes because rates change.They buy homes because they decide it’s time.Time for more space.Time f...
01/15/2026

Most people don’t buy homes because rates change.

They buy homes because they decide it’s time.

Time for more space.
Time for stability.
Time to stop waiting on “perfect.”

The market doesn’t create readiness.
You do.

⚖️ Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, program availability, and acceptable property. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company – Home Loans
📞 225-439-7602
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 HilloryHomeLoans.com

Tech matters — but advice matters more.People want:✔ A human who will break down the numbers✔ Someone who reviews tax bi...
01/13/2026

Tech matters — but advice matters more.

People want:
✔ A human who will break down the numbers
✔ Someone who reviews tax bills, insurance quotes, PMI math
✔ Real scenarios
✔ Real coaching
✔ Real explanation

A mortgage is NOT an online checkout.
It’s the biggest financial move of your life — you deserve a real advisor.

That’s why my clients stay with me for life.

Is it time to refinance?The answer isn’t the same for everyone.Timing, strategy, and long-term goals matter more than to...
01/12/2026

Is it time to refinance?
The answer isn’t the same for everyone.
Timing, strategy, and long-term goals matter more than today’s headline rate.

Identifying the right time to refinance isn’t about chasing headlines or guessing where rates might go next. It’s about looking at your full financial picture — your current rate, balance, goals, timeline, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Sometimes refinancing makes sense now.
Sometimes the smartest move is to wait.

That’s the value of having an advisor who helps you make the right decision, not just a decision.

If you’re wondering whether it’s time for you, let’s run the numbers together.

⚖️ Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, program availability, and acceptable property. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company – Home Loans
📍 300 W. Morris Ave, Hammond, LA 70403
📞 985-661-3147 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 HilloryHomeLoans.com

Most HELOCs are variable… ours is NOT.We offer a Fixed-Rate HELOC and it is one of the strongest equity products on the ...
01/07/2026

Most HELOCs are variable… ours is NOT.

We offer a Fixed-Rate HELOC and it is one of the strongest equity products on the Gulf Coast.

Perfect for:
🔧 Renovations
🏡 Investment properties
💼 Debt consolidation
💍 Divorce buyouts
🛠️ Repairs
💸 Keeping your low first-mortgage rate

NO surprises. NO rate rollercoaster.
Just stable, predictable borrowing — while keeping your existing low rate untouched.
Ask me for scenarios customized to your equity.

⚖️ Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, program availability, and acceptable property. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company – Home Loans
📍 300 W. Morris Ave, Hammond, LA 70403
📞 985-661-3147 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 HilloryHomeLoans.com

I GET THIS A LOT: “Can you explain strike rate?”And I absolutely can, because this is one of the most important parts of...
01/06/2026

I GET THIS A LOT: “Can you explain strike rate?”

And I absolutely can, because this is one of the most important parts of your loan.

Your strike rate is the rate you lock in — and choosing when to do that isn’t guesswork. It’s about understanding the market, your goals, and the numbers behind the scenes.

That’s what a mortgage advisor does differently.

If you’re buying, building, or refinancing and want guidance you can trust, let’s talk.

⚖️ Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, program availability, and acceptable property. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company – Home Loans
📍 300 W. Morris Ave, Hammond, LA 70403
📞 985-661-3147 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 HilloryHomeLoans.com

Ever heard the term “strike rate” and wondered what it actually means?Your strike rate is the interest rate your loan is...
12/29/2025

Ever heard the term “strike rate” and wondered what it actually means?

Your strike rate is the interest rate your loan is locked at. The rate that determines your monthly payment and stays in place once your loan is finalized.

In today’s market, knowing when and how to strike matters just as much as the rate itself. That’s where strategy, timing, and clear guidance come into play.

If you want someone watching the market and helping you make the right move at the right time, I’m here.

⚖️ Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, program availability, and acceptable property. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company – Home Loans
📍 300 W. Morris Ave, Hammond, LA 70403
📞 985-661-3147 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 HilloryHomeLoans.com

Should you buy down your rate? Here’s how to know.Buying points can help — but only if the numbers make sense.I always c...
12/22/2025

Should you buy down your rate? Here’s how to know.

Buying points can help — but only if the numbers make sense.

I always consider:
✔ How long you’ll keep the home
✔ Break-even math
✔ If seller credits can pay for the points
✔ If your credit score supports the lower rate
✔ If the difference is worth it over time

Sometimes paying points is a waste.
Sometimes it saves you $20k+ in interest.

Want your break-even math? DM me.

⚖️ Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, program availability, and acceptable property. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company – Home Loans
📍 300 W. Morris Ave, Hammond, LA 70403
📞 985-661-3147 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 HilloryHomeLoans.com

Let’s talk about those online calculators 👀Online mortgage calculators are wrong 90% of the time. Here’s why.They don’t ...
12/18/2025

Let’s talk about those online calculators 👀
Online mortgage calculators are wrong 90% of the time. Here’s why.

They don’t include:
• Accurate Louisiana property taxes (varies wildly parish to parish)
• Actual homeowners insurance premiums (ours are NOT national averages)
• HOA dues
• PMI based off your credit profile
• Flood insurance quotes
• Bond programs
• Seller credits
• Rate adjustments for credit score

A “$1,700 payment” online could really be $2,350 by the time you add everything.
That’s why you work with a Certified Mortgage Advisor — not a robot. 🤖💁‍♀️

⚖️ Disclosure: This communication is for informational purposes only and is not a commitment to lend or extend credit. All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, program availability, and acceptable property. Terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Hillory Hracek, CMA
Certified Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #1539433
Gulf Coast Bank & Trust Company – Home Loans
📍 300 W. Morris Ave, Hammond, LA 70403
📞 985-661-3147 | ✉️ [email protected]
🌐 HilloryHomeLoans.com

Address

300 W MORRIS Avenue
Hammond, LA
70403

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