Mike Domangue, Mortgage Lender

06/10/2026

Inflation is back in the spotlight.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed headline inflation rising to 4.2% year over year, with a 0.5% increase from the previous month. The primary driver? Higher gas and energy prices.

While those headline numbers may grab attention, it’s important to look deeper. Core inflation, which excludes the more volatile food and energy categories, came in at 2.9% year over year and increased just 0.2% month over month.

Why does this matter?

Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by inflation expectations. When inflation remains elevated, investors typically demand higher returns on mortgage-backed securities, which can put upward pressure on mortgage rates. However, markets also recognize that energy prices can be volatile and don’t always represent long-term inflation trends.

The key question now is whether this is a temporary spike driven by energy costs or the beginning of a broader inflationary trend.

For homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals, this serves as a reminder that mortgage rates are influenced by many factors beyond Fed meetings and headlines. Economic data like today’s CPI report can have a significant impact on rate movement and market sentiment.

As always, if you’re considering buying, refinancing, or simply want to understand how market conditions may affect your goals, having the right team in your corner can make all the difference.

06/09/2026

🏡 Homeownership isn’t just about having a place to live. It’s one of the most powerful wealth-building tools available.

Every mortgage payment helps build equity. As home values appreciate over time, that equity can grow into a significant financial asset. Add in the stability of a fixed housing payment and the ability to hedge against rising rents, and homeownership becomes much more than a monthly payment.

✅ Build long-term wealth through equity growth
✅ Turn monthly payments into ownership
✅ Create a buffer against inflation
✅ Gain stability and predictability for the future

The right home can do more than provide shelter. It can help lay the foundation for your financial future.

06/03/2026

4 costly mistakes can turn a dream home into a financial headache.

The good news? They’re all avoidable.

Before you buy your first home:

✅ Keep your finances stable until after closing
✅ Budget for closing costs, not just the down payment
✅ Buy a home that fits your life, not just the maximum approval amount
✅ Get pre-approved before you start shopping

A home should help build your wealth, not create unnecessary stress. The buyers who have the smoothest experience are usually the ones who plan ahead and understand the full picture before making an offer.

Thinking about buying your first home? Let’s make sure you’re prepared from day one.

06/02/2026

One of the most overlooked wealth-building tools in America is homeownership.

According to the latest Fannie Mae/Pulsenomics survey, economists expect home prices to increase approximately 2.5% over the next year and 14% cumulatively over the next five years.

For a $500,000 home, that’s projected appreciation of roughly $12,500 in one year and $70,000 over five years.

While no investment is guaranteed, homeownership offers a unique combination of potential appreciation, principal paydown, and leverage that can help families build long-term net worth.

Many people focus solely on today’s interest rate. The bigger question may be: What is the cost of waiting to start building equity?

Real estate has long been a cornerstone of wealth creation, and for many families, buying a home remains one of the most impactful financial decisions they’ll make.

05/28/2026

Inflation came in right where expectations were set, but the trend still matters.

Headline PCE moved up to 3.8% YoY and Core PCE hit 3.3% YoY. Month-over-month numbers were also slightly higher, showing inflation is still sticky, not disappearing.

For mortgage rates, “meeting expectations” is usually better than a surprise spike, but the Fed still needs more evidence before feeling comfortable about rate cuts.

The market continues to watch every inflation report closely because even small changes can move rates quickly.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, our Hancock Whitney family honors all who served and died to protect our country and those who lost loved ones in service.

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave who gave their lives in service to our country. Hancock Whitney proudly stands with our communities in remembrance and gratitude.

05/21/2026

Pending home sales just posted their fourth straight monthly gain, signaling that buyers are still active despite higher rates. 📈

The index climbed to 74.8 in April, up 1.4% month over month and 3.2% year over year. While housing activity remains below “normal” levels, momentum is clearly improving.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers?

• Buyers are adapting to today’s market
• Serious shoppers are still making moves
• Inventory and affordability remain the biggest challenges

The market isn’t frozen. It’s shifting. And having the right strategy and the right team matters more than ever.

05/12/2026

Inflation came in hotter than expected in April, with rising food, gas, and energy costs pushing the headline CPI reading higher. Markets are paying close attention because inflation trends directly impact mortgage rates.

The takeaway for buyers and homeowners: rates can still move quickly in this environment, so timing and strategy matter more than ever. Having the right team in your corner can make all the difference when navigating a changing market.

05/12/2026

The latest housing data is telling an interesting story.

Buyer activity is picking up nationally, but home prices are still very market-specific depending on where you live. Some regions are seeing strong momentum, while others are still adjusting.

What does that mean for buyers and sellers?

It means strategy matters more than ever. The right timing, loan structure, and negotiation approach can make a major difference in today’s market.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing, now’s the time to understand what’s happening locally instead of relying on national headlines alone.

05/08/2026

Excited and grateful to officially step into the role of Mortgage Production Manager at Hancock Whitney.

This opportunity represents more than a new title. It’s an opportunity to continue building strong relationships, support growth within our team, and help clients and referral partners navigate the mortgage process with confidence.

One of the things I’m most proud of is the team we’ve built together. I’m thankful to work alongside talented professionals who care deeply about communication, ex*****on, and delivering a great experience for the clients and partners we serve every day.

I’ll continue serving as a producing loan officer while also focusing on leadership, collaboration, and long-term growth for our team and community.

Thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way, and looking forward to what’s ahead.