Family Mortgage

06/24/2026

⚽ JUPITER SC PLAYER CARD #01

Meet Team Captain, Evan McDonough.

As a third-generation mortgage professional, Evan has spent more than two decades helping families achieve homeownership and financial security.

His role on the field? Scoring financing solutions for every family.

🏆 Special Ability: Third Generation Playmaker

When he's not helping clients navigate the mortgage process, you'll find him coaching youth sports, supporting local businesses, and cheering on his family from the sidelines.

Drop a ⚽ below and help us kick off our Jupiter SC roster reveal.

06/23/2026

We may not make the starting lineup, but we're ready for the FIFA World Cup. ⚽

Tune in tomorrow to meet the players!

Who are you rooting for this year?

Drop your team below! 👇

06/15/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Evan McDonough by Dylan F - Evan and the Family Mortgage team were exceptional throughout the process. Beyond the competitive rates, the service quality was second to none. They were helpful, responsive, and worked diligently through closing. I had peace of mind the entire time. Anyone would be in good hands with them!

Click to see all 2769 reviews of Evan McDonough, Loan Officer | NMLS #189233

06/11/2026

Then vs. Now.

The hairstyles changed.
The technology changed.
The mortgage industry definitely changed.

But our commitment to helping families achieve their dreams of homeownership has never changed.

Serving our community since 1996 and grateful for all the people who have been part of the journey along the way.

Bonus points if you spotted the cameo from former co-worker, friend, and business partner Jason Marcantonio. 😎

Thank you to everyone who has trusted our family, referred their friends and family, and helped us grow over the past 30 years.

Here's to the next chapter.

06/10/2026

One of the questions I hear is:

"What if I have a financial setback?"

Maybe it's a new roof, unexpected childcare expenses, a car repair, or something else you didn't see coming.

The reality is that setbacks happen to almost everyone. The key isn't avoiding them entirely - it's how quickly you get back on track.

If your goal was to save 20% of your income each month, but a major expense forces you to pause, don't give up on the plan altogether. Maybe you restart at 5%, then 10%, and work your way back up. Progress is still progress.

For larger expenses, such as a roof replacement or major home repair, it may be worth exploring whether your home's equity can help. A HELOC or home equity loan could allow you to spread the cost over time rather than pulling a large lump sum from your savings all at once. Every situation is different, but it's an option worth considering.

I like to compare it to going to the gym. If you're sick for a week and miss your workouts, you don't quit forever. You get back in there as soon as you can and keep moving forward.

The same applies to your finances.

Setbacks happen. Don't let a temporary detour become a permanent stop.

06/09/2026

What are "reserves" when you're getting a mortgage?

Simply put, reserves are the money you have left after you buy the home and pay all of your closing costs.

For example, if you have $100,000 in the bank and need $30,000 to close, you'd have $70,000 left. That $70,000 is considered your reserves.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. Some loan programs require no reserves at all, while others may require 6, 9, or even 12 months of reserves.

Not all assets are treated the same either. Checking and savings accounts are typically counted dollar for dollar. Retirement accounts, stock accounts, and other investments may only receive partial credit depending on the loan program.

So if your lender asks about reserves, they're not asking for additional money to close. They're asking about the funds you'll still have available after the transaction is complete.

Questions about reserves or qualifying for a mortgage? Reach out to us. We make it easy!

06/08/2026

Happy Monday!

Mortgage rates are still hovering in the mid-to-upper 6% range, with some borrowers seeing lower rates by paying points or making larger down payments.

A few things are driving the market right now:

• Stronger-than-expected job numbers pushed rates higher last week.
• Ongoing uncertainty in the Middle East continues to create volatility and keep rates from moving meaningfully lower.
• Inflation remains a major focus, especially with rising energy costs and global uncertainty.
• The market is watching closely to see how future economic data could influence the Fed's next moves.

One interesting trend to watch: major events like the World Cup are creating jobs and boosting economic activity. The question is whether that growth is temporary or something that sticks around after the summer.

For now, the market is searching for direction, and every major economic report matters.

Key indicators to watch:
✔️ Jobs Reports
✔️ Inflation (CPI)
✔️ Middle East Developments
✔️ Federal Reserve Commentary
✔️ 10-Year Treasury Yield

Have questions about today's market or your home financing options? Reach out anytime. We make it easy!

06/04/2026

TEAM THURSDAY 🎉

Every office has personalities.

Today, the Family Mortgage Team voted on Skip and Evan to see who's most likely to do... well, just about everything.

The results were surprisingly accurate.
And slightly concerning.

Watch below. 👇

06/03/2026

🏘️ Want to grow a real estate portfolio without needing 20%-25% down on every property?

One strategy many investors overlook is using a conventional loan to purchase a duplex, triplex, or fourplex with as little as 5% down. The catch? You’ll need to live in one of the units as your primary residence for at least the first year.

Imagine buying a duplex, living in one side, renting out the other, then repeating the process a year later. Over time, you could build a portfolio one property at a time while putting down significantly less than a typical investment property purchase.

It's not for everyone, but if you're open to moving every year or two, it can be a creative path toward long-term real estate wealth.

Have questions about duplexes, triplexes, or fourplex financing? Reach out and let's see what options might fit your goals!

Evan McDonough – We make it easy! | (561) 625-2660 | NMLS #898812 | NMLS #2763579 | Mortgage One, Inc. | Equal Housing Lender 😊

06/02/2026

Thinking about upgrading your home before selling? 🏡

Not all upgrades impact value the same way.

The projects that tend to get the most attention from buyers are kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, pools, and in Florida, a newer roof. These are often the features that can help a home stand out compared to similar properties.

On the other hand, items like a new A/C, water heater, or other maintenance-related improvements are still important. They can make a home more attractive and give buyers confidence, but they may not increase value as dramatically as major cosmetic upgrades.

Whether you're buying or selling, understanding which improvements matter most can help you make smarter decisions and set realistic expectations.

Evan McDonough – We make it easy! | (561) 625-2660 | NMLS #898812 | Mortgage One, Inc. | Equal Housing Lender 😊