Preferred Rate, Orange County - Partnered with APM - NMLS# 1958263

09/23/2026

Celebrating new beginnings in Grand Rapids! 🎉 We’re proud to celebrate the grand opening of our newest Preferred Rate branch and excited to build lasting relationships with local homebuyers and real estate partners.

Pictured left to right: Mortgage Advisors Mike Milanowski and Jason Jenkins, VP of Marketing Tennille Scuncio, Branch Manager Aaron Schoonover, and EVP of Operations Chris Lekousis.

Here’s to growing together in Grand Rapids! 🏡

09/16/2026

Good news if you're house hunting: loan limits are expected to go up again for 2027, and we're already locking loans at the new number — up to $845,000 in most areas, up to $1,267,500 in higher-cost areas. That's ahead of the official government announcement, which usually lands in November.

What that can mean for you: more buyers who were on the edge of needing a jumbo loan may now qualify for a standard one, often with easier terms.

Curious what this means for your numbers? Let's talk.

09/07/2026

Today we celebrate the strength, resilience, and dedication of the American worker.
💼 Happy Labor Day!
https://myoc.io/PreferredRate

09/04/2026

Whether you're planning for the rest of 2026 or thinking ahead to 2027, the right partnership can make all the difference.

At Preferred Rate, we're committed to helping mortgage professionals build businesses that last.

Learn more at bit.ly/4aEfNif

09/01/2026

Unlike a bridge loan or home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) requires payments only on the amount you borrow, making it a flexible financing option if you’re buying your next home if you're planning to keep your home as a rental.

With a HELOC, you can tap into your current home’s equity before it goes on the market—giving you access to funds when timing matters most.

It’s like having a built-in financial cushion that helps you move forward—on your own terms. If you're looking at strategies to BRIDGE the gap TO BUY a home - let's talk!
https://myoc.io/PreferredRate

08/27/2026

Don't count yourself out before we've even looked at the numbers. Perfect credit? Not required. 20% down? Not always necessary. The "right" rate? There's more flexibility than you think.

A lot of people rule themselves out of buying or refinancing based on assumptions that just aren't true anymore. Let's look at your actual situation together — you might be closer than you think.
https://myoc.io/PreferredRate

08/25/2026

The rules of mortgage lending have changed.

We believe home financing should fit your life, not the other way around.

If you’ve been told your credit score isn’t good enough to buy a home, it may be time for a second look. With a broad range of mortgage solutions, including programs designed for first-time homebuyers, borrowers with new or rebuilding credit, and those with unique financial situations, we’ve helped more people find a path to homeownership.
Don’t assume you don’t qualify. Let's Talk.
https://myoc.io/PreferredRate

08/24/2026

Welcome to Preferred Rate, Jason! 🎉

We’re excited to welcome Jason Jenkins to the Preferred Rate family!

With nearly 30 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Jason brings a wealth of knowledge, a client-first approach, and a commitment to finding the right mortgage strategy for each individual client. He understands that no two homebuyers are the same—and believes that clear, consistent communication is key to a successful mortgage experience.

Jason’s dedication to his clients, combined with his experience and passion for helping people achieve their homeownership goals, makes him a great addition to the Preferred Rate team. 🏡

Please join us in giving Jason a warm welcome! We’re excited to have you on board, Jason, and look forward to all that’s ahead! 💙

08/21/2026

Welcome to Preferred Rate, Michael! 🎉

We’re excited to welcome Michael Milanowski to the Preferred Rate family as our newest Mortgage Loan Originator in our Grand Rapids, Michigan branch!

Michael is joining Aaron Schoonover and the growing Grand Rapids team, and we’re thrilled to have him on board. We’re looking forward to the relationships he’ll build, the clients he’ll serve, and all the great things ahead!

If you’re in the Grand Rapids area, be sure to give Michael a warm welcome and say hello! 👋

📞 616-481-6606
📧 [email protected]
https://bit.ly/4xQ2mVl

Welcome to the team, Michael! We’re so glad you’re here! 💙

10/29/2021

You’ve probably heard the term ~𝙟𝙪𝙢𝙗𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙖𝙣~ floating around, but what does that 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯?

A jumbo loan is a loan program designed for loan amounts that exceed the FHFA conventional conforming loan limits.

𝗟𝗲𝘁 𝘂𝘀 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗻.

Every year, the FHFA determines conventional conforming loan limits for each county across the country. These can vary based on area—high-cost areas often have higher limits.

A jumbo loan allows you to obtain financing for homes above the FHFA conventional conforming limit and provides ~flexibility~ to homebuyers and homeowners who don’t fit into conventional conforming loans.

Here are some of the benefits of a jumbo loan:
✔️ Provides more purchasing power for homes that exceed conventional conforming loan amounts
✔️ Provides a way to buy in more desirable markets
✔️ Low down payment options
✔️ Competitive interest rates
✔️ The ability to finance multi-family units

Want to learn more about whether or not a jumbo loan is right for you? Connect with a Preferred Rate Mortgage Advisor near you by visiting www.PreferredRate.com.

10/29/2021

Today is National First Responders Day, and we honor the heroic men and women who put their lives on the line every day to help their fellow Americans.

The last 18 months have hit first responders especially hard, and today, we honor you for all you do. Thank you for your sacrifice and service.

10/27/2021

These past two years, homeowners across the country have considered buying a second home or relocating for several reasons. It could be a lifestyle change, moving closer to extended family, deciding to shift careers, seeking a lower cost of living, or even taking the big leap toward their dream house.

One question always comes up with every mortgage application: Will your new home be your primary residence? You might be wondering, why does it matter?

Well, in short, you can save thousands on your mortgage when you declare your home as a primary residence. Learn how to qualify in our newest blog.

Get a better mortgage and a lower rate when you declare your home as your primary residence. Find out if your next property will qualify.

10/27/2021

Buying a new home can feel like everything at once: Exciting, overwhelming, stressful, and even emotionally taxing.

Whether this is your first home, your next home, or you’re thinking about refinancing, we’re ready to walk with you every step of the way.

Reach out to our lead Mortgage advisor at [email protected] or call (949) 275-2729 with any questions.

10/25/2021

𝗩𝗮𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆

The demand for second homes rose by 172% during the pandemic and is likely to stay strong as working remotely becomes --> permanent for many.

And—even though demand is easing as the real estate market cools, kids return to school, and cities come to life again—the sale of vacation homes made up ~6.7%~ of all existing-home sales in the first four months of 2021, up 5% year over year.

Source: inman.com

10/20/2021

A mortgage escrow account could bring you stability and peace, but you should weigh your options before you say yes. Find out why in our newest blog!

A mortgage escrow account could bring you peace and stability, but you should weigh your options before you say yes. Find out why.

10/19/2021

𝗞𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗜𝘀 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿.
We’re 🅃🄷🅁🄸🄻🄻🄴🄳 to have APM consulting economist Elliot Eisenberg, the Bowtie Economist, back on stage at our upcoming NEXT Symposium, November 3–4.

Elliot’s session is always a crowd favorite, and we expect this year to be no different.

If you’re a Preferred Rate loan officer or interested in being our guest at this event, visit www.apmortgage.com/symposium2021. See you soon!

10/18/2021

𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆

Good news for the housing market. The U.S. Census Bureau’s new home sales report indicated that sales of NEW single-family houses in August 2021 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 740,000, 1.5% above the revised July rate.

Even more critical, revisions came in positive for the prior months, which showed a more stable market. More inventory is good news for homebuyers!

Source: housingwire.com

10/15/2021

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗙𝗛𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗻?

Great question! FHA home loans are backed by the government’s Federal Housing Administration and are designed to help buyers with lower down payments, or those who have had credit challenges, get into homes of their own.

FHA loans come with some pretty fantastic benefits, including:

✔️ A 3.5% down payment (gift funds can be included in the down payment)
✔️ Lower credit score guidelines
✔️ Higher monthly debt allowed
✔️ No income limits on eligibility
✔️ Use on a single-family home or a multi-family building (up to four units), but the home must be your primary residence

With an FHA loan, homeownership just might be in your future sooner than you thought. Wanting to learn more? Visit preferredrate.com/find-an-advisor to find a Preferred Rate mortgage advisor near you!

10/14/2021

Adding a co-signer on a mortgage application could help you qualify for a better home loan. Mortgage rates are still low and no one knows how long it will last. If you’re ready to buy a home but in a tough financial position, you may have considered applying for a mortgage with a co-signer. A co-signer can help you meet some of the requirements for a home loan, but not all of them.

Learn the benefits and how to get started in our newest blog!

A co-signer could help you qualify for a better mortgage, but making the decision isn't easy. Learn the benefits and how to apply.