Leigh McMahon Orange County, Loan Officer

04/17/2025

Credit 🧠Check-In – Smart Moves Before You Apply for a Home Loan

📉 Your credit score plays a huge role in what kind of mortgage deal you can lock in—but most buyers wait too long to prepare.

🔹 Pay down credit cards to drop your utilization under 30%
🔹 Become an authorized user to boost your score fast
🔹 Dispute credit report errors that could cost you points

💡 Why it matters:
📈 Even a 20-point increase could save you thousands in interest over the life of your loan
🕒 Quick credit improvements can be made in just 30–60 days
📋 The best offers go to buyers who come prepared

🔮 What’s next?
👉 Thinking about buying soon? Don’t wait—start cleaning up your credit now so you’re ready when the right home hits the market.

💬 Got questions about credit or where to start? Send me a message—I’m happy to walk you through it. 📲

NMLS 1075410
Strata Lending | Leigh McMahon

04/01/2025

What a birthday Month✨🎉

I started out just wanting to not celebrate, but it turned into something so much more—heart-to-heart lunches, brunches, dinners, front row at a fashion show, Korean karaoke (which is a whole other level, trust me), and retro roller skating, where my friends and family were such good sports…and almost killed my girlfriend.

More than anything, this birthday reminded me how lucky I am to have the most incredible people in my life. To everyone who showed up, and to those who have always been there for me—I love you more than words can say.

I can’t wait to see what this new year brings. I truly feel like I’m just starting to discover myself more every day, and that’s the best gift of all. ❤️

03/24/2025

My beautiful Lauren is getting MARRIED! 💍✨

There are few people as kind, strong, and pure-hearted as you. You are drop-dead gorgeous, but your true beauty shines from within—the way you love, support, and uplift everyone around you. Watching you grow into the incredible woman and powerhouse businesswoman you are today has been amazing, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Kaz is the luckiest man, and I can’t wait to see the incredible life you two build together. No matter what, no matter when—I’ll always be here for you. Love you forever! Now go take on the world like only you can. ❤️

03/05/2025

Take Control of Your Credit & Unlock Your Dream Home! 😊🏠💡

Your credit score is a powerful tool on your homeownership journey. The best part? Small changes can lead to big results!

Here’s some ideas on how to boost your credit before applying for a mortgage:

💳 Become an authorized user—Build your credit history fast.
📉 Reduce credit utilization—Aim for under 30% to improve your score. (Can’t get to 30% work to get below 50% at least)
🚫 Avoid new credit inquiries—Keep your score steady pre-application.
📆 Pay bills on time—Consistency is key to a healthy credit score.
🛠️ Fix errors on your credit report—Dispute inaccuracies that could be holding you back.
💡 Keep old accounts open—A longer credit history can improve your score.

Every proactive step can help you secure the best mortgage rate and get you closer to your dream home!

Got questions or need tailored advice? I’m here to help you every step of the way—reach out today!

NMLS 1075410

02/20/2025

Unlock your dream home by avoiding common home buying mistakes. 😊🏠💡

Discover 5 pitfalls—from not getting pre-approved to underestimating hidden costs—that can derail your journey to homeownership☹️

Gain expert mortgage guidance and insider tips to save time, reduce stress, and secure the best mortgage deal🤝

Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to upgrade, informed decisions are key to a smooth process✅

Ready to take the next step? Reach out today for genuine, personalized advice and start your path to financial success!

02/06/2025

🏠Unlock Your Dream Home with Confidence! 😉🚀

Ready to turn those homeownership dreams into reality? Our latest carousel post shares 5 essential mortgage tips to guide you through the process like a pro! 🙌✨

🔹 Get pre-approved & set your budget—Know what you can afford before you start house hunting!
🔹 Understand your finances—A strong financial foundation means better mortgage rates! 🤝
🔹 Explore your mortgage options—Find the perfect loan that fits your future goals.
🔹 Prepare your docs early—Avoid delays and keep the process smooth! 🔎
🔹 Partner with an expert (that’s me! 😉)—I’ll help you navigate every step with ease.

Don’t let the mortgage process overwhelm you—take charge today! DM me to get started or drop a 🏠 in the comments if you’re ready to learn more! 💬⬇️

NMLS 1075410

01/20/2025

📢 Attention Buyers and Agents! 💼
🤝 Negotiation as part of purchase terms

🏡 The new Buyer’s Agent Compensation Rules are in full effect and it’s a game-changer for homebuyers and real estate professionals alike. 🚀 Whether you’re navigating your first home purchase or helping clients close deals, understanding compensation options is key 🔑 Lots of Questions so here is a Compemsation Guide

👉 Swipe to See the Cheat Sheet 👈

Here’s how buyers’ agent compensation can be structured in multiple ways:
💰 Buyer-pays Agent compensation
💵 Seller- pays Buyer Agent compensation
📜 Loan-based financing for Buyer Agent compensation
🔄 Buyer & Seller split Buyer Agent compensation split 50/50

Cheat Sheet: Buyers Agent Compensation Structures

1️⃣ Buyer-Paid Commission:
The buyer pays their agent’s fee directly, often negotiated as a percentage or flat rate.

2️⃣ Seller Credit:
The seller offers a credit toward the buyer’s closing costs, which can include the agent’s commission.

3️⃣ Financing Agent Fees:
Buyers may include the agent’s fee within their purchase price and loan amount, subject to lender approval.

4️⃣ Buyer and Seller split Buyers Agent compensation 50/50- Seller provides Credit and Buyers pays their half at closing

5️⃣ Buyer and Seller split Buyers Agent compensation 50/50- Seller provides Credit and Buyers roll their half into loan amount, subject to lender approval.

✨ Pro Tip: Communication is key! Buyers and agents must discuss these options upfront to align expectations and goals.

Reach out for guidance or a personalized plan to structure your next deal!
✔ Get ready to adapt, negotiate, and thrive in 2025’s evolving market!

DM me word ‘tailored advice’ structuring compensation or securing your dream home. 🏠💬


NMLS 1075410

11/15/2024

🎉 Exciting News! 🎉

I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve joined the amazing team at Strata Lending and new email is [email protected] ! 🏡

Helping current homeowners and future homeowners achieve their real estate goals has always been my passion. Whether you’re looking to buy your first home, refinance for better terms, or grow your real estate portfolio, I’m here to make the process smooth and stress-free.

At Strata Lending, we specialize in providing tailored solutions to help you achieve your dreams. I’m ready to guide you every step of the way and celebrate those big milestones with you!

Let’s make 2025 the year you build wealth through real estate! 💼✨

📩 DM me today to start your journey. Let’s make it happen together!

NMLS 1075410

01/27/2024

What is going on in this Market!
💥Next Week is 🔑

What a 😝 week of Mixed 📊
✨💫 Inflation hit the lowest level since Spring of 2021 BUT No Reaction in pricing.

PCE The 🇺🇸 FED’s Favorite Measure of Data shows we are officially BELOW 🙌 3% (getting closer to The 2% FED Target Rate.) Just Last December in 2022 we were at 5.4% and NOW one year later 2.9%.

BUT PCE month over month ⬆️🫵🏻 keep spending 🤑 (much more Spending vs. Incomes earned & November 🤑was revised ⬆️)🙈 bad for pricing

GDP 4th Qtr our 🇺🇸 Nations Economic Report Card was 🔥than anticipated too. 🙈 bad for pricing.

⁉️Is the data a goldilocks moment consumer spending strong and core inflation year over year is moving towards the 2. % target?

Markets don’t know 🤷🤷‍♀️ The inflation confirms No Surprise rate 🔺increase next week, not likely a cut in March AND less belief Fed cuts may not occur until way in the summer.
👉The economy continues to grow, employment remains strong, consumers defying the idea of slowing down.

⏭️Next Week days will be crucial on whether Markets are going to Listen to 🇺🇸FED or Bet against The Fed

What do you think? 💭

https://youtu.be/tXtoFwWP5xE?si=vkEZCg1uKeZBLRW0

Markets are waiting to see what happens Next Week before Hedging what The FED will have to do moving forward.We have had lots of volatility with ups and down...

01/04/2024

🎉📰 Exciting news! 🙌🏼 Just featured in Fortune Magazine as a Loan Officer! 🏦🔥 Grateful to all my amazing clients for their trust and support in making this happen. 🙏🏼 Cheers to the new year ahead! 🥂 Remember, I am YOUR Loan Officer for life. 💼💪🏼

NMLS 1075410

07/29/2023

https://youtu.be/uymBPESWC9w
Watch Video 👆

What can you say- just one of those 💀weeks in the Markets: 🤞Next week we have potential to see nice improvements.

This week we had a 1,2,3 Punch:
Central Banks:
🇺🇸- Raised 0.25% and was expected but after the Market digested what Jerome Powell said and then 💶The European Central Bank (ECB) increased all their rates by 25 basis points which pushes their main rate to 4.25% which was widely expected. ECB
Both 🇺🇸 and 💶 will be “data dependent” moving forward. (If inflation does not drop, they will raise rates at the next meeting. If they do drop, then they may “pause”.)
🇯🇵 The Bank of Japan surprised markets by loosening bond yields-The bank said it will offer to buy 10-year debt at 1% each day, suggesting an effective doubling of the movement range for yields.

🤯Second quarter GDP exceeds expectations- a surprising increase in Q2 advance GDP that was thought to be +1.8% but hit +2.4%, a huge miss and increase in growth

👩‍💻Initial Weekly Jobless Claims were lower than expected, 221K vs. est. of 235K. The more closely watched 4 week moving average dropped to 234K. Continuing Claims were 1.690M vs. est. of 1.750M.

The July Personal Consumption Expenditures Price Index ~Headline PCE increased 0.2% month/month and 3.0% year/year. Core PCE, minus food and energy, increased 0.2% month/month and 4.1% year/year
✨June inflation data shows we are still rising but Inflation is going down this is Powell’s favorite inflation focus is the core PCE we are now down year over year to 4.1% from 4.6% in May. 🙌

Next Week- ISM Manufacturing, Job Openings, ADP Employment Report, ISM Services, Initial Jobless Claims, Challenger Job Cuts, FRIDAY BIGH JOBS Report

Reach out to learn more!

NMLS 1075410