Doug Bowdish - Senior Loan Officer

06/27/2025

Rates are starting to move lower during the week ending June 27, 2025, as markets see signs that the Fed may cut its policy rate earlier than expected. Granite Bank is an Equal Housing Lender.

Markets in a Minute

05/26/2025

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave everything for our country. Let’s take a moment to reflect, remember, and give thanks. Wishing you a meaningful day surrounded by loved ones!

05/23/2025

Rates rose this during the week ending May 23, 2025, partially due to concerns about government debt and inflation. Granite Bank is an Equal Housing Lender.

Markets in a Minute

05/22/2025

I live on a quiet lake at the edge of the Chippewa National Forest in Northern Minnesota.
Up here, the seasons speak for themselves.
And when the loons return, you know spring is officially underway.

Most nights now, their calls echo across the bay—long, haunting wails that carry through the dark.
They’re re-establishing territory, circling familiar waters, reuniting with their mate.

We place the nesting platforms in the same spots every year. But there's no guarantee.
The loons return, yes—but whether they stay… that depends on the conditions.

This is the start of the season.
A time of watching. Listening. Waiting.

And maybe there’s a lesson in that.

Not every return is a repeat.
Even when you know the territory, you’ve got to read the water again.
Trust your instincts. But adapt as needed.

The professionals I respect most don’t just show up out of habit.
They show up with awareness.
They know when to stay. When to shift.
And they listen before they act.

05/17/2025

The spring migration brings a wide variety of birds through the Chippewa National Forest—and while I’m no pro, I’ve spent enough early mornings with a camera in hand to know the best moments rarely happen when conditions are ideal.

On this particular Saturday morning, it was gray and drizzling. Not great weather to be a bird—or a photographer.

We used to put out oranges for the orioles (until a bear demolished our deck railings trying to reach one… but that’s a story for another day). Sure enough, an oriole appeared, perched in a tree, sheltered from the rain. When the rain paused, it made a quick flight to the orange for nourishment, then ducked back into cover. This little pattern continued long enough for me to set up my camera and grab a few shots—despite the poor light.

It reminded me:
Not every opportunity comes in perfect conditions.
Sometimes you’ve got to watch, wait, and be ready when the window opens—even briefly.

That applies to nature.
It applies to photography.
It certainly applies to life.

And yes, it even applies to locking in a mortgage rate.
Not every rate environment is sunny—but a seasoned mortgage professional knows when to duck, when to wait, and when to pounce.
(Preferably without damaging the deck railings.)

05/16/2025

Trade agreement announcements pushed rates slightly higher during the week ending May 16, 2025, despite low inflation and weaker economic data. Granite Bank is an Equal Housing Lender.

Markets in a Minute

05/13/2025

The Invisible Superpower of the Pros

Most people don’t notice what didn’t go wrong.
The client didn’t see the guideline landmine avoided early.
The agent didn’t hear the tough call that realigned expectations.
Leadership didn’t witness the quiet pivot that saved a deal before it unraveled.

And that’s the point.

The best professionals do their work upstream—where the stress is still invisible, the issue still silent.
It takes time to develop that kind of foresight. It takes reps. It takes being around people who have seen it before and know when to act.

True professionals make it look easy.
They do the hard work when no one is watching.

05/10/2025

This weekend is the Minnesota Fishing Opener—about as close as it gets to a state holiday up here.

It also happens to be Mother’s Day. And… my wedding anniversary.

I joke about it every year, but 41 years ago, when my wife was planning our wedding (I had very little say in the date), she somehow picked the perfect weekend—one that guarantees family, passion, and the great outdoors all come together.

And best of all, she made sure I’d never forget our anniversary.

Looking back, maybe that was one of my first real lessons in leadership:
Surround yourself with smart people who care about you.

Whether it’s marriage, family, or business—it’s not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about choosing wisely who you share the boat with.

Hope everyone enjoys a weekend full of fresh air, good company, and a few bites—on the line or at the table.

05/10/2025

This weekend is the Minnesota Fishing Opener—about as close as it gets to a state holiday up here.

It also happens to be Mother’s Day. And… my wedding anniversary.

I joke about it every year, but 41 years ago, when my wife was planning our wedding (I had very little say in the date), she somehow picked the perfect weekend—one that guarantees family, passion, and the great outdoors all come together.

And best of all, she made sure I’d never forget our anniversary.

Looking back, maybe that was one of my first real lessons in leadership:
Surround yourself with smart people.

Whether it’s marriage, family, or business—it’s not about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about choosing wisely who you share the boat with.
Hope everyone enjoys a weekend full of fresh air, good company, and a few bites—on the line or at the table.

05/09/2025

Rates held steady during the week ending May 9, 2025, showing little reaction to the Fed’s decision and awaiting clarity from upcoming economic data. Granite Bank is an Equal Housing Lender.

Markets in a Minute

05/07/2025

Tight budget? Let’s talk about how to potentially lower your monthly mortgage payment — without sacrificing your home goals! Here are a few smart strategies:

1. Buy down your rate with points

2. Choose a longer loan term

3. Increase your down payment

4. Avoid PMI by putting 20% down (if possible)

5. Look at lower-tax areas or homes with no HOA

The key? Making your mortgage work for you! Reach out today and we can discuss what options are right for you.

05/06/2025

Trusted partners don’t add to the chaos.
They see issues coming. They speak up early.
They help you stay clear, calm, and focused on delivering the best experience possible—especially when stakes are high.

If you're leading others or serving clients, this matters more than ever.
Because stress isn’t just felt behind the scenes—it shows up in the customer experience.

You don’t manage stress by powering through.
You manage it by surrounding yourself with people who handle things right, and handle them early.

Better teams = better outcomes. For you, and for the people you serve.