Philip Garcia NMLS 642688

10/10/2026

Mortgage rates moved up this week…but better information can still create better homebuying decisions. 💡

What changed? Freddie Mac’s October 8 national averages were 7.40% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.73% for a 15-year fixed, up 12 and 13 basis points from October 1. Those are weekly survey averages, not a personal quote or APR.

The bigger story for first-time homebuyers is policy:

• FHA published its 2027 method for Classic FICO, VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T. The new choices do not automatically mean a higher qualifying score.

• Fannie Mae added flexibility to employment verification and clarified job-offer, income-continuance and K-1 requirements.

• Freddie Mac issued Bulletin 2026-13 and separately launched written-VOE assessment in its Income Calculator.

This weekend’s opportunity: set a monthly-payment guardrail, refresh job and income documents, and compare homes by taxes, insurance and HOA, not list price alone.

Realtors and loan officers: which question are buyers asking most right now; monthly payment, cash to close, or credit scores?



Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS 10/8/26; Fannie Mae SEL-2026-09 10/7/26; HUD ML 2026-11 10/8/26; Freddie Mac Bulletin 2026-13; U.S. Treasury 10/2–10/8. Morning brief as of 10/9/26, 7:50 a.m. PT. Educational information; not a loan offer, APR, or commitment to lend. Eligibility and terms vary.

10/09/2026

Luxury renovation complete. Hard money paid off. Equity unlocked!

Proud to help my client wrap up an incredible Beverly Hills renovation with a cash-out refinance that consolidated their first mortgage, paid off a second-position hard money loan, and provided cash back to recoup out-of-pocket renovation expenses.

We made it happen with a Super Jumbo Non-QM Bank Statement loan program, offering a flexible financing solution for self-employed borrowers.

Self-employed and feel like your tax returns don’t tell the full story? Let’s explore Non-QM financing options that could work for you!

661.212.2796 📲
[email protected]

10/02/2026

The rate headline changed. A clear homebuying plan still matters. 💭

What are mortgage rates this week?

Freddie Mac’s October 1 average was 7.28% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, up 0.25 percentage point in a week. It’s a national benchmark…not your personal quote.

Today’s jobs report added another piece: September payrolls rose 29,000, with unemployment at 4.2%. One report doesn’t guarantee lower mortgage rates, but it gives markets fresh information.

For first-time homebuyers, focus on what you can move forward this weekend:

• Buying a condo? Ask about project eligibility before committing to a tight financing timeline.

• Get complete bank statements ready, including every page. Ask your lender how to document unusual deposits.

• Understand the difference between an appraisal and a home inspection, each serves a different purpose.

Realtors: ask open-house visitors what is holding up their next step, then offer a specific follow-up conversation.

There’s progress to make before the perfect headline arrives.

What’s your biggest question right now: preapproval, condo financing, or cash to close?

📲 661.212.2796

📧 [email protected]



Sources: Freddie Mac PMMS 10/1/26; BLS employment report 10/2/26. Morning brief, 10/2/26, 7:25 a.m. PT. Educational information, not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Eligibility and terms vary.
Sunflower Bank, N.A. | NMLS 709491 | Member FDIC | Equal Housing Lender

09/30/2026

05/04/2026

May the Fourth be with you… and the savings too! 🚀 This Glendora family started on the dark side with another lender, but came to the Force to get it done right…closing a rate & term refinance just months later. Now they’re saving hundreds per month thanks to a trusted referral and a better strategy.

05/02/2026

From teardown to a one-of-a-kind dream home, this one is special. Proud to partner with .re on this custom build in Pasadena, using Sunflower Bank’s Private Bank portfolio construction financing to bring it to life. Excited to watch this vision come together from the ground up!

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High-value homes require more than a standard approach—they need a strategy. I work with clients who want a mortgage solution that fits their lifestyle and long-term goals. From flexible terms to personalized guidance, I’m here to help your clients financing work. If you’re working with high-earning professionals, let’s have a conversation.

661.212.2796 📲
[email protected]

04/21/2026

Smooth sailing and serious savings in San Fernando! Just closed a refinance using our CRA program to get this family into the 5% range with a lender credit back….And yes… no income limits on the CRA credit 👀 that’s a game changer!

04/17/2026

Help your medical clients overcome common homebuying barriers.

Sunflower Bank’s Medical Professionals Program offers flexible financing designed for physicians, dentists, pharmacists, CRNAs, veterinarians, and more. Perfect for early career providers navigating relocations or new contracts.

Let’s partner to support your clients. Connect with me for program details.

661.212.2796 📲

[email protected] 📧

04/16/2026

Strong market, strong service, and we’re just getting started! Grateful for an amazing first quarter, but even more proud of the incredible feedback from clients who trusted me through their mortgage journey. Changing companies can bring uncertainty, but delivering consistent, high-level service made the transition seamless and kept the experience top-tier every step of the way. Cheers to building even more relationships and an even bigger year ahead!

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04/15/2026

With rates shifting and opportunities opening, homeowners are in a strong position to make smart financial moves! Refinancing can be a powerful tool…whether it’s lowering your monthly payment, eliminating PMI, or tapping into equity for major life goals.

From rate-and-term savings to cash-out flexibility, the right strategy depends on your timeline, goals, and break-even point.

Now’s the time to review your options and make your mortgage work for you, not the other way around!

Call me today to review your current mortgage, your housing plans, and your finances so you can decide if refinancing is the right decision for you!

661.212.2796 📲
[email protected] 📧