Craig Schauer NMLS #1503110 at Wintrust Mortgage

01/09/2026

Exciting news for homebuyers and those looking to refinance their current terms!

The government is directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities (MBS).

What this does is increases demand for MBS, which can push prices up and lower yields — directly helping to reduce mortgage interest rates and monthly payments.

Experts estimate this could lower rates by 0.10%–0.25% or more, building on recent declines. It’s similar to past bond-buying programs that eased borrowing costs.

There’s also currently a push to limit large institutional investors from buying more single-family homes, aiming to keep more properties available for individual buyers and families.

I track these changes closely — Please reach out if you have any questions!

Main: 10 W. Mifflin Street | Madison, WI 53703Wintrust Mortgage is a division of Barrington Bank & Trust Company, N.A., a Wintrust Community Bank, NMLS #449042.

09/22/2025

I’ve been having a number of good conversations with past clients heading into last weeks Fed meeting; some after. My thought process and guidance about rate expectations has loosely followed this exact explanation. Give yourself a few minutes to listen and understand the impact of the Feds decision on rates.

FED cuts, rates up. Explained. What are the near term catalysts? Fake Friday in October can move rates in either direction. Will be a little choppy until then. The mortgage industry is enjoying extremely high lock volume for a September since the last September. | 22 comments on LinkedIn

01/14/2025

Can’t find your dream home? Build it instead. Secure construction financing with a construction-to-permanent loan, which then converts into a standard mortgage upon completion. Go through the closing process once, and save time and money by only paying one set of closing costs. Leave house hunting to everyone else. Get in touch to learn more!

01/10/2025

Live in a home that is uniquely yours. The FHA 203(k) renovation loan allows you to buy or refinance a home along with securing renovation financing—all in one loan. That means one application, one closing, and one set of closing costs. Contact me today to get started!

01/01/2025

As we say goodbye to 2024 and welcome a fresh start, I want to wish you a happy new year filled with endless possibilities. May 2025 bring you new adventures and moments to last a lifetime. If there’s any way I can help you make this a banner year for you, please know that I’m always here to help!

12/26/2024

May your holiday be filled with community, gratitude, and cherished moments with family and friends. Wishing you a warm and peaceful Kwanzaa celebration!

12/25/2024

I hope you enjoy a wonderful Christmas holiday filled with warmth, good food, and even better company. If there’s any way I can make your winter season a little brighter, I’m always here to help!

12/23/2024

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate the holiday season, I want to wish you and yours peace, happiness, and a little extra magic. Enjoy the holiday season, and please reach out if there’s any way I can make it a little brighter!

12/21/2024

Today is the first day of winter! While that might make summer feel like a world away, it’ll be here before you know it. Get in touch today, and let’s find you the perfect home before the season is through!

12/20/2024

What a fun week for mortgage bonds! Just days after Powell indicated that economic policy easing may be slower moving than expected, the most recent data surrounding inflation is showing that is slowing. As you can expect, this has made mortgage rate volatile this week.

https://www.mbsquoteline.com/newsletter/view/665/24552/0/3

12/16/2024

You deserve to buy the home that’s right for you. With the Freddie Mac BorrowSmartSM Low Income Program (LIP), you could get access to a $1,250 grant that could help you do just that. Qualified buyers must have 50–80% of area median income (AMI), HUD-approved housing counseling required and occupy the home as their primary residence. Get in touch to see what’s possible!