Mike Koehl - Luminate Bank - NMLS 13058

06/05/2026

Rates were flat during the week ending June 5, 2026, as peace talks in the Middle East continued to drag on with no new progress. is an Equal Housing Lender.

Enjoy this quick update on what's going on in the housing and financial markets.

06/04/2026

A lot of first-time buyers think they need to find their “forever home” right away.

The truth? Your first home just needs to work for right now.

The right starter home can help you:
• Build equity
• Create stability
• Stay within a comfortable budget
• Take a meaningful step toward your long-term goals

Homeownership is a journey, and you don’t have to have every future detail figured out before you begin.

If you’ve been feeling stuck waiting for the “perfect” home, this is your reminder that smart, realistic progress still counts.

Your first home doesn’t have to check every box for the next 30 years. It just needs to support you while still helping you build momentum for what comes next.

06/03/2026

Today we're celebrating something that means a lot to us.

Luminate Bank® has been named a 2026 Financial Services Top Workplaces award recipient, an honor that is based entirely on direct employee feedback.

Each day, our team opens doors for our customers, our partners, and one another; and this recognition is a reflection of our shared purpose.

We are so proud of the culture we've created, shared, and sustained together.

To our community, this one's for you.

06/03/2026

As students prepare for college life, parents are preparing for something too: helping protect what matters most.
From insurance coverage to healthcare planning, there are a few important conversations families should have before students head to campus.

Once your child turns 18, a lot changes. Insurance coverage, healthcare access, and liability can suddenly become more complicated than many families expect.

06/01/2026

Honored to be part of the Luminate Bank team as we are recognized as a 2026 Top Mortgage Lender by Scotsman Guide. We are so grateful for the clients, referral partners, teammates, and communities who make this work meaningful every day.

Helping individuals and families navigate the path to homeownership is something I never take for granted, and I’m proud to be part of a company that champions service, relationships, and our core values.

05/29/2026

Rates improved during the week ending May 29, 2026, as markets anticipated a peace deal. is an Equal Housing Lender.

Enjoy this quick update on what's going on in the housing and financial markets.

05/28/2026

When your income doesn’t fit inside a traditional W-2 box, financing conversations can look a little different — but that doesn’t mean homeownership is out of reach.

From self-employment and freelance work to multiple income streams, understanding how to document income and explore lending options like Non-QM loans can make the process feel a lot more manageable.

If you’re building something of your own while planning for your future, this is an important conversation to have early.

Whether you are building a side hustle or navigating self-employment for the first time, understanding your options can help you make decisions with greater clarity.

05/26/2026

Your home may be one of the most powerful financial tools you already have, and many homeowners don’t realize how much flexibility their equity can create.

Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, fund renovations, cover major expenses, or simply improve your overall financial picture, the right mortgage strategy can make a meaningful difference.

Every situation is different, which is why I always encourage clients to look at the full picture, not just rates or monthly payments. A HELOC or cash-out refinance isn’t about taking on more debt. It’s about creating a smarter path forward when it makes sense for your goals.

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor those who gave everything in service to others. May we never forget the courage, sacrifice, and legacy they leave behind.

05/23/2026

Luminate Bank® is honored to receive two 2026 Home Possible RISE Awards® from Freddie Mac in the categories of Greatest Volume and Fastest Growth. The RISE Awards celebrate the lenders working to expand access to affordable lending solutions and sustainable homeownership opportunities.

Behind these milestones are real people and real stories, which is why this recognition goes far beyond production numbers. It illustrates our collective effort towards creating opportunities, strengthening relationships, and helping more people feel at home in the communities they love.

We are so proud to amplify the shared mission that continues to guide everything we do, and we’re thankful to everyone who has been part of the journey.

Luminate Bank® is a proud recipient of two prestigious Freddie Mac Home Possible RISE Awards®, Home Possible Greatest Volume and Home Possible Fastest Growth.