Mike Koehl - Luminate Bank - NMLS 13058

07/24/2026

Mortgage preparation doesn't start when you find the perfect house. It starts with your credit habits months (sometimes years) beforehand.

Your credit score plays a big role in the loan options and interest rates available to you, so protecting it today can create more opportunities tomorrow.

If buying a home is somewhere on your horizon (even if it's not happening this year), I'd be happy to talk through where you stand and what you can do now to put yourself in the strongest position when the time comes.

07/21/2026

Reverse mortgages might be the most misunderstood loan in America.

Some people think the bank takes your house. Others believe your kids can't inherit it.
Most of the biggest "facts" you've heard are actually myths.

If you've ever wondered whether a reverse mortgage could fit into your retirement plan, grab a cup of coffee and give this one a read. You might be surprised by what you learn (or unlearn!).

Reverse mortgages have a bad reputation, but is it misplaced? Let's explore (and debunk) the most common myths and misconceptions surrounding reverse mortgages.

07/16/2026

Did someone tell you getting a mortgage would be “too complicated” because you’re self-employed, 1099, or don’t have a traditional income setup?
That’s not the end of the conversation.
Your income tells a story, and my job is to help understand the whole picture, not just one piece of paperwork.
If you’ve been wondering whether homeownership is possible, let’s talk. The right solution might be closer than you think.

07/14/2026

I get this question all the time: "Wait… are you a bank or a mortgage company?"

The answer is yes.

One of my favorite things about working at Luminate is that we're built differently. We can help with home financing, but we can also support the bigger financial picture through banking solutions that make everyday money management easier.

Because buying a home isn't just about getting a mortgage. It's about building a life, and your financial partner should be able to help with more than one piece of the puzzle.

If you've never really gotten to know Luminate Bank, here's a little introduction.

Discover what makes Luminate Bank unique. As an FDIC-insured bank and full-service mortgage lender, we offer a full ecosystem of financing solutions under one roof.

07/14/2026

Buying a home starts long before you find the perfect front porch.

One of the smartest things you can do is create a dedicated savings plan for your future home. Whether you're building your down payment, preparing for closing costs, or setting aside money for future repairs, a little organization today can make tomorrow's move a whole lot smoother.

If homeownership is on your radar, let's talk about what to save for and how to build a plan that fits your goals.

Boost your financial organization skills with these approachable, morning-coffee-routine-savings tips, including the four bank accounts actually worth considering.

07/09/2026

One of the toughest conversations I have is with someone who thinks a mortgage denial means they're out of options.

In reality, many self-employed and 1099 borrowers are doing financially well; they just don't fit neatly into traditional lending guidelines.

If you've been denied, don't assume the door is closed. There may be alternative loan solutions that better reflect how you actually earn income.

Every situation is different, but a second conversation can sometimes uncover opportunities that weren't considered the first time around.

If you're self-employed, own a business, work on commission, or receive 1099 income, I'd be happy to talk through your options.

07/04/2026

As we celebrate Independence Day, we're grateful for the communities, families, and freedoms that bring us together.

From backyard gatherings to hometown traditions, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July!

06/30/2026

Nobody wakes up thinking, "Today's the day I learn what happens when I inherit a house."
But when life hands you a set of keys and a hundred questions, the decisions that follow can have a major impact on your finances.

Keep it? Sell it? Move in? Rent it out?

Turns out, inheriting a home is about a lot more than real estate.
If you've ever been through this, or know someone who has, what's the first question that came to mind?

Inherited a home? Learn what to do next, how mortgages work on inherited property, whether to sell or keep the house, and the financial decisions to consider.

06/29/2026

Beginning August 3, 2026, more condo projects will require a Full Review, putting a greater spotlight on the financial health of condominium associations.

Here are three changes to know:

> Full Reviews become the standard for condo projects with more than 10 units.
>If a building has identified critical repairs (roof, foundation, structural components, etc.) that exceed $10,000 per unit, it may no longer qualify for conventional financing.
> An FHA-approved condo isn't automatically a green light. Project reviews and eligibility requirements still matter.

These changes could affect financing options, timelines, and ultimately the pool of eligible buyers for a condo.

The good news? You don't have to navigate it alone. At Luminate Bank, our dedicated Condo Desk specializes in project reviews and verification, so we can identify potential issues early and move forward with confidence.

Have questions about an upcoming condo listing or project? Let's connect!