The Powell Team - Mortgage Banker - NMLS 517124

09/08/2026

These days, there’s a little more to condo financing than finding a place you love and getting the keys.

Your lender may need to look at the condo project itself, including the HOA’s finances, insurance, reserves, repairs, and more.
And with condo review changes taking effect in 2026, plus the transition to UAD 3.6 appraisal reporting, there are some things worth knowing before you make an offer.

If a condo is on your wishlist, let’s talk about your plans. I’m happy to help you figure out what comes next!

When you buy a condo, your lender may look at more than just you and the unit you want to buy. They may also need to review the condominium project itself.

09/06/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Matt Powell by Sherry W C - Answered and returned, phone calls in a timely manner. Was very helpful walking me through the process.

Click to see all 394 reviews of Matt Powell, Sr. Mortgage Banker | NMLS # 517124

09/03/2026

First-time homebuyers: here’s your permission to ask your loan officer all the questions.

Even the “this might be a dumb question…” questions.

There aren’t any dumb questions when you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. In fact, some of the best conversations happen when we get beyond the basic numbers and start talking about what could change, what you might be overlooking and where you want to be a few years from now.

A good mortgage conversation should leave you feeling more informed, not more overwhelmed.

09/01/2026

Don't let closing day become a scammer's opportunity.

When you’re getting close to closing, your inbox is probably full of messages from your lender, real estate agent, title company and attorney. That’s exactly what scammers are counting on.

Wire fraud scams often look surprisingly legitimate, which is why it’s so important to verify wiring instructions and be cautious about unexpected changes or requests for personal information.

A few extra seconds of verification could save you from a very expensive mistake.

Homebuyers have become a common target for cybercrime as scammers impersonate lenders, but knowing what to watch for is one of the best ways to protect yourself.

08/27/2026

Business owners know the reality: deductions and business expenses can make taxable income look very different from the cash flow behind the business.

That doesn’t automatically mean homeownership is off the table.
There may be mortgage options that take a different approach to documenting income, depending on your situation.

If you’re self-employed and thinking about buying, send me a message. Let’s look at the full picture before you count yourself out.

08/25/2026

Excellent time today visiting with Keller Williams Alabama Gulf Coast agents at the builder caravan at DR Horton’s Tealwood community in Summerdale!

08/25/2026

Only 65% of small business owners feel confident in managing their cash flow.

And for small business owners, entrepreneurs and self-employed borrowers, qualifying for a mortgage can look a little different.

Your income may fluctuate. You may reinvest heavily into your business. Your tax returns may show deductions that don't tell the entire story of your financial picture.

And because Luminate Bank combines banking and mortgage lending, the conversation can go beyond the mortgage itself.

If you're a business owner thinking about buying a home, refinancing or investing in real estate, it may be worth having the conversation before assuming a traditional mortgage is your only option.

Luminate Bank is an FDIC-insured bank and a full-service mortgage lender, offering business banking, commercial financing, and residential mortgage solutions.

08/22/2026

5.0 star review received on Experience.com for Matt Powell by Erika P - Another smooth, succesful closing with the Powell Team at Luminate Bank! It's so nice to work along like-minded professionals who have the clients' best interests in mind. I appreciate you guys!

Click to see all 393 reviews of Matt Powell, Sr. Mortgage Banker | NMLS # 517124

08/20/2026

The back-to-school reset shouldn’t stop at school supplies and calendar reminders.

When your family’s schedule changes, it’s worth taking another look at your financial routine, too.

One thing people often overlook? Payment timing. Your mortgage, bills, and other automatic payments should fit into your real-life cash flow as smoothly as possible.

A few small scheduling changes can make a busy month feel a whole lot more manageable. And honestly, anything that makes the family calendar easier deserves a little attention.

08/20/2026

🚨 Big news for mortgage rates…very likely.

The Treasury just announced it’s going to buy back a lot more government bonds.

Here’s the breakdown:

👉 More buyers for bonds can push bond prices UP.

👉 When bond prices go UP, their interest rates (called yields) can come DOWN.

👉 Mortgage rates tend to pay attention to those longer-term bond yields like your dog paying attention when you open a bag of chips. 👀

So basically:

More bond buying → potentially lower yields → potentially lower mortgage rates. 📉🏡

GREAT NEWS!

Does this mean mortgage rates are dropping to 5% tomorrow? Absolutely not. Calm down, Facebook.

But it could put some downward pressure on rates, which is definitely good news.

If you like translations on this financial nerd stuff into normal English, FOLLOW.
🏡👨🏻‍💻☕️