Rick Mount

06/09/2025

What We’re Watching This Week – June 9th

This is one of the most important weeks of the year so far when it comes to mortgage rates and real estate sentiment. Here’s what we’re paying close attention to:

1. CPI Inflation Report – Wednesday, June 11
This report could move the market significantly. A higher-than-expected reading will likely push rates up. A cooler report could give us some much-needed relief. Either way, it sets the tone heading into summer.

2. Fed Rate Decision and Dot Plot – Also Wednesday, June 11
No rate cut is expected this week, but all eyes are on the Fed’s updated projections. Will they still forecast two cuts this year, or pull back? The tone of Powell’s comments will be just as important as the numbers.

3. Market Reaction to Friday’s Jobs Report
Strong headline jobs growth with softer wage inflation creates a mixed message. Bond markets are trying to make sense of it, and we’ll see how that carries into early this week.

4. Mortgage Rate Volatility
We’ve been range-bound for a few weeks, but that could change quickly depending on Wednesday’s data. Now is the time to have clear rate strategy conversations with buyers.

5. Inventory is Finally Rising
Active listings just hit over 1 million nationwide—first time since 2019. That’s a big shift. It means more opportunity, but also more hesitancy as buyers stay rate-sensitive. Helping clients cut through noise and focus on long-term value matters more than ever.

Bottom Line:
This is a pivotal week. Rates could shift meaningfully based on how CPI and the Fed play out. Pay close attention and as always reach out if we can help you or anyone you know navigate.

05/22/2025

Wealth Tip
Equity isn’t just paper wealth—it’s a powerful financial tool.

Smart homeowners don’t just pay their mortgage…
They put their home to work.

Here’s how:
• Reinvest equity into income-generating real estate
• Pay off high-interest debt
• Fund home improvements that increase future value
• Support a major life event (college, business, retirement)

The best part?
You can do it without touching your first mortgage.

This is strategic equity management—and it’s how real estate builds long-term wealth.

Want to explore what’s possible with your current equity?
DM us “EQUITY” and we’ll run the numbers.

—
The Katalyst Team
Mike, Rick & Kevin | Ethos Lending

05/20/2025

Product of the Week: Jumbo Loans
Bigger loans. Smarter strategy.

If you’re buying or refinancing in a high-cost market, a jumbo loan can unlock the home you really want—without the unnecessary hoops.

Here’s what we’re offering:
• Loan amounts up to $5,000,000
• Super competitive jumbo rates
• Streamlined approvals with expert deal structuring
• Available for primary, second home, and investment properties

Who this is great for:
• Move-up buyers in competitive markets
• Self-employed or asset-rich clients
• High-income households who want better terms than standard conforming limits can offer

With jumbo options this strong, you don’t have to sacrifice structure to go big.

Have a client in this space?
Reply “JUMBO” and we’ll map out a scenario.

—
The Katalyst Team
Mike, Rick & Kevin | Ethos Lending

05/19/2025

This Week in Mortgage & Real Estate – May 20

Here’s what we’re watching this week—and what could move rates and reshape buyer behavior:

Mortgage Snapshot:
30-year fixed is hovering around 6.75%

Key Reports to Watch:
• Wednesday: FOMC Minutes drop
• Thursday: Jobless Claims + Existing Home Sales
• Friday: Consumer Sentiment Index

Why it matters:
If jobless claims rise or confidence dips, we could see some downward pressure on rates heading into summer. That means opportunity—for buyers, sellers, and those sitting on the sidelines.

Want to run numbers or help a client prep before summer heats up?
DM me “Plan” and we’ll build your scenario together.

—
The Katalyst Team
Mike, Rick & Kevin | Ethos Lending

05/16/2025

Certainty > Surprises
In this market, the strongest offers aren’t always the highest—they’re the ones that come with confidence.

That’s why we lead with certified approvals, not just pre-quals.

Here’s what that means:
• Underwritten upfront
• Verified income, assets, credit
• Fully reviewed by our team
• Ready to close—on time, every time

For agents and sellers, it brings peace of mind.
For buyers, it brings negotiating power and speed.

We don’t just hope for smooth closings—we plan for them.

Ready to work with a team that delivers certainty of performance?
Let’s talk strategy before the next offer is written.

—
The Katalyst Team
Mike, Rick & Kevin | Ethos Lending

05/13/2025

Product of the Week: W-2 to 1099 Transition Loan
Making the leap from employee to entrepreneur? We’ve got your back.

For borrowers who recently left a W-2 job to go 1099 or self-employed, traditional income documentation may disqualify them from buying a home—even if their income has increased.

That’s where this product steps in.

W-2 to 1099 Loan Highlights:
• Up to 90% LTV
• Use income from 1099 or business bank statements
• No waiting 2 years to qualify
• Ideal for Realtors, consultants, loan officers, freelancers & entrepreneurs

This program helps self-starters get into a home faster—without having to wait years to qualify the “traditional” way.

Have a client in this situation?
Reply “1099” and we’ll run a quick scenario.

—
The Katalyst Team
Mike, Rick & Kevin | Ethos Lending

05/12/2025

📊 Mortgage Rate Snapshot
• 30-Year Fixed: 6.76% (unchanged from last week)
• 15-Year Fixed: 5.89%
• 7/1 ARM: 6.46% 

Rates remain stable, but economic data this week could influence future movements.

⸻

🗓️ Key Economic Events This Week
• Wednesday, May 14:
• Consumer Price Index (CPI): Inflation data release; a significant indicator for mortgage rate trends.
• Thursday, May 15:
• Initial Jobless Claims: Provides insight into labor market health.
• Producer Price Index (PPI): Measures wholesale inflation, another key rate indicator.
• Friday, May 16:
• Housing Starts: Data on new residential construction; impacts housing supply and market dynamics. 

These reports will offer insights into inflation and economic health, influencing mortgage rate trajectories.

⸻

🏡 Real Estate Market Insights
• Buyer Activity: Slight uptick in mortgage applications, indicating renewed interest.
• Inventory Levels: Still tight, but new listings are gradually increasing.
• Home Prices: Holding steady; some markets experiencing modest gains.

Buyers and sellers should stay informed as market conditions evolve.

⸻

🔍 Why This Matters

This week’s economic data releases are pivotal. Inflation trends and labor market health directly impact mortgage rates. Staying informed helps in making timely real estate decisions. 

⸻

Need personalized advice or have questions about the current market?
Reach out to us for tailored insights.

—
The Katalyst Team
Mike, Rick & Kevin | Ethos Lending

05/04/2025

01/31/2025

If roses grow in heaven,
Lord, pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my mother’s arms,
And tell her they’re from me.

Miss you Mom! 15 years

12/13/2024

Miss this man. Every year I realize more and more what an amazing father I had. Every year I come to a new appreciation for the wisdom he possessed. Each year as my arrogance and ignorance diminish and my humility grows I realize how special this man was. I believe in our twenties we are trying to figure things out living with independence and the thought that we may know more than we do. In my thirties I definitely thought I knew more than I did full of confidence and arrogance. In my forties I began to realize how much I didn’t know I don’t know and a new respect for my father began to grow. Now in my fifties coming to the full realization of the humbling facts that there are many many things I did not know or understand. Today more than ever I cherish the memory of my Dad and the ever growing appreciation of who we was as a person. Miss you pops.

11/11/2024

Thank you, Dad! And the many many others who have served over the years to defend and fight for our freedoms.