Dave Mingione, SR. Mortgage Consultant

04/01/2026

Your credit plays a bigger role in the homebuying process than most people realize. It helps shape what options are available to you and how your loan is structured 💳✨ The good news is that a few consistent habits can make a meaningful difference over time. Even small improvements can help you feel more confident and prepared when the time comes to apply. Think of it as setting yourself up for success before you ever start house hunting.

04/24/2025

MORTGAGE LINGO MADE EASY
Understanding mortgage terms can feel like learning a new language—but I’m here to make it simple! 💡 An origination fee is just one part of your closing costs, and knowing what to expect can help you plan with confidence. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it all alone. Let’s connect and go over what these fees mean for your home loan!

03/26/2025

Non-Permanent Residents No Longer Eligible for FHA Loans

The new mortgagee letter released today updates "will remove eligibility for illegal aliens from accessing FHA-insured mortgages." The FHA Title II loan programs include the basic FHA loan, known as 203b, the home renovation 203(k) loan, and reverse mortgage program known as a HECM. FHA Title I program included home improvement loans and the manufactured housing (mobile) home program. One issue specifically mentioned in the letter is the notion that a non-permanent resident could be "subject to immigration laws that can affect their ability to remain legally in the country." In other words, a non-perm. resident borrower who gets approved for an FHA loan could theoretically be deported at which point the loan would likely fall in arrears. The loan would go into default, fall into foreclosure which would hurt the FHA's Mutual Mortgage Insurance fund (MMI). This could jeopardize their ability to insure lenders against losses and possibly lead to the MMI fund needing taxpayer funds. Additionally, if a non-permanent resident alien has an existing FHA loan, they will not be able to refinance it with another FHA loan. Here is the link to the mortgagee letter:

03/19/2025

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady today for the second meeting in a row and maintained a prior prediction for two rate cuts at some point this year even as a much-studied "dot plot" showed a large number of policymakers favored fewer or no cuts. Nine officials see 2 cuts, while 4 officials see 1 cut and 4 see no cuts. See Dot Plot image and info below.

Fed Chair Jay Powell reiterated that the “extent and timing of additional adjustments” to interest rates will be made by assessing incoming data, the evolving outlook, and the balance of risks.”

01/29/2025

Hot off the Press! The Fed has kept its key interest rate unchanged today and gave us little insight into when further reductions in borrowing costs may take place. Fed Chairman Powell says " the economy remains strong, we do not need to be in a hurry to adjust our policy stance." The committee is also waiting to assess President Trump's trade and immigration plans and the potential effects on the US economy.

11/26/2024

Good News as FHFA has announced the official conforming loan limits for 2025! Plus, I have plenty of lenders who will close your escrow this year at the new loan limits.

• $806,500 for VA and one-unit conventional loans (increased from $766,550 in 2024)
• $1,209,750 for one-unit loans in high-cost counties (increased from $1,149,825 in 2024)
• Updated conforming loan limits also available on 2–4-unit conventional loans

* Conforming loans are easier for a borrower to qualify for when compared to a jumbo loan. For instance, conforming loans allow for lower credit scores, higher debt to income ratios, little or no reserve asset reserves, along with others.

Call me at 510-303-3887 or email [email protected] with your questions or if you need me to run a refinance or purchase scenario.

11/06/2024

San Leandro Below Market Rate Homes for Sale
Accepting Pre-Applications Now!

Rise Housing, on behalf of the City of San Leandro, is accepting pre-applications for three (3) Below Market Rate Homes for Sale at Poppy Lane in San Leandro. These homes are available to Low-income and Moderate-Income households. Preference points and Income limits apply. Learn more about this opportunity. Pre-applications will be accepted from November 4, 2024, to November 25, 2024, to be considered in the lottery.

Please Note: Hello Housing is sharing this information on behalf of Rise Housing Solutions, the Program Administrator for the City of San Leandro’s BMR Program, and we do not manage the application process for this opportunity. Please direct all questions to Rise Housing Solutions at [email protected] or (415) 301-5448. To be notified of the City of San Leandro’s BMR Program, sign up for our rise updates: www.risehousing.com/rise-updates.

If you would like more info on the Hello Housing Down Payment Assistance program, please contact me at 510-303-3887 or [email protected], an approved Hello Housing Lender.

Join our mailing list to be the first to know about new housing opportunities.Rise Housing Solutions manages below market rate (BMR) homeownership and rental programs in multiple cities and will send periodic announcements about BMR homes for sale, lotteries, application deadlines and more. Select y...

11/06/2024

We have a new president elect and so far today the stock market is rallying along with bitcoin setting a new high. Investors are piling money into the stock market which means the mortgage bonds are moving the opposite way with mortgage rates worsening.

The Fed begins a 2 day meeting today and its pretty much a lock for them to reduce the Fed funds rate by 25bps. As a result maybe we will start to see some relief in the bond market and mortgage rates improving. The Fed Committee will meet again in December where another 25bps cut is still projected. The future Fed path in 2025 will be influenced to what happens and evolves with the economy. Stay tuned.

09/11/2024

Most buyers gravitate toward previously owned homes, enticed by better prices and overall home value. Older Baby Boomers are an exception with nearly 1 in 5 preferring a new build.

09/10/2024

Wondering how to pay for your investment property improvements? We’re ready to finance your endeavors for a new or current property with options to fit your situation. Contact us today!

09/09/2024

09/06/2024

July saw a 5.5% decrease in pending home sales, with all four regions posting declines in transactions. We have plenty of program options for your wait-and-see clients – especially when rates change. Contact us today!