Mark McGinnis, NMLS 98586

06/01/2026

I probably have this conversation with clients and partners more than any other:

Would you rather have home prices drop by 10% or rates drop to 4%?

What would make you more likely to buy? Drop your answer in the comments.

06/01/2026

Helped a first-time buyer close on their first home a few months ago. When they first reached out to me, they were concerned they may have been at least a year away from being ready.

Turns out they had enough saved for a down payment and didn't even know it. They were waiting to hit some magic number that nobody actually told them they needed.

We ran their numbers, figured out what they actually qualified for, and more importantly, what would be in their budget, and gave them a thumbs up and pre-approval.

they were under contract within 60 days.

This happens more often than you'd think. A lot of people are closer than they realize and they're just sitting on the sideline waiting for something that's already here.

If you're curious where you stand, I have a free quiz that walks you through it in about two minutes. Link in the comments.

05/29/2026

I'm not sure why I'm shocked at how many people still think you need 20% down to buy a house. It's been so deeply ingrained in people's brains.

I talk to people every week who think they need to save $60,000 or $80,000 before they can even start the process. That's a ton of money, and that number keeps them renting for years when they could have actually bought a home.

There are loan programs that let you buy with 3% down. That's only $15,000 on a $500,000 house. Some programs let you do even less. If you're a veteran, you can buy with zero down. The math on what you really need is probably way lower than what you've been assuming.

I have a free quiz that walks you through a few quick questions and tells you exactly where you stand. Takes about two minutes. Link is in the comments if you want it.

Call now to connect with business.

05/28/2026

When reality smacks you in the face! Over the last few weeks, I've had people ask me what I was up to - professionally.

Then I realized a lot of people still don't know what I do for a living. So I'm committed to fixing that.

I do mortgages, which means I help people buy homes for a living.

If you or someone you know has questions about buying a house, getting a mortgage, or anything house related, I'm here for it. Young or old, forward or reverse, I can help.

Seriously, that's my job and I love it.

Drop a comment below or shoot me a message if you need anything.

05/03/2026

To the Class of 1946: Happy 8-0! 🎂

Being "House Rich" at 80 is like owning a rare vinyl collection without a turntable. Valuable, but you can’t dance to it.

This is the year of the Pivot (yes, I used one of my least favorite current buzzwords!)

Move from "House Rich" to "Lifestyle Ready." I'm not recommending treating your home equity as an ATM, but it can supplement your retirement income to cross off some of your bucket list activities (Pamplona, anyone?), or simply serve as a safety net.

I’ve helped my neighbors in both Oregon and Washington navigate these shifts since 2006.

Curious how to unlock your home's potential? DM or call me. No jargon, no pressure, just smart talk and a few laughs.



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McGinnis Home Loans Team at Eureka Mortgage Planning LLC. NMLS 2456819. Mark McGinnis NMLS 98586. Licensed in OR & WA. Equal Housing Opportunity. This material is not from HUD/FHA and has not been approved by any gov agency. Borrowers remain responsible for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

05/03/2026

Did I read that right? Where are my readers?! The numbers are shifting, and not in the right direction. While a recent AARP survey showed 61% of Americans over 50 are worried about their savings, the new 2026 Allianz Annual Retirement Study paints an even starker picture: 67% of Americans now fear outliving their money more than death itself. 2 out of 3? Sorry to be a bucket of cold water, but this is important stuff.

According to Federal Reserve data, many are finding that traditional savings just aren't keeping pace with longevity.

If you’re feeling that squeeze, you aren't alone.

Most people think their equity is "locked" unless they sell or refinance at today’s higher rates. But that's not accurate. I help families use their home as a strategic asset: protecting that 3 or 4% rate while creating a tax-free line of credit for the future.

Retirement should be about peace of mind, not trading the stresses of the working world with new stresses about money.

What’s the real story with your home equity? Reach out via DM or visit the link in my bio to start the conversation!

05/01/2026

Ever tried explaining the difference between the vibe in the Pearl and a quiet street in Felida to a call center in the Midwest? Yeah, good luck with that.

In the PNW, "local" isn’t just a sticker on a coffee bag: it can be the difference between a smooth closing and a major headache. Whether you’re eyeing a loft in Portland or a family spread in Camas, the landscape changes fast once you cross the bridge (or one of the rivers).

Why does it matter? As the pendulum keeps swinging farther into the "high tech" zone, the 'high touch" element can get lost altogether. Does "Owen" in Omaha answer his phone? Does Donna in Denver provide pre-approval letters on weekends. Do any of them ask "why" you want the house or how long you think you'll live there. Will they call listing agents to let them know there's a single point of contact? It matters.

National lenders see a zip code on a spreadsheet; I see your future neighborhood. And I may be talking to my future neighbor. I better get it right or I'll hear about it at the next 10 block parties!

Reach out via DM and let’s figure out your next move.

04/24/2026

Oh, what a problem to have! I've met with people who almost think they’re "stuck" with their 3% mortgage rate, like a beautiful antique you’re too afraid to move in case it breaks.

But here’s the secret for 2026: You don’t have to trade in that low rate to buy your next investment property.

Your home equity is sitting there like a dormant bank account. The "sleeper" strategy right now isn't a refinance (please, leave that 3% alone). It’s about leveraging HELOCs and other equity related programs.

Think of it as adding a second floor to your financial strategy without touching the foundation. You keep your record-low primary rate while "pouring" that idle equity into a new income-producing asset. It’s the ultimate way to have your cake, eat it, and then have the tenant pay for the next one.

At the McGinnis Home Loan Team, we specialize in these "second layer" strategies. We help you find the liquidity you didn't know you had, so you can grow your portfolio without the "big bank" headache.

Ready to see how much investment power is hiding in your walls? Let’s run the numbers.

04/23/2026

Ever feel like explaining your financial situation to a big bank is like trying to win a rally against a wall?

Algorithms are great for sorting emails, but they’re worthless at understanding the nuances of a Portlander’s life: the self-employed hustle, the unique equity goals, or why your yard is currently winning the war against your lawnmower. The computer scans a few boxes, hits a snag, and spits out a "No" before you even get to the good part.

At the McGinnis Home Loan Team, we trade the rigid "if-then" logic for a real conversation. I’m the guy you’ll see on the tennis court or struggling with what used to be a relatively weed-free lawn, and I happen to know exactly how to navigate the complex files that leave big bank code scratching its head.

Because a human expert knows that "it's complicated" is just the start of a conversation, not the end of the road. Let’s find a way that works for your life, not just their algorithm.

10/03/2023

Home Warranty Scam- October 3, 2023