Kris Kirby-Thompson, Branch Manager, at Rate

09/08/2026

09/03/2026

Before you start browsing for homes, one of the smartest things you can do is scope out your mortgage options. Knowing what types of loans you qualify for will help you target your search and negotiate with sellers. That’s where pre-qualification and pre-approval come in. While pre-qualification doesn’t include a deep dive into your financial history, pre-approval does, giving you a more accurate view of your options.

Let’s break down the differences together.
https://myoc.io/jsWh3cZ6vs/B4MDX



NMLS # 1553319

09/01/2026

When it comes to finding a home, every generation looks for something different. Which group do you align with? Take the quiz to find out which generation’s house hunting style matches yours. You might be surprised!

Comment your results below.
https://myoc.io/jsWh3cZ6vs/19682



NMLS # 1553319

08/31/2026

A home is not just where you live. It is where you gather the people who matter and make the nights worth remembering. When the space is yours, every plan gets a little easier to say yes to.

Let me know in the comments which event would come first on your calendar. And when you're ready to start your homeownership journey, I'd be happy to help you explore your options.
https://myoc.io/jsWh3cZ6vs/qxYe1



NMLS # 1553319

08/27/2026

You've spent years building equity in your home. The question a lot of homeowners ask next is what they can actually do with it. A HELOC is one option that may let eligible homeowners access a portion of that equity, up to an approved limit, for things like home improvements or other financial goals.

If you're wondering how your equity fits your bigger picture, let's talk it through.
https://myoc.io/jsWh3cZ6vs/8g30h



NMLS # 1553319

08/25/2026

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) and cash-out refi get mixed up all the time, and it's easy to see why. Both are ways to make use of the equity you've built, they just work very differently. Knowing how they compare puts you in a better spot to decide what fits when your goals shift. No need to have it all figured out today.

Save this for when the time feels right, and reach out whenever you'd like to talk it through.
https://myoc.io/jsWh3cZ6vs/cW546



NMLS # 1553319

08/19/2026

Renting can be the right fit for a season. But when your goals start changing, it may be time to understand what ownership could make possible.

I can help you compare the numbers and plan for what comes next.
https://myoc.io/jsWh3cZ6vs/3iYr4



NMLS # 1553319

08/18/2026

Pending home sales declined in July across all four regions, with signed contracts down from both last month and last year. More available homes could give buyers more to compare, while shifting activity means timing, budget and loan strategy matter. With the right options, you can better understand what fits your goals in a changing market.

Let’s review what today’s housing market trends could mean for your homeownership goals.
https://myoc.io/jsWh3cZ6vs/uN7ht



NMLS # 1553319