Shaun Meller - Mortgage Broker - Quintessential Mortgage Group

09/02/2026

Buying a co-op versus a condominium may seem like it's the same thing. There are significant differences, however, not only in average prices, but also in documentation requirements, restrictions, and costs. Here's a brief explanation of some of those differences.

08/31/2026

Is It Worth Buying a Co-Op Apartment in New York City?

There are some significant differences between co-ops and condos in terms of owner restrictions, process of approval and transaction costs. This article doesn’t address these points, but primarily focuses on median price differences across the 5 boroughs.

In New York City, where rents have continued rising even as the national rental market cools. While national rents declined 1.5% from a year earlier, New York rents rose nearly 5%.

A buyer with an $895,000 budget isn't realistically choosing between an $895,000 co-op and the $2.025 million median Manhattan condo. The more relevant choice is between buying the co-op and or not buying at all—and that's when the co-op discount may matter most.

NYC co-ops can cost far less than condos, but rising maintenance, strict boards, and weaker price growth can complicate the bargain.

08/26/2026

Did you know there's a way to qualify income without showing ANY income? It's a method called "asset depletion" or "asset utilization". Most banks do not offer this product, but there are lenders who specialize with this and other creative methods to qualify buyers who don't quite fit the Fannie Mae box. Here's a brief video to explain...

08/24/2026

I'm proud to be highlighted in the upcoming edition of Westchester Magazine. See the page below, and the attached link:

https://lnkd.in/gk7tmQ7N

08/24/2026

In case you missed this article in the New York Times over the weekend, it's an update on the rollout of the highly contentious "pied-a-terre tax" that NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pushed through City Hall. While this is specific to New York City, it should be viewed as a bellwether for other cities, especially where there is a need to find solutions to close budget gaps.

08/10/2026

Buying a Home This Fall? What to Do Now to Get Ready

As summer begins to wind down, many people start looking ahead to the fall. Cooler weather, a return to familiar routines, and changing schedules often make this a popular time to buy a home.

08/05/2026

If you think you always need standard full documents to qualify for a mortgage, then you haven't heard of a "Non-QM" mortgage loan. It's actually a category of loans, rather than a single product. Most buyers and even real estate agents have no idea they exist, but they can make a purchase (or refinance) possible when previously thought not...

08/03/2026

Important Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Condo Updates

There are some important changes for condominium lending that are taking effect between now and January 2027. These changes should create more financing opportunities, particularly for smaller condo projects and existing investor heavy communities. On the other hand, condominiums that have insufficient reserves or other concerns that previously qualified for Limited Review but not under Full Review guidelines may no longer be eligible for conventional financing.

There are some important changes for condominium lending that are taking effect between now and January 2027. Pay careful attention to what I’ve listed below under “Keep in mind” as this will impact condominiums that have previously been eligible for conventional lending, but may NO LONGER be ...

07/30/2026

When you hear "APR", do you think that's the rate you pay for your mortgage? Do you know why using an APR can be misleading? Watch this video to find out more...

07/28/2026