Joe Johnson - Home Loan Specialist

06/02/2023

*Exciting update!*

I'm incredibly excited to (belatedly) announce my decision to join the Gold Star Mortgage Financial team! My top priority in this decision was finding a company that would treat the families I serve with the same care as I do and would offer access to the best programs for folks in any of life's many stages.

With Gold Star, I'll be able to offer the best down payment assistance programs to help families that need a bit of extra boost to achieve the goal of homeownership (not just first time homebuyers!) along with our full slate of programs so I can be of the most help, no matter what your scenario looks like.

Everything about my process will be the same or similar, just a little bit enhanced. I'll be sharing more about our 12 Day Close program along with other exciting opportunities to help make your dreams a reality.

To go along with the big news, I've also committed to being more present here and on Instagram because there is SO much exciting stuff happening and I want you to know all about it. If you haven't already, definitely follow along so you don't miss a big update that could impact your life. Cheers!

03/06/2023

Happy snowy Monday! If you've been considering homeownership or making a move but aren't sure if you're ready, let's schedule a time to chat! Many buyers I've spoken with so far this year have been concerned about the impact of a hard inquiry on their credit report.

We listened and are excited to announce that iLoan can offer full pre-approvals with only a SOFT credit pull! That means it won't impact your credit score at all and it won't trigger a 90 day countdown to find your home.

We want you to find the perfect home for you on your timeline.

Send me a message or give me a call with ANY questions!

10/12/2022

Hey service industry friends! I'm hosting a Homebuyer Workshop at Stout's Pub on November 1st just for you! Fellow restaurant alum and superstar Realtor Eric Moorman of the The Advisory Realty Group - Exp Realty will join me to explain the ins and outs of buying a home, tailored to the unique situations of many folks in the service industry.

My life would look a lot different today if I had attended one of these classes when I was still working on the line so it's important to me that I pay it forward. Can't attend but want to learn more? Send me a message or comment on this post and we can go over the information together.

Can't wait to see you there!

06/27/2022

Big news! Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac released updated income limits for their HomeReady and HomePossible affordable lending programs. The max income for the Twin Cities metro area is now $94,240 - a 12.3% increase from 2021. The reason this is big news - many more homebuyers are now eligible for better rates! Some homebuyers may even qualify for down payment assistance for which they were previously ineligible. Give me a call or send me a message to learn more!

02/01/2022

New look website with a new look mortgage calculator! Take it for a spin and let me know what you think.

“To serve is first to love” is something I first heard back in my hospitality days. Back then, it resonated with me as the reason...

01/05/2022

Is buying a new home one of your New Years resolutions? Let's chat today about getting pre-approved!

NMLS 2144657 | 4474

10/05/2021

Looking to pull some equity out of your home for a big project or simply wanting to find out if you could save money on your monthly mortgage payment? You're not alone!

From Housing Wire..."The report...found that one in 12 borrowers saw “significant home equity growth” in the third quarter.

Plus, the frequency of borrowers searching for the phrase “cash-out” increased by almost 300% from Q2 to Q3. The behavioral data analytics firm says these developments point to the fact that “borrowers have grown their credit scores alongside their equity, paving the way for more cash-out refinance..."

Let's chat today and see if you qualify for a big opportunity!

09/30/2021

DID YOU KNOW...

You only have to make three consecutive payments out of a forbearance or deferment plan before you're eligible to refinance and take advantage of near record low rates?

Send me a message or give me a call for more information!

While nearly 1.6 million forborne borrowers remain, about 460,000 are up for review at the end of September.

09/27/2021

Monday Mortgage Quick Tip!

While the start of the new week may bring some groans and eye rolls, it's also a great opportunity to get the ball rolling on something you've been putting off! Big things are happening over at the Federal Reserve and I think you should be in the know...

There’s a lot of talk about the Federal Reserve cutting back their buying of mortgage bonds, which is known as tapering. The purchases of mortgage bonds have helped keep interest rates low.

This can be very important to you if you are considering purchasing a home or looking to refinance your current mortgage to save money.

Interest rates are still extremely favorable. But this week at their meeting, the Fed said that they will likely begin reducing their purchases of mortgage-backed securities by the end of this year, with an official announcement likely sometime this fall.

Once the Fed starts to pull back on their purchases, there is a risk that interest rates may move up, which makes this a great time to take advantage of low rates.

Thinking of finding your new home before the first snowfall? Maybe you've been putting off a refinance that could lower your monthly payment, put some cash in your pocket for renovations, or both? Give me a call, send a private message, or simply visit www.mplsmortgage.com and get the ball rolling! I'm here to help answer any of your questions.

09/20/2021

"To serve is first to love" is something I first heard back in my hospitality days. Back then, it resonated with me as the reason for the long nights in the expo window and early mornings doing inventory. Now, my commitment to service is what drives me to be the best possible partner for my clients through what can often be the largest, most nerve wracking transaction of their lives.

When you choose to work with me, that's exactly what you get - me, every step of the way. Need a pre-approval on a Saturday morning? Give me a call. Have a question about the numbers at midnight on a Tuesday? Shoot me a text. No two loan originators are alike. If you’re looking for someone who would rather listen than talk, I think I'd be a good fit to help. If you value craftsmanship over salesmanship, I think I'd be a great fit.

Interested in buying a home or refinancing your current mortgage? Whether you're a first time homebuyer, stepping up into your forever home, or ready to take advantage of incredible rates on a refinance; working with iLoan means you'll have a team of experts by your side to help you win the offer on the house that feels like a home and ensure that the process is smooth and painless.

Beyond great service, partnering with me for your mortgage needs means:
..I will be with you every step of the way from the initial consultation through closing and beyond..I will always do the research to ensure you're set up with the ideal loan to meet your needs..I will monitor the bond market every day to ensure you're getting the best rate possible..I will go above and beyond every chance you give me

Ready to learn more? Have any questions? Please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm grateful for a chance to work with you on this journey.