Sergio Michel Mortgage NMLS #2023203

09/08/2026

There is no magic DTI number that guarantees mortgage approval. Think of DTI like a bridge weight limit. The higher the financial load, the more important the strength of the entire application becomes.

Understand how DTI can affect mortgage qualification and what 2026 guidelines mean for homebuyers.

09/08/2026

The MBS Highway National Housing Index continued its downward trend in September, falling from 27 in August to 22. The index has now declined for four consecutive months after reaching a seasonal high of 47 in May. Both buyer activity and home price direction weakened from the previous month

09/01/2026

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech was not the rate cut signal some were hoping for. His message was more nuanced and, for the housing market, important.

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s Jackson Hole speech offers important clues about inflation, interest rates and what they could mean for homebuyers and sellers.

08/24/2026

Setting a high initial price to leave negotiation room is like throwing a net into empty waters while the biggest school of fish swims right past.

Learn how pricing your home right from day one captures maximum buyer momentum and avoids the stale listing trap.

08/17/2026

AI home search is getting much more sophisticated than typing “three bedrooms with a pool.” For example, ask AI to find homes that meet these conditions:

Discover if AI can truly find your dream home. Explore how smart algorithms, predictive matching, and AI tools are transforming house hunting.

08/17/2026

You already know your income is real. It hits your account every week and pays your bills just as reliably as any paycheck. Lenders are catching up to that reality too. Fannie Mae's current guidelines average two years of net income from your tax returns, giving a truer picture of your actual earning power.

Learn how lenders evaluate tax returns, write offs, bank statements, and self employed income.

08/12/2026

Escrow is the protected middle ground between an accepted offer and getting the keys. A neutral escrow or settlement agent coordinates funds, documents and required conditions so the transaction can move safely toward closing.

Discover what mortgage escrow is and how it protects your funds and documents during a home purchase. Learn key tips for buyers to ensure a smooth closing process.

08/11/2026

https://sergiomortgage.com/socialposts/jumbo-loans-with-less-than-20-down

Discover how smart buyers leverage low down payment jumbo loans in 2026 to secure luxury real estate while preserving liquid capital and cash flow flexibility.

08/11/2026

Discover how smart buyers leverage low down payment jumbo loans in 2026 to secure luxury real estate while preserving liquid capital and cash flow flexibility.

07/29/2026

A home near a university is about more than football Saturdays and campus life. Major universities often serve as long term economic anchors, supporting jobs in education, healthcare, research, technology, and local businesses.

Discover why homes near a university can be a smart choice for homebuyers. Learn how strong local employment, steady housing demand, and community amenities can support long term value while making an informed homebuying decision.