Chris Smith - Luminate Bank

10/29/2026

Home equity. The math is simpler than most people realize.

Take what your home is worth today, subtract what you still owe, and what is left is your equity. If your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $250,000, that is roughly $150,000 sitting there. Every mortgage payment you make and every increase in your home’s value adds to that number.

Here is the part most people do not think about: you can potentially borrow against it. Not all of it, because lenders look at your loan to value ratio, your credit, your income, and your other debt. But if you have a big expense coming up and borrowing costs feel high everywhere else, your equity is worth a serious look.

Over the next four videos I am breaking down four smart ways homeowners can put equity to work and how to pick the right type of loan for each one. Part two is about paying off high-interest debt. Follow along so you do not miss it. Home equity financing is subject to credit approval and eligibility. Talk to a mortgage professional about your situation.

10/28/2026

One of the most common questions I am hearing right now: should I buy today or wait until mortgage rates come down?

It is a completely reasonable question and the honest answer is more nuanced than most people expect.

Here is the challenge with waiting. When rates improve more buyers typically jump back into the market. More buyers means more competition. More competition can push prices higher. So the lower rate you waited for may come with a higher purchase price that offsets some or all of the payment savings you were hoping for.

There is no perfect moment that makes buying feel effortless. There is only the moment when the numbers and your goals align for your specific situation.

The more useful questions to ask are not about where rates are going next. They are: does this monthly payment fit my actual budget comfortably? Is this the right home for my family right now? Does buying today make sense given where I am in life?

The best time to buy is not always when rates are at their lowest. It is when the payment works, the home fits, and the decision aligns with your goals.

If you are trying to figure out whether now is the right time for your situation reach out and let's look at the real numbers together.

10/24/2026

4.5 star review received on Experience.com for Chris Smith by Lori R - He truly cared about his client.

Click to see all 68 reviews of Chris Smith, Senior Loan Officer

10/23/2026

Freddie Mac just made major updates to their asset-based income guidelines and this is a genuine game changer for a lot of buyers and homeowners.

The program has been renamed to Accumulated Assets as Income and the changes are significant. First, the calculation now divides eligible assets by 180 months instead of 240, which means about a third more qualifying income from the same assets you already have. Second, the age restriction has been completely removed. Previously limited to borrowers 62 and older, this program is now open to buyers of all ages with strong assets. Third, it now covers primary residences, second homes, and investment properties for the first time ever. And fourth, the strict 80 percent loan to value cap has been lifted, giving buyers far more flexibility to purchase or refinance.

This is significant news for high-asset buyers, retirees, entrepreneurs, and anyone with strong savings or investment accounts who has had trouble qualifying on income alone.

Text, call, or DM me anytime for a free consultation and let’s look at how these new rules apply to your situation.

10/22/2026

One of the most common questions about retirement loans: what happens if I want to move later?

The answer is simpler than most people expect. A retirement loan gives you complete flexibility. When you decide to sell, the loan is paid off from the sales proceeds and any remaining equity is yours to keep. No penalty for selling whenever you choose. You are never locked in.

That makes it a genuinely strong option for retirees who want extra cash flow today but still want the freedom to make changes down the road.

I want every homeowner to feel fully informed before making a decision like this. Send me a message if you have a question you would like me to answer in a future video.

Chris Smith

10/22/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about retirement loans is that they put your family’s finances at risk. The truth is, today’s retirement loans come with strong built-in protections.

Your home is the only thing tied to the loan. Your other assets and your family’s finances stay completely protected. And any remaining equity after the loan is paid off still goes to you or your heirs, giving your family peace of mind along with options down the road.

It is a smart way to enjoy your equity now while you are still planning ahead responsibly.

Have questions about your options? Reach out to Chris Smith today.

10/21/2026

For the first time in years many buyers are starting to see something they have not had much of: real negotiating power.

In many markets homes are sitting on the market longer. Sellers are making price adjustments. And buyers are having more conversations around closing costs, repairs, and even interest rate buydowns built into the offer structure.

Now this does not mean every seller is desperate or that every home is a bargain. The market has not flipped overnight. But it does mean buyers have more opportunities to negotiate than they did during the peak seller's market when multiple offers and waived contingencies were the norm.

The buyers who take advantage of this shift are the ones who understand how to structure an offer strategically. Not just the price but the full package. Seller-paid closing costs. Rate buydown contributions. Repair credits after inspection. These are tools that were off the table for years and they are back on it now.

If you are thinking about buying, understanding how to put all of these pieces together can make a significant difference in your total cost and your monthly payment.

Reach out and let's talk through how to structure your offer the right way.

10/21/2026

Did you know a retirement loan can help you buy a brand new home, not just stay in your current one?

Homeowners 62 and older can use a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their current home to purchase the home they actually want for the next chapter of their life while skipping a monthly mortgage payment altogether. That means more of your retirement savings stays invested and working for you instead of going toward a monthly payment.

Whether you want to move closer to family, downsize into something more comfortable, or simply start fresh somewhere new, this option can make that transition significantly easier financially.

I am Chris Smith and I would love to walk you through exactly how this works. Follow along for more retirement home strategies.

10/20/2026

If your Zillow saves are getting a little out of hand, I have a suggestion: let's talk before you find "the one."

I can help you understand your budget, walk through your mortgage options, and figure out what makes sense for your situation. And you definitely don't need to have a house picked out to get started.

Keep sending yourself listings. I'll help you get a plan together.

Apply Here: https://applynow.goluminate.com/homehub/signup/Chris.Smith%40luminate.bank
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10/19/2026

Here is something every retiree deserves to know about their monthly income.

A retirement loan allows you to access the equity in your home and turn it into a reliable source of extra cash flow without selling your home or taking on a monthly payment.

That means your Social Security and any pension income can go further. More freedom to travel, help family, or simply enjoy the life you worked hard to build without financial stress. You still own your home. You still live in it. And you keep that flexibility for as long as you want it.

I am Chris Smith and I love helping retirees discover options they never knew existed. Reach out anytime to see what this could look like for you.