417 Home Loans, Flat Branch Mortgage, Inc

09/08/2026

Found your next dream home before your current home sells? A bridge loan could help bridge the gap. 🏡

A bridge loan is a short-term financing option that allows homeowners to access their home's equity so they can:
🏡 Buy their next home before their current one sells
📦 Avoid the stress and expense of a double move
💪 Make a stronger, non-contingent offer in a competitive market

Bridge loans are typically repaid once your current home sells, giving you more flexibility and control over your move. ✅

Wondering if a bridge loan is right for you? Learn more here: https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/loan-programs/bridge-loan

09/01/2026

Looking for a mortgage program designed to make homeownership more accessible? A HomeReady® loan could be worth exploring! ✅

Some potential benefits include:
🏠 Down payments as low as 3%
💰 Flexible sources for down payment funds
📈 Expanded options for qualifying income
🔑 Available for eligible first-time and repeat homebuyers

Learn more about the HomeReady® program here: https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/loan-programs/homeready-programs

08/28/2026

📣 REALTOR FRIENDS 📣

Big change coming our way with Conventional appraisals starting this fall.

A new appraisal format called UAD 3.6 is coming and it will currently only impact Conventional appraisals. FHA has announced they will adapt this but no date yet, we do anticipate VA and USDA to eventually follow suit.

📜 What you need to know:

📝 Conventional loans only, for now

📆 October 1, 2026- Flat Branch will begin placing ALL Conventional appraisal orders as 3.6 ahead of the November 2 mandatory deadline.

⌛ Expect longer appraisal turn times as appraisers & lenders will be adjusting to new technology and processes.

💸 Expect appraisal fees to increase as this new form could take up to 3X longer for an appraiser to complete the report.

👀 Appraiser availability will likely be tighter. Not every appraiser may be ready to transition immediately, which would impact turnaround times.

Bottom line- When writing those Conventional offers this fall, build some extra time into your contingency dates & closing dates. We will still do everything we can to accommodate letting your buyer get through inspections prior to ordering the appraisal, but it could mean more rush fees on orders until this is all figured out.

We're working to get ahead of the transition but prepare for some bumps in the road as appraisers and lenders figure out this new process.

When you see an appraiser give them a hug! And as always… please reach out to us with questions or concerns.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐶🐾🦴

Here’s our 417 pups. 💚

08/26/2026

😍😍😍

DPA funding is back! 🏠

Restore SGF has a small round of funding available for our Down Payment Assistance Program.

This round will be competitive and first come, first served, so buyers will need to be qualified and have the required documentation ready.

A huge thank you to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and OMB Bank for helping make this round possible and continuing to invest in homeownership in Springfield.

08/25/2026

You DON'T need decades of job history before buying a home. 🏡

While employment history is an important part of the mortgage process, qualifying isn't always as simple as the amount of time you've spent with an employer. Depending on your situation, there may be more flexibility than you realize.

🎓 Recent graduates may have options based on their education and career path
📈 Career advancements or promotions can help demonstrate income stability
💼 Job changes within the same industry may not automatically disqualify you

Every borrower's story is different, and a common mortgage myth shouldn't stand between you and your homeownership goals. 💚

Learn more about this myth here: https://flatbranchhomeloans.com/blog/home-buyer-guides/debunking-job-myth