DC Aiken - CrossCountry Mortgage

10/16/2026

For the past few years, we’ve talked about higher mortgage rates as if they were strictly a buyer problem. I think we need to change that conversation.

— DC Aiken

DC Aiken explains how a seller-funded temporary rate buydown may offer buyers more payment relief than a price reduction, helping Metro Atlanta sellers compete

10/16/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our newest Vice President of Lending, Matt Garcia, on an incredible first month with CrossCountry Mortgage!

In just 30 days, Matt has closed $6MM+ in volume and helped 16 families achieve homeownership. Amazing work, Matt — we’re so proud to have you as part of The Aiken Zulauf Team and can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish next!

10/16/2026

Stop selling the price. Start selling the payment.

With rates climbing again, many buyers are waiting for next year. But sellers can help make the payment more affordable today.

On a $500,000 home with 5% down at 7.50%, the payment is about $3,321 a month.

A $15,000 price cut saves the buyer only about $100 a month.

A 2/1 buydown can drop the first-year payment by roughly $624 a month — for a total cost lower than that $15,000 cut.

Buyers shop the monthly number. You’re competing on payment, not just price.

Before the next price reduction, run the numbers.

Read more: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/mortgage/resources/stop-selling-the-price-start-selling-the-payment-a-new-strategy/

Watch more: https://videos.crosscountrymortgage.com/watch/fcsnjGmmnXa8gx2MqVwY9X

Listing or buying? Let’s talk strategy.

— DC Aiken Senior VP of Lending, CrossCountry Mortgage | NMLS 658790

10/12/2026

A new home can be the start of a whole new chapter.

This Columbus Day, take the opportunity to explore what homeownership could look like for you. 🏡

If you're a first-time buyer, understanding your mortgage options is a great place to start.

10/09/2026

Thank you for the great review! I’m proud of our team and the care we put into helping our clients navigate the mortgage process. We appreciate your trust and are glad we could make the experience a positive one! 🏡

10/09/2026

Wall Street is celebrating. Main Street is not.

The Dow is above 50,000. Mortgage rates are above 7.50%. Gas and groceries keep getting more expensive.

The stock market tracks corporate profits. It does not track what a paycheck can buy.

On a $400,000 home with 5% down, going from 6.50% to 7.50% adds about $255 a month — more than $3,000 a year.

A rising market can make investors feel richer. It does not help a family qualify for a mortgage.

You can’t pay your mortgage with the Dow.

Read more: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/mortgage/resources/wall-street-is-celebrating-so-why-is-main-street-suffering/

View more: https://videos.crosscountrymortgage.com/watch/d2w9Tj6DJrYv5mJjsoyNnF

Ready to run real numbers? Let’s talk.
— DC Aiken
Senior VP of Lending, CrossCountry Mortgage | NMLS 658790

10/02/2026

September has come to a close, and we are filled with gratitude for our clients and realtor partners.

Being named the #1 CCM Branch in Georgia is not something we take lightly. That recognition belongs to the people who trusted us with their goals and to the partners who stood with us every step of the way. We are truly appreciative.

Thank you for an incredible month. Here’s to what we’ll build together next.

10/02/2026

7.50% mortgage rates didn’t kill the housing market. The wrong conversation might.

Buyers see 7.50% and hit the brakes. They assume the conversation is over. That’s exactly where it should begin.

Stop selling the rate. Start solving the payment.

A $15,000 price cut barely moves the monthly number. Use some of those same dollars toward a rate buydown or closing costs, and you can change whether a buyer can actually say yes.

Waiting for rates to magically fall back to 5% isn’t a strategy. Creating a payment that works today is.

A 7.50% rate doesn’t necessarily mean no. Sometimes it just means: let’s find a better way to get to yes.

Read the full take: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/mortgage/resources/7-50-mortgage-rates-didnt-kill-the-housing-market/

Watch the video: https://videos.crosscountrymortgage.com/watch/2r2mxSuyBqjc1tbhUkBe3H

Listing or buying? Let’s talk strategy.

— DC Aiken Senior VP of Lending, CrossCountry Mortgage | NMLS 658790

09/25/2026

Mortgage rates aren’t just a buyer problem. They’re a seller problem.

Buyers shop the monthly payment. A $15,000 price cut on a $500k home saves them about $95 a month.

Use roughly $11,000 toward a 2/1 buydown instead — and they can save about $610 a month in year one.

You’re competing on payment, not just price. Run the numbers before the next price cut.

Payment sells. Bank on it.

Read more: https://crosscountrymortgage.com/mortgage/resources/mortgage-rates-arent-just-a-buyer-problem/

View more: https://videos.crosscountrymortgage.com/watch/GoTCzMiP4AFZyKFVcUqaMt

Listing or buying? Let’s talk.
— DC Aiken
Senior VP of Lending, CrossCountry Mortgage | NMLS 658790

09/22/2026

The Deadline Has Been Extended

Eligible first responders and transit workers now have more time to take advantage of CCM’s Line of Duty Death Benefit Program.

With coverage of up to $525,000 on an eligible CCM loan, it’s a benefit worth knowing about.

Contact me with questions about the program.