Michael Stepek, Home Loans - NMLS #28268

06/12/2026

Happy Friday! My team and I are available seven days a week to handle all your mortgage needs! Whether you have questions, need a preapproval, want a second opinion, or have concerns about your current loan in process, I'm here to help. Contact me anytime by phone, text, or email!


http://GRARate.com/MichaelStepek

06/11/2026

Join us for an exclusive presentation with Maddy Erickson, Divisional Manager of Condo Underwriting at Guaranteed Rate Affinity, on Thursday, June 18th at 1:00 PM CDT.

https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/8805721900587778647

06/10/2026

Real estate investors, financing your next property may be easier than you think. With Guaranteed Rate Affinity Portfolio | Investor 3, you may be able to qualify using property cash flow or rental income - no tax returns or traditional income documentation required. This program is designed to help investors move quickly and keep growing, with features like:

*Cashflow-based qualification
*No tax returns required
*Financing for short-term rentals, condotels, and more
*Unlimited financed properties
*Ability to close in the name of an LLC

If you're looking for a simpler path to financing your next investment property, let's connect.


https://www.grarate.com/lp/guaranteed-rate-affinity-portfolio?LOID=1508

06/09/2026

Buying a new home is exciting - but the costs don't stop at the down payment. Many new homeowners face unexpected expenses for repairs, maintenance, appliance updates, utilities, insurance, and more. In fact, research shows new homeowners spend an average of $24,000 to make their homes move-in ready.

Planning ahead can help you avoid surprises and feel more confident in your homeownership journey. Budgeting for hidden costs upfront is one of the smartest steps you can take before getting the keys.



https://www.grarate.com/article/overlooked_costs_homeownership?LOID=1508

06/08/2026

06/05/2026

🏡 Working all weekend to help you achieve your homeownership dreams! Whether you have mortgage questions, need a pre-approval, or want updates on your file, I'm here for you-even on Saturdays and Sundays. Let's get your file cleared to close and make your next move a reality!

Email/text or call anytime-your mortgage needs don't take weekends off, and neither do I!


http://GRARate.com/MichaelStepek

06/04/2026

Looking for a mortgage that fits your unique financial situation? If you're self-employed, a freelancer, business owner, investor, or don't have traditional W-2 income, a Non-QM loan may offer the flexibility you need. These programs can provide alternative income documentation options and terms designed for borrowers outside the traditional 9-5 box.

Let's explore options that may work for your goals. Contact me today to learn more.



http://GRARate.com/MichaelStepek

06/03/2026

Midyear is the perfect time for a homeowner financial checkup. A lot can change - your budget, your home's value, your financial goals, and even mortgage market conditions. Taking a few minutes to reassess now could help you find opportunities to save, plan ahead, or make the most of the equity you've built. Here are a few smart things to review:

✅ Your monthly budget - Look for subscriptions, recurring fees, or expenses you can trim.
✅ Your emergency fund - Aim to keep three to six months of essential expenses set aside.
✅ Your retirement contributions - If your income has changed, it may be a good time to adjust your savings.
✅ Your home equity - Your home may be worth more than you think, and that equity could help with repairs, improvements, debt consolidation, or unexpected expenses.
✅ Your mortgage - It may be worth reviewing your current rate, loan term, and whether refinancing or removing PMI could make sense.

Your home is one of your biggest financial assets. A midyear checkup can help make sure it's still working for your goals. Thinking about reviewing your mortgage or home equity options? Let's connect.


http://GRARate.com/MichaelStepek

06/02/2026

Thinking about renovating your home? Before you start picking paint colors or planning your dream kitchen, it's smart to understand what different renovation projects may cost. According to 2025 HomeGuide estimates, renovation costs can vary widely depending on the size of the space, scope of work, materials, labor, and project complexity.

Here are some average renovation cost ranges by project:
Full home rehab: $20,000 - $180,000
Gut renovation: $100,000 - $200,000
Kitchen renovation: $5,000 - $80,000
Bedroom renovation: $1,500 - $10,000
Bathroom renovation: $3,500 - $30,000
Home exterior renovation: $6,000 - $20,000

Whether you're updating your current home, preparing to sell, or planning renovations after purchasing, knowing the numbers upfront can help you budget with confidence.

http://GRARate.com/MichaelStepek

05/28/2026

Want to buy your next home before selling your current one? With Guaranteed Rate Affinity Portfolio, you may be able to make an offer on a new home without waiting to sell the one you're in.

This flexible loan suite looks at your full financial picture, not just traditional income guidelines - which may help create an easier path to qualifying when conventional loan requirements don't fit your situation. Buy before you sell with options designed to help you:

*Make offers without selling your current home first
*Avoid qualifying with two mortgages at once
*Explore flexible approval requirements
*Move forward on your timeline

If traditional financing isn't the right fit and banks aren't coming through, let's talk about whether Guaranteed Rate Affinity Portfolio could work for you. Reach out today to learn more.



https://www.grarate.com/lp/guaranteed-rate-affinity-portfolio?LOID=1508