Author: Lending Agent

A home for sale in Casselberry, Florida, Aug. 14, 2024.Stephen M. Dowell | Orlando Sentinel | Tribune News Service | Getty ImagesMortgage interest rates dropped again last week, hitting the lowest level in two months, but demand for mortgages didn’t respond. Total mortgage application volume fell 1.2% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s seasonally adjusted index.The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances, those of $806,500 or less, decreased to 6.88% from 6.93%, with points dropping to 0.61 from 0.66, including the origination fee, for loans with a 20% down payment.”Treasury…

Over the past 4 business days, the average top tier mortgage rate has fallen by 0.22%. While that may seem like a small number, consider that mortgage rates haven’t moved half as much in either direction for the entire month up until this point. Looked at another way, the last time rates moved down this much, it took more than 3 weeks. While there are examples of rates dropping faster, the point is that the current pace is relatively rare. It’s made all the more interesting by the absence of what we would consider to be top tier motivations.  Such…

Many investors feel trapped between two options: low-yield mutual funds or the volatile stock market. But what if there was another way? Real estate investing within a retirement account offers a powerful alternative—one that allows you to control tangible, cash-flowing assets and potentially multiply your savings.Why Consider Real Estate in Your Retirement Account?Conventional retirement investing is mostly limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. While these offer stability, they don’t always deliver strong returns. Real estate, however, provides benefits like:Cash flow – Rental income can supplement your retirement.Appreciation – Property values tend to rise over time.Leverage – Your money can…

What Is Build-To-Rent?Build-to-Rent (BTR) is a powerful investment strategy focused on long-term cash flow and property appreciation. Rather than selling newly constructed homes to homeowners, investors instead retain them as rental properties, thereby capitalizing on the growing demand for high-quality rentals. This approach provides consistent rental income while allowing properties to appreciate in value over time.At Dominion Financial Services, we offer a seamless 2-step financing solution for BTR investors. First, our ground-up construction loan funds the development of the property. Then, once construction is complete, investors can refinance with a DSCR loan, securing long-term financing based on the property’s cash…

Do you need to make more than $100,000 to buy a home? More and more, the answer is yes.The median income for new homebuyers has increased sharply since the Covid pandemic and surpassed six figures, according to an NBC News analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data. Experts say this is an omen of economic distress. The change reflects the exclusivity of today’s housing market, one where even prospective buyers with a six-figure salary can struggle.New homebuying households earned a median income of $110,000 in 2023, NBC News’ analysis found, with buyers 40 years old and under earning $114,000. Among those…

Since the election, several major builders have warned Trump’s proposals could crimp their business. The higher tariffs he’s already unveiled on steel and aluminum, set to take effect next month, and new ones on Chinese goods that are already in force could add thousands of dollars to home prices, industry executives say.“Whether it’s steel or any of the other tariffs relative to our friends to the north or to the south, we do expect some cost pressure from some of that,” said Curt VanHyfte, CFO of the homebuilding firm Taylor Morrison, on a Feb. 12 earnings call. But he added…

Back on December 18th, rates began the day fairly close to where they ended the previous day. In the afternoon, rates surged sharply higher following the Fed announcement. Even since then, the average 30yr fixed rate has operated almost exclusively above 7%.  Rates dipped a pinky toe into the 6% range on Feb 5th and then a few more toes last Friday.  Now today, we’re ending another week with damp digits, right in line with last Friday at the best levels since December 18th.  Today’s improvement was initially driven by weak economic data this morning in the form of S&P…

When building wealth, real estate investing remains one of the most powerful tools available. But what if there was a way to maximize those returns while minimizing tax burdens? Utilizing Self-Directed IRAs and Checkbook LLCs is a game-changing strategy savvy investors can leverage to accelerate the growth of their portfolios. Why Real Estate in a Self-Directed IRA is a Smart MoveMost investors know that traditional retirement accounts offer tax-free growth, but did you know you can also purchase and finance real estate within your IRA?When you purchase properties inside a self-directed Roth IRA, your home price appreciation and rental income remain completely…

Sentiment among the nation’s single-family homebuilders dropped to the lowest level in five months in February, largely due to concern over tariffs, which would raise their costs significantly.The National Association of Home Builders’ Housing Market Index (HMI) dropped a sharp 5 points from January to a reading of 42. Anything below 50 is considered negative sentiment. Last February, the index stood at 48.“While builders hold out hope for pro-development policies, particularly for regulatory reform, policy uncertainty and cost factors created a reset for 2025 expectations in the most recent HMI,” said NAHB Chairman Carl Harris, a home builder from Wichita,…

What Is a Multifamily Bridge Loan?A multifamily bridge loan is a short-term financing option for acquiring and rehabbing properties like apartment buildings, condos, townhomes, and duplexes. It bridges the gap between immediate investment needs and long-term financing, helping investors act quickly when funds are tied up elsewhere.The quick turnaround of the loan helps investors act on time-sensitive opportunities, such as property purchases, but it can also help in other situations. For example, the loan can help stabilize rental properties by providing funds for timely repairs and building upgrades. Investors can also use the loans to fund operational expenses during times…