You May Qualify for Lower Rates in 2026
The start of a new year is the perfect time to take a closer look at your insurance coverage. Many homeowners don’t realize that rates, discounts, and underwriting guidelines can change from year to year—and 2026 may offer opportunities to save.
Whether it’s homeowners insurance, auto insurance, rental property coverage, or umbrella protection, a quick review with your insurance agent can help you:
Even small premium reductions can add up, especially if you’re carrying multiple policies or have investment properties.
A simple call to your insurance company or broker could reveal better rates, updated options, or ways to fine-tune your coverage for 2026.
Starting the year with clarity—and potentially lower expenses—is always a smart move.
We Can Help.
If you’re expanding your real estate portfolio, now is a great time to explore financing options that allow you to purchase investment properties directly under your LLC. This approach can offer clearer liability protection, streamlined bookkeeping, and a more professional structure for growing your holdings.
Whether you’re acquiring rentals, short-term properties, or long-term assets, we can walk you through:
Let’s review your goals and find the right financing strategy for your LLC.
NMLS ID 394275 | DRE ID 01769353
A Great Time to Revisit Your Options!!!
Good news: mortgage rates have dropped and are significantly lower than this time last year. That means better buying power, improved monthly payments, and new opportunities for refinancing.
Curious what today’s rates could mean for you?
Let’s take a quick look at your options.
If purchasing a home or refinancing your mortgage is on your radar this year, your credit score should be front and center. In today’s rate environment — where every fraction of a percent matters — strong credit can help you qualify, secure a lower rate, and ultimately save thousands over the life of your loan.
1. Pay Every Bill on Time — No Exceptions
Payment history remains the top factor in your credit score calculation.
Just one 30-day late payment can cause a significant dip, especially if you’re preparing to apply for a mortgage. Set automate payments or digital reminders so nothing slips through the cracks.
2. Tackle Balances and Reduce Your Credit Utilization
3. Monitor Your Credit Reports for Errors or Fraud
You can request free reports from all three major bureaus each week at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Checking consistently helps you catch:
4. Skip New Credit Until After Your Loan Closes
5. Preserve Older Accounts
6. Postpone Major Purchases and Big Debts
Large new loans can change your debt-to-income ratio, which lenders analyze closely in today’s tighter lending environment. If it’s not urgent, wait until after closing day for car upgrades, personal loans, or furniture financing.
Whether you’re gearing up to buy a first home, upgrade your space, or refinance for better terms, your credit score plays a crucial role. Maintaining consistent, careful credit habits today can put you in a stronger position to unlock better rates, lower payments, and more lending options — whenever you’re ready to make your move in 2026. Source
Buying a home is exciting — but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming. As we move through 2026, buyers will need to navigate a housing market shaped by shifting inventory, evolving buyer demand, and fluctuating mortgage rates. In this environment, preparation isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.
One of the smartest first steps you can take? Getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
Why is a pre-approval so powerful?
A pre-approval isn’t just another box to check — it’s a strategic advantage. Here are five key ways it sets you up for success in today’s market:
1. Know Your Budget and Shop With Confidence
A pre-approval shows you exactly how much home you can afford, helping you set realistic expectations before you start touring properties. That clarity saves time, reduces stress, and keeps you focused on homes that truly fit your financial picture.
2. Stand Out to Sellers and Strengthen Your Offer
In competitive markets, sellers want certainty. A pre-approval shows that your finances have already been reviewed and verified by a lender, positioning you as a serious, well-prepared buyer. When multiple offers are on the table, that credibility can be the difference between winning and missing out.
3. Move Faster When the Right Home Comes Along
Much of the financial legwork is completed during the pre-approval process, which means fewer hurdles once you’re under contract. That efficiency can help you close faster — an advantage sellers often prioritize when choosing an offer.
4. Protect Your Rate and Save Over Time
Depending on market conditions, a pre-approval may allow you to secure a more favorable interest rate. And even small rate differences can add up to significant savings over the life of your loan.
5. Catch Potential Issues Early
A pre-approval includes a review of your credit and financial documentation. If there are any errors or red flags, you’ll have time to address them before they can delay — or derail — your purchase later in the process.
NMLS ID 394275 | DRE ID 01769353
If you’re hoping to buy a home but finding it difficult to qualify for a mortgage due to credit challenges, limited employment history, or higher debt levels, adding a co-signer may seem like a practical solution. In today’s housing market, many buyers — especially younger and first-time purchasers — are exploring this option as a way to get into the market sooner. While a co-signer can offer meaningful benefits, it’s important to understand the risks involved for both parties before moving forward.
How a co-signer can help
A co-signer is someone who agrees to share legal responsibility for your mortgage. When a co-signer is added to your application, the lender reviews both borrowers’ credit, income, employment history, and overall financial profiles.
This combined financial picture can:
Co-signers help buyers enter the market — not buy bigger homes
Recent data continues to show that co-signers are most often used as a pathway into homeownership, rather than as a way to purchase more expensive homes.
According to the National Association of REALTORS® 2022 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report:
Data from the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) further reinforces that younger buyers typically use older co-signers to qualify — not to stretch their budget. Median home prices and down payments for young buyers with older co-signers are similar to those without, and both groups fall below the overall median for all homebuyers.
The risks of adding a co-signer
While the benefits can be meaningful, co-signing a mortgage comes with serious responsibility — especially for the co-signer.
If you miss payments, your co-signer is legally obligated to make them. This can:
In severe cases, missed payments could even impact employment or rental opportunities, as credit reports are often reviewed by employers and landlords. Beyond financial risk, there’s also emotional risk. Late payments or financial hardship can strain — or even permanently damage — personal relationships if expectations aren’t clear from the start.
Where co-signers are most common;
Co-signers are more prevalent in regions with higher home prices. States in the West and Northeast tend to see more young buyers relying on older co-signers, while more affordable markets in the Southeast and Central U.S. see fewer. This trend highlights how housing affordability continues to influence buying strategies in 2026. Source
NMLS ID 394275 | DRE ID 01769353
