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Unlock Your Path to Homeownership with the "First Home Program" in Tulsa County

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In December 2024, the Tulsa County Home Finance Authority (TCHFA) introduced the First Home Program , a groundbreaking initiative aimed at helping first-time homebuyers in Tulsa County achieve their dreams of owning a home. As a proud participating lender, we are thrilled to bring you this incredible opportunity, complete with financial assistance, favorable loan terms, and a below-market interest rate. Program Highlights The First Home Program is designed with first-time homebuyers in mind, offering the tools and resources needed to make homeownership more accessible and affordable. Here are the key features of this exciting program: Eligible Area : Tulsa County, Oklahoma. Eligible Borrowers : Buyers and their spouses (even if not purchasing) must be first-time homebuyers. Loan Types : FHA, VA, and USDA-RD loans are accepted. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) : A 3.5% forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest, forgivable after five years of compliance. Interest Rate (as of 1/3/2025) : 5....
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Why Mortgage Rates Remain Elevated: Understanding the Connection Between Jobless Claims and Treasury Yields

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If you’ve been wondering why mortgage rates remain stubbornly high, the answer lies in the strength of the U.S. job market and its impact on key financial indicators like the 10-year Treasury yield. Let’s break it down: Mortgage rates often follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which reflects investor sentiment about the economy. As of early 2025, the 10-year Treasury yield is holding near 4.6%, a level that continues to support elevated mortgage rates. But why is the yield so high? The resilience of the labor market plays a significant role. Recent data shows that jobless claims—an indicator of layoffs—remain low, with seasonally adjusted claims at just 211,000 in December 2024. This signals a strong job market, which reassures investors that the economy can withstand higher interest rates. As a result, the Federal Reserve has less incentive to cut rates, and bond yields stay elevated. This dynamic has a direct impact on mortgage rates. For prospective homebuyers, it means rates may not ...
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Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
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3 Factors that Can Impact Your Mortgage Rate

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If you’ve heard about the recent Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve, you might think mortgage rates are set to drop immediately. However, mortgage rates are influenced by more than just the Fed’s actions. Factors like inflation, the job market, geopolitical events, and other economic variables all play a role. While the Fed’s moves may eventually lead to lower mortgage rates, the process will be gradual and potentially uneven. Rather than trying to time the market, focus on the aspects you can control to position yourself for success in today’s housing market. 1. Your Credit Score Your credit score significantly impacts your mortgage rate. Higher scores often lead to lower rates and better terms. Small improvements to your score can make a big difference in your monthly payment. Reach out to a loan officer to understand your current score and how to improve it. 2. Your Loan Type From conventional to FHA, USDA, and VA loans, each type offers different rates and terms. Explori...
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Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
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The Big Difference Between Renter and Homeowner Net Worth

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 Did you know the typical homeowner’s net worth is roughly 40x greater than a renter’s? It’s a staggering statistic that highlights the profound financial benefits of homeownership. Owning a home is the #1 way to build wealth in the U.S., and it’s a key step toward financial security and independence. Here’s why: when you own a home, your net worth grows as you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time. This wealth-building power, often referred to as equity accumulation , is something renters miss out on. Renters pay monthly for housing but don’t get to reap the rewards of equity or appreciation, which are two major drivers of homeowner net worth. The numbers tell the story. According to data from The Federal Reserve, homeowners consistently build equity while renters’ financial growth remains limited. For example, while home values have risen significantly over the last decade, renters’ net worth has increased only marginally. This growing gap showcases how own...
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Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
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More Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Here to Help You Buy a Home

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With rising home prices and fluctuating mortgage rates, having access to the right resources can make all the difference. One resource you should know about is the growing number of Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs available to homebuyers. According to Down Payment Resource, 29 new programs were added in Q3 alone, bringing the total to 2,444. That’s 192 more programs than last year—an 8% increase in opportunities to help buyers like you achieve homeownership. Why does this matter? Many DPA programs provide significant financial assistance. The average benefit is roughly $17,000, which can go a long way toward covering your down payment and other home-buying costs. Whether you’re a first-time or first-generation buyer, or even looking into affordable housing options like manufactured or multi-family homes, there’s likely a program that fits your needs. Let’s make homeownership a reality for you! Call or text me today at 918-361-1550 , or click here to book a quick phone chat to d...
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Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
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Build Your Dream Home with Only 5% Down: Discover Our Single Loan Close Construction Program!

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  We are excited to announce that our Single Loan Close Construction Program now allows as low as 5% down for loan amounts up to $795,000! If you’ve been looking for your dream home but can’t seem to find the perfect fit, consider BUILDING it! With as little as 5% down required, our construction loans offer an affordable way to create the home of your dreams. Plus, our streamlined process means ONE loan covers everything — from the purchase of the lot, to construction costs, to your final mortgage financing. Contact us today to learn more! Click here to book a chat with me.
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Why I Love Working at Waterstone Mortgage: A Culture of Growth, Connection, and Purpose

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  I. Love. This. Company. Waterstone Mortgage isn't just a place to work; it's a place to grow, connect, and thrive. Our culture is something truly special – unique among mortgage companies. But let's be real: this culture isn’t for everyone. We don’t want negativity. We don’t want anyone who isn’t willing to lift others up, share their knowledge, or celebrate wins (big and small). We believe in working hard for our clients, our referral partners, and each other. And we believe in playing just as hard! Our team is a collection of people who are always happy to help, who see and bring out the best in each other, and who adapt with purpose and strength to lead the way in our industry. We’re not aiming to be the biggest – just the best. If you’re a loan officer who doesn’t feel this way about your current company or if you're a realtor working with another lender, it might be time for a change. At Waterstone Mortgage, we’re here to stay. And we’re here to make a diff...
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Location: Tulsa, OK, USA
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