Oklahoma Mortgage Group

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3 Factors That Can Impact Your Mortgage Rate

March 25, 2026

Mortgage rates have been moving around quite a bit lately, and if you're thinking about buying a home, it can feel a little unsettling. Here’s the reality: this kind of movement is completely normal. When there’s economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, or global events impacting financial markets, mortgage rates tend to fluctuate more than usual. That doesn’t mean the market is broken, it just means we’re in a more reactive environment. And while you can’t control what mortgage rates do day-to-day, you can control the factors that determine the rate you qualify for. What You Can Control If you're planning to buy a home in Tulsa or anywhere in Oklahoma, here are the three biggest things that impact your mortgage rate: 1. Your Credit Score Higher credit scores typically lead to better interest rates. Even small improvements can make a meaningful difference in your monthly payment. 2. Your Loan Type Different loan programs, like conventional, FHA, VA, or specialty programs, can...

Fed Holds Rates Steady in March 2026

March 23, 2026

Following the most recent FOMC statement, the Federal Reserve has maintained the Fed funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75%. This pause comes as the war against Iran continues to drive oil prices higher, sustaining inflationary pressures that make rate cuts difficult to justify in the immediate term. The Fed’s Dual Mandate and the Risk of Stagflation The Fed is currently navigating a complex "no growth, but no contraction" jobs market. With the BLS Unemployment Rate at 4.4%, there is a growing concern that the economy could enter a stagflation environment. If the labor market weakens while inflation remains high due to energy costs, the Fed’s dual mandate—balancing employment and price stability—will be put to an extreme test. This political and economic tension arrives as Jerome Powell’s chairmanship nears its end on May 15. The confirmation of Kevin Warsh as the next chair remains subject to political opposition, adding further uncertainty to the path of monetary policy. Strategic ...

A New Mortgage Option for Self-Employed Buyers!

March 18, 2026

Are you self-employed and thinking about buying a home, but worried you won’t qualify for a mortgage? You’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges for self-employed borrowers in Tulsa is that tax returns don’t always tell the full story. Business owners, freelancers, consultants, and 1099 earners often write off expenses to reduce taxable income. While that’s smart financially, it can make income appear much lower on paper when applying for a traditional home loan. That’s where the Statement Select loan program from Waterstone Mortgage comes in. What is Statement Select? Statement Select is a mortgage solution designed specifically for self-employed homebuyers. Instead of relying only on tax returns, this program allows a Tulsa mortgage lender to evaluate your real income using alternative documentation. This gives a more accurate picture of your financial situation and your ability to afford a home. How You Can Qualify With Statement Select, you may qualify using: 1...

Tulsa Mortgage Rates Forecast for 2026 and 2027

February 26, 2026

If you’ve been watching Tulsa mortgage rates and wondering whether to wait for them to drop, you’re not alone. Many homebuyers across Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Broken Arrow, and the surrounding areas are hoping to see rates return to the historic lows of 2020–2021. However, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), current projections show 30-year mortgage rates remaining in the mid-6% range through 2026 and into 2027. While short-term fluctuations are always possible, the broader forecast does not indicate a return to 4% or even low-5% mortgage rates anytime soon. What the Mortgage Bankers Association Forecast Means for Tulsa Buyers The MBA’s outlook suggests stability rather than a dramatic decline. For buyers in the Tulsa real estate market, this changes the conversation from “waiting for lower rates” to “buying strategically in today’s market.” If rates remain in the mid-6% range: Buyers waiting for a major drop may delay homeownership longer than expected Home pric...

January 2026 Update: No Rate Change from Fed

January 28, 2026

The Federal Reserve wrapped up its January 2026 meeting with no change to the Fed Funds rate , keeping it in the current range of 3.50%–3.75% . While there has been plenty of public pressure on the Fed to lower rates, today’s decision was not a surprise to the market. In fact, this marks a pause after a series of recent rate cuts and reflects the Fed’s “wait and see” approach as it evaluates where the economy goes next. Why Didn’t the Fed Cut Rates? The Fed has two primary goals: Keep inflation under control Maintain a healthy job market To justify additional rate cuts, the Fed needs to see one of two things: A noticeable slowdown in the job market, or Inflation moving convincingly closer to its 2% target At the moment, neither of these conditions is strong enough to warrant another cut. Employment remains relatively stable, and inflation is easing, but not yet at the level the Fed wants to see. When Could Rates Start Coming Down Again? Current market expectation...

Should I Wait to Buy a Home?

January 23, 2026

“Should I wait?” It’s the most common question buyers are asking right now, and for good reason. Mortgage rates have been moving, headlines are noisy, and buyers don’t want to make the wrong move. But when you look past the headlines, the market is quietly shifting in ways that can actually benefit prepared buyers. Mortgage rates are currently near a three-year low , even with some short-term ups and downs. At the same time, many markets are seeing improved inventory, less buyer frenzy, and more opportunity to make thoughtful decisions instead of rushed ones. This doesn’t mean every buyer should jump in immediately. It means the conversation should shift from “waiting for the perfect rate” to “building the right strategy.” In today’s market, buyers who win are the ones who: • Understand their numbers • Know their loan options • Are ready when the right home appears Timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible. Positioning yourself correctly is not. If you or your clien...

Oklahoma Mortgage Group - Mike David