Oklahoma Mortgage Group - Mike David

Buying a home can feel out of reach when the biggest concern is the down payment. That is why we now have a new tool available on our website that allows buyers and Realtors to check potential eligibility for down payment assistance programs and grant opportunities. This resource is now live and ready to use. A Helpful First Step for Buyers Many buyers assume they need a large down payment to purchase a home. In some cases, there may be assistance programs or grants available that can help reduce the amount needed upfront. This new tool gives buyers a simple way to start exploring possible down payment assistance options before they give up on buying. It can be especially helpful for: First-time homebuyers Buyers with limited savings Clients worried about cash to close Renters who want to become homeowners Realtors working with budget-conscious buyers Check for Additional Grant Opportunities Some buyers may qualify for additional assistance based on their profession, milita...

Fourth of July celebrations are happening across Oklahoma, and many communities are making the holiday a full family experience with fireworks, live music, food vendors, and activities. For homebuyers, these events are also a reminder that choosing a home is about more than the house itself. It is about lifestyle, location, and community. Tulsa FreedomFest Tulsa FreedomFest returns July 4 at River West Festival Park and the Zink Lake Watch Zone. The event is expected to draw around 80,000 spectators and includes BMX stunt shows, live music, food vendors, and a 25-minute fireworks display beginning at 9:30 p.m. For buyers looking in Tulsa, events like this show the value of living near community spaces, parks, trails, and local entertainment. Bixby Freedom Celebration The 12th Annual Bixby Freedom Celebration takes place July 3 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Bentley Park. This free event includes a Make-A-Wish Oklahoma wish-granting ceremony, military swearing-in ceremony, food truck...

Buying a home is exciting, but adjusting to a new mortgage payment can sometimes feel overwhelming. That's why programs designed to reduce upfront housing costs are getting more attention from both homebuyers and real estate professionals. One option worth understanding is the Smart Start Buydown. How the Smart Start Buydown Works A Smart Start Buydown is a lender-paid 1-0 buydown that temporarily lowers a buyer's effective interest rate by 1% during the first year of the loan. Buyers still qualify using the full note rate, but their monthly payment is calculated using a rate that's 1% lower for the first 12 months. The lender covers the payment difference. Beginning in year two, the payment returns to the full note rate. Why Buyers Like It The biggest benefit is immediate payment relief. For many buyers, the first year of homeownership comes with new expenses such as moving costs, furniture purchases, repairs, and maintenance. A lower mortgage payment during that tr...

  The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady for the fourth consecutive meeting, a move that was widely expected by financial markets. While many consumers hope for lower borrowing costs, the latest announcement signals that the Fed wants more evidence that inflation is moving lower before considering future rate cuts. For homebuyers and homeowners, understanding what this means can help you make more informed financing decisions. The Fed Remains in a Holding Pattern The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) left the federal funds rate unchanged, continuing its cautious approach toward inflation. Strong employment numbers and a resilient economy have reduced pressure on the Fed to cut rates quickly. While inflation has shown signs of improvement, policymakers appear committed to waiting for additional data before changing course. What This Means for Mortgage Rates One of the biggest misconceptions is that mortgage rates move directly with Federal Reserve decisions. In reality, m...

  Tulsa's Housing Growth Continues The Tulsa metro area continues to attract homebuyers, builders, and investors, and the latest housing start data shows exactly where that growth is taking shape. According to the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa, the region recorded 877 housing starts through April 2026. While growth is occurring throughout the metro, several communities are emerging as key destinations for new home construction and buyer demand. Where New Construction Is Concentrated Broken Arrow leads the region with 167 housing starts year-to-date, followed by: Tulsa: 117 Coweta: 99 Tulsa County: 97 Rogers County: 84 Bixby: 64 Jenks: 40 These numbers demonstrate a continued shift toward communities that offer more than housing alone. Buyers are increasingly looking for neighborhoods with convenient access to schools, shopping, recreation, and community amenities. What This Means for Homebuyers More housing starts create more opportunities for buye...

The Parade of Homes season is officially underway, and the kickoff event at the Home Builders Association was a great opportunity to reconnect with many of my favorite realtor partners, builders, and industry professionals. Events like this showcase the strong relationships that help make homeownership possible for buyers throughout our community. Why The Parade Of Homes Matters The Parade of Homes gives buyers a unique opportunity to tour a variety of new construction homes in one event. Visitors can explore different floor plans, neighborhoods, design styles, and builder offerings while gaining valuable insight into today's housing market. For many buyers, seeing homes in person helps bring their future home goals into focus. A Great Resource For Homebuyers Whether you're a first-time buyer, moving into a larger home, downsizing, or considering a custom build, the Parade of Homes offers inspiration and education. Buyers can compare features, learn about new construction...

  Tulsa Makes National Headlines Again A recent national article highlighted Tulsa as one of the few cities where buyers can still find homes priced under $100,000. While these homes are often fixer-uppers or located in specific neighborhoods, the recognition reinforces something local buyers already know: Tulsa remains one of the most affordable housing markets in America. Why Tulsa Stands Out Across much of the country, entry-level housing has become increasingly difficult to find. In Tulsa, buyers still have access to affordable housing options that simply do not exist in many major metropolitan areas. Current market data shows Tulsa home values remain significantly below the national average, helping preserve affordability for first-time buyers and investors alike. Inventory has also increased in 2026, giving buyers more choices than they have had in several years. Opportunities for Buyers Affordable housing creates several opportunities: First-Time Homebuyers Many buyers who b...

  Is the Housing Market Going to Crash? It's one of the most common questions buyers are asking in today's market. After years of rising home prices, higher mortgage rates, and affordability challenges, many consumers are wondering if a major housing correction is around the corner. According to most housing experts, the answer is no. Why This Market Is Different Than 2008 The comparison to the Great Recession is understandable, but today's housing market operates under very different conditions. Mortgage lending standards are much stricter than they were before the 2008 crash. Homeowners also hold record levels of equity, giving many families a financial cushion that simply did not exist during the housing crisis. In addition, inventory remains limited across much of the country. While the number of homes available for sale has improved, supply still falls short of long-term demand in many markets. Experts Expect Normalization, Not Collapse Most housing forecasts point tow...

The City of Jenks has once again found itself in the national spotlight after being named a finalist for the National Civic League's 2026 All-America City Award. The recognition honors communities that demonstrate exceptional civic engagement, collaboration, and innovation in addressing local challenges. For homeowners, buyers, and real estate professionals throughout the Tulsa metro, this recognition highlights many of the reasons Jenks continues to be one of the area's most desirable communities. A Community Shaping Its Own Future One of the key projects highlighted during the award process was the planning effort surrounding Jenks Ranch, more than 400 acres of undeveloped land that represents one of the city's most significant development decisions in decades. Rather than making decisions behind closed doors, city leaders invited extensive public participation through surveys, workshops, and open forums. Thousands of residents contributed feedback, with many expressing s...

  For many Oklahoma homebuyers, the biggest challenge is not qualifying for a mortgage, it's coming up with the cash needed for a down payment and closing costs. That's where the REI Home100 Program can make a significant difference. What Is REI Home100? REI Oklahoma is a nonprofit organization that offers down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible homebuyers throughout Oklahoma. The Home100 program works alongside FHA, VA, USDA, and HUD 184 mortgage programs and is designed to help buyers reduce upfront costs associated with purchasing a home. One of the most attractive features is that borrowers do not have to be first-time homebuyers to participate. New Income Limits Open More Opportunities The newly released 2026-2027 income limits increase eligibility for many Oklahoma families. For example: Tulsa County: Up to $142,500 for 1-2 person households and $166,250 for households with 3 or more people Oklahoma County: Up to $145,950 for 1-2 person households and $170,27...

Bixby has quickly become one of the most popular places to live in the Tulsa metro, and recent development plans are giving homebuyers even more reasons to consider making the move. From major retail expansion to possible future infrastructure improvements, south Bixby continues building momentum as one of the fastest-growing communities in Oklahoma. Major Retail Growth Coming to South Bixby One of the biggest announcements involves the proposed Spartan Creek development near 151st and Memorial. Plans for the project include restaurants, shopping, grocery stores, entertainment, and national retailers across a large mixed-use development. Walmart has also been connected to the discussions. For many residents, this means more convenience closer to home. Instead of driving across Tulsa for shopping and dining, homeowners could soon have more options right in the community. Large developments like this also tend to attract additional investment and residential growth over time. A Poss...

Being named a National Mortgage News Top Producer for 2026 is a major milestone, but what makes it truly meaningful is the context behind it. A National Industry, A Local Team There are hundreds of thousands of mortgage loan officers across the country. Earning a spot among the top producers nationwide is not just about volume, it reflects consistency, service, and the ability to deliver results at a high level. What makes this recognition even more special is that it comes from a small, dedicated team based in Tulsa. This is not a massive operation. It is a focused group committed to doing things the right way for every client and every partner. What It Means for Buyers For homebuyers, this kind of recognition should translate into confidence. The mortgage process can feel overwhelming, but working with an experienced lender helps simplify things. From the initial conversation to the closing table, the goal is to create a clear path forward. Buyers benefit from: Accurate pre-approvals...

The mortgage industry is entering a new credit scoring era. FHFA announced that Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA are moving forward with newer credit score models, including VantageScore 4.0 and FICO 10T. VantageScore 4.0 is available immediately for approved lenders, while FICO 10T is expected to follow. Why This Matters For years, mortgage lending has relied heavily on Classic FICO. That model is still approved, but newer models create more competition and may give lenders a better way to evaluate creditworthiness. FHFA says these newer models can consider additional data, including rent payment history. That could be especially important for renters who pay consistently but have limited traditional credit depth. What Could Change Over time, this may help expand the borrower pool. Some buyers who did not score well under older models may be viewed differently under newer credit frameworks. It may also create more competition among credit score providers, which could help reduce credi...

  I’m proud to share that I’ve been named to Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 1% Mortgage Originators in America for 2025. This recognition represents more than production, it reflects consistency, communication, and trust built over time with clients and partners. What This Means for Buyers If you’re planning to purchase a home, the lender you choose matters. A strong mortgage process helps you: Understand your numbers upfront Submit competitive offers with confidence Avoid surprises during underwriting Clear communication and a well structured pre-approval can make a real difference, especially in a competitive market. What This Means for Agents For real estate professionals, a reliable lender helps protect your deals and your reputation. That includes: Fast, accurate pre-approvals Proactive updates throughout the transaction Problem solving before issues impact closing The goal is simple, keep the process moving and reduce stress for everyone involved. Local Focus Matters As a ...

  VA appraisal issues have been a common concern for buyers, sellers, and real estate agents. Effective May 1, 2026, VA updated its Minimum Property Requirements to make the process more practical. What Changed? VA is now focusing more clearly on safety, structural soundness, and sanitation. Key changes include: • Detached sheds and fences may not automatically require repairs • Peeling paint on post-1978 homes may be considered cosmetic • Certain radon certification requirements for new homes were removed Why Agents Should Care This could mean fewer minor repair delays and smoother closings for VA buyers. It also gives agents a better way to explain VA offers to sellers. A VA loan does not have to mean a difficult transaction. Good News for Buyers Eligible veterans and active-duty buyers may now have more flexibility when shopping for homes. VA home loans are still subject to appraisal and lender review, but these updates may help more homes qualify without unnecessary repair cond...

The recent Leadership Excellence Awards Luncheon in Bixby brought together a powerful group of community leaders, business owners, elected officials, and local advocates for an afternoon centered on connection, celebration, and shared vision. The event recognizes individuals who are making a meaningful impact in Bixby—those who lead with purpose, serve with integrity, and contribute to the continued growth of the community. Among this year’s honorees, Mike David was awarded Outstanding Leader for his role on the Bixby City Council. This recognition highlights his ongoing commitment to thoughtful leadership, strategic growth, and serving the residents of Bixby with intention and care. As Bixby continues to grow, leadership like this plays a key role in shaping the city’s future—balancing development, infrastructure, and community values. Events like the Leadership Excellence Awards Luncheon serve as a reminder that progress is driven by people who are willing to step up, collaborat...

The Federal Reserve announced no change to the Fed funds rate at its April 2026 meeting, keeping the benchmark rate between 3.50% and 3.75% . This marks the third consecutive meeting without a rate cut. While many entered 2026 expecting rate relief, global economic pressures, particularly elevated oil prices, are keeping inflation persistent and delaying those anticipated cuts. Why Rates Aren’t Dropping Yet Several key factors are influencing today’s rate environment: • Oil prices remain above $100/barrel , fueling inflation • Ongoing geopolitical tensions are creating uncertainty • The economy is showing resilience , not weakness • The job market remains stable, with no major contraction Because of this, the Fed is taking a cautious approach before making any moves toward rate cuts. What This Means for Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates don’t directly follow the Fed funds rate, but they are heavily influenced by: • Inflation trends • Market expectations • Investor behavior R...

We want to take a moment to say thank you. Our grand opening at our new Oklahoma Mortgage Group / Waterstone Mortgage Tulsa building was such a meaningful milestone for our team, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to celebrate with us. There was something special about opening our doors and welcoming in the clients, real estate partners, and friends who have supported us throughout the years. This new space represents so much more than a new location — it reflects growth, hard work, and the relationships that have made it all possible. We don’t take that lightly. Being able to build and grow here in Tulsa, serve families through the home buying process, and partner with so many incredible people in this community is something we are truly thankful for. We feel incredibly blessed to be in this position and excited for what’s ahead. As a Tulsa mortgage lender, our goal has always been to serve well, build lasting relationships, and continue improving in everythi...

  Many Oklahoma Veterans Are Missing This Opportunity VA home loans are one of the most powerful tools available for homebuyers—but many veterans in Tulsa and across Oklahoma don’t fully understand how they work or if they qualify. A recent survey revealed a major gap in awareness: Over 50% of veterans have at least one misconception about VA loans 30% aren’t even sure if they’re eligible Many still believe VA loans require a down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI)—which they don’t This lack of clarity is causing many qualified buyers to miss out on homeownership opportunities. What Makes VA Loans So Powerful? VA loans were designed to help military members, veterans, and eligible spouses purchase homes with more favorable terms than traditional financing. Here’s what sets them apart: 100% Financing – No down payment required No PMI – Lower monthly payments compared to conventional loans Competitive Interest Rates – Often better than traditional loa...

When it comes to building wealth, many people immediately think of the stock market. But the data tells a different story.  H omeownership remains one of the most powerful financial tools available . In fact, the average homeowner’s net worth is 44 times higher than that of a renter. Why? Because real estate combines appreciation, equity, and leverage in a way few other investments can. 1. Home Equity Drives Wealth On average, about two-thirds of a homeowner’s net worth comes from home equity . Every mortgage payment builds ownership, and over time, that equity becomes a significant financial asset. 2. The Power of Leverage One of the biggest advantages of real estate is leverage—being able to control a large asset with a smaller investment. Let’s break it down: $40,000 invested in stocks at a 10% return = $4,000 gain $40,000 used as a 10% down payment on a $400,000 home If that home appreciates just 3% = $12,000 gain That’s a 30% return on your original investmen...