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Boomerang Hires at Waterstone Mortgage – Why LOs Are Coming Back

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On last week's all-company call, we recognized 7 Loan Officers, including 3 former President’s Club producers, who left Waterstone Mortgage but returned in the last quarter. This trend has become so common that we now have a name for it: Boomerang Hires. Why did they come back? The answer was unanimous: Waterstone Mortgage is simply the best place to grow your business. Although I’m not a Boomerang Hire, I took a deep dive into other companies, and the reality is—the grass isn’t greener elsewhere. The resources, support, and culture at Waterstone—especially within Oklahoma Mortgage Group (OMG)—are unmatched. That’s why OMG is the top mortgage branch in Tulsa and one of the most recognizable and respected mortgage teams in the area. We’re looking to add at least two more experienced LOs in 2025. Here’s what sets OMG at Waterstone Mortgage apart: 1. Top-Tier Sales Support – A dedicated local front and back-end team so you can focus on relationships and referrals, not paperwork. 2. Ma...

Oklahoma Mortgage Group Named Top Mortgage Lender 2024

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I am h onored to be recognized among the top 1% of mortgage originators in America for 2024. Thank you to my amazing clients and partners for trusting me and the best mortgage team in Tulsa PERIOD!! Mike David Oklahoma Mortgage Group 918-361-1550 Mike@OMGHomeLoans.com www.OklahomaMortgageGroup.com

Mike's Mortgage Market Update Week of January 27th, 2025

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Best Tulsa Suburbs for Families 2025

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Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers a variety of neighborhoods and suburbs to suit families of all sizes and needs. From top-rated schools to family-friendly amenities, the Tulsa metro area is full of great places to call home. Let’s explore some of the best neighborhoods and cities to help you find the perfect fit. 1. Jenks Schools : Jenks Public Schools are among the best in the state, known for their academic excellence and extracurricular programs. Amenities : The new outlet mall offers premier shopping, and the revitalized downtown area is bustling with nightlife, bars, and restaurants, including a new steakhouse. The Oklahoma Aquarium is another family favorite. Restaurants/Groceries : Enjoy local favorites like Andolini’s Pizzeria and dine riverside at Los Cabos. Grocery options include Sprouts and Reasor’s. Pros : Safe, walkable, highly rated schools, growing nightlife scene. Cons : Growing popularity means higher home prices. 2. Bixby Schools : Bixby Public Schools are highly rated, with ...

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....

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 ...

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...