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A preliminary mortgage approval is only as good as the company who issues it. Find out why today’s top real estate professionals place their trust in FDM every day to deliver results...Read More

It’s no secret that the key to generational wealth is proper management of your home’s equity. This comes in many different forms, such as refinancing to better your rate and term, OR, unlocking the potential of your home’s equity...Read More

First Time Home Buyers

Let’s Face it! Buying your first home can be challenging and confusing. But know that there is help. There are down payment assistance, loan programs, State/County tax breaks designed around First time Home buyers. Read More

Specialized Lending Solutions [Niche Products]

Sometimes, “off-the-rack” might not fit you. Depending on your specific needs, a specialized mortgage may prove to be the vehicle needed to get you home. Read More

"The WONDER LOAN"

The Link Loan Program was created to help a large percentage of population that have had credit or other challenges that do not fit in Agency Guidelines AND they do not have access to 30 percent or more of purchase price...Read More

Inventory Grows and Prices Stabilize!

August 19, 2025

Inventory and new listings are rising, but the summer market remains sluggish. Sellers are cutting prices, offering closing cost assistance, and providing other buyer incentives, but buyers continue to stay on the sidelines. Active inventory increased 27% giving buyers more options. However, elevated interest rates and affordability concerns restrain buyers. Builders continue to offer incentives that spark demand. Some sellers are delisting hoping to come back in the market when conditions improve for sellers. One thing is evident. The previous “Seller’s Market” running for over 6-years has shifted to a balanced market at the minimum, and in some markets a “Buyer’s Market”. What can sellers expect? More competition, increasing inventory and price sensitivity are giving buyers an advantage. Strategic pricing matters. Listings priced right from the start sell faster. What can buyers expect? More options and a slower market pace offer negotiation opportunities. Mortgage rates remain elevated. Keep an eye on shifts. Mortgage rates are starting to ease.

Endless Summer……Buying a Second Home?

The final days of summer are fast approaching. One way to have an endless summer is by buying a second home. A second home mortgage is a loan taken out to purchase a vacation property or another residence separate from your primary home. Lenders treat these loans differently from mortgages on a main residence, since the risk is higher—borrowers are more likely to prioritize payments on their primary home if financial challenges arise. Because of this added risk, interest rates on second home mortgages are usually slightly higher, and the requirements can be more stringent.

To qualify for a second home mortgage, lenders typically require a strong credit score, a stable income, and a larger down payment—often at least 10–20%. They will also review your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) more closely to ensure you can comfortably afford both mortgage payments, plus taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs for two homes. Some loan programs, like conventional mortgages backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, allow financing for second homes, but government-backed loans such as FHA, VA, or USDA are generally limited to primary residences.

When considering a second home, it’s important to distinguish it from an investment property. A second home is intended for personal use, such as a vacation home or a family retreat. Lenders may restrict how often you can rent it out, whereas investment properties are purchased specifically to generate rental income. The difference matters because investment property mortgages come with even stricter requirements and higher interest rates.