Jake Planton, Home Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS 209327/1647999

10/01/2026

10/01/2026

Higher mortgage rates can make buying feel harder. But when there’s less competition, you may have more room to negotiate seller help. 🏡

Before asking only for a price reduction, consider asking the seller to:

✅ Pay for a permanent rate buydown
✅ Fund a 2-1 buydown for lower payments during the first two years
✅ Help cover your closing costs

For example, a $10,000 price reduction lowers what you pay for the home. A $10,000 seller credit could cover eligible closing costs you’d otherwise pay out of pocket, keeping more cash available for your move.

Neither option is automatically better. It depends on your budget, your payment goals, and how long you expect to keep the loan.

Let’s compare the numbers before you make an offer!

JakePlanton.com | 503-475-3788

Seller credits are subject to program limits, eligible costs and lender approval. Temporary buydown payments increase as the subsidy ends; borrowers must qualify at the full note rate. Educational information only, not a commitment to lend.

09/24/2026

Even with interest rates higher, and going higher than we like, people are still buying homes! Three clear for closings today, including this one that was clear for closing in 4 days!

The thing is, rates are higher than we like, but ALL of these clients are getting most, if not ALL of their closing costs covered by the seller.

That is your opportunity as a buyer right now!

09/23/2026

Thanks Timber Joey! Good for the winter…that’s a lot of wood to move.

09/22/2026

Oregon Property Tax Bills Are Coming! 🏡🍂

It’s that time of year again! Oregon property tax statements will be showing up soon, and the color of your bill gives you a pretty good clue about what you need to do.

🟡 Yellow bill?

If your property taxes are included in your monthly mortgage payment through an escrow account, your mortgage servicer will typically receive the bill and pay it for you. Usually, no action is needed.

🟢 Green bill?

If you pay your property taxes directly and don’t have an escrow account, you’ll receive a green bill. Payment is due November 15th.

Easy way to remember it: Green means GO pay your tax bill! 😊

One other tip: hang onto a copy of your property tax bill for your tax preparer. They can determine whether any
portion is deductible based on your individual tax situation.

And as always, if you’re not sure whether your taxes are being paid through escrow or you have questions about your mortgage account, reach out. I’m always happy to help!

09/22/2026

2026 PROPERTY TAX BILL! -

It’s that time of year again! Oregon property tax statements will be showing up soon, and the color of your bill gives you a pretty good clue about what you need to do.

09/21/2026

Mortgage rates climbed near 7% — what drove the change and what it means for buyers and homeowners. Quick read (2 min) breaking down stronger jobs data, inflation concerns, and energy price impacts. Read more: https://wix.to/FmlWEZ5

If you've been watching mortgage rates over the last few weeks, you've probably noticed they moved up pretty significantly.According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate reached 6.95% last week, up from about 6.65% just four weeks ago.So, what happened?A combination of stronger-th...

09/17/2026

Big changes are coming to home appraisals this fall. 🏡

Starting November 2nd, conventional appraisals will begin moving to a completely redesigned format.

What does that mean if you're buying or selling a home?

Probably not much that you'll actually see. The appraiser will still inspect and evaluate the property, but behind the scenes, the report is getting a major overhaul. It will collect significantly more detailed information about the home and use a more standardized format.

The bigger question is what happens during the transition.

Appraisers will have to learn a brand-new system, and the new reports require a lot more information. That could mean longer appraisal turn times and potentially higher appraisal costs, at least while everyone gets used to it.

We may also see lenders rely more on appraisal alternatives for qualifying properties, such as Property Data Reports.

A couple important things:
👉 This starts November 2, 2026
👉 For now, this applies to conventional loans, not FHA or VA
👉 Your house isn't suddenly being appraised differently.
The biggest change is how the appraisal is documented and analyzed

Nothing to panic about. Just something I'm watching closely, especially as we head into fall.

As always, I'll keep you posted as we learn more. 🏡

09/17/2026

Big changes are coming to home appraisals this fall. 🏡

Starting November 2nd, conventional appraisals will begin moving to a completely redesigned format.

What does that mean if you’re buying or selling a home?

Probably not much that you’ll actually see. The appraiser will still inspect and evaluate the property, but behind the scenes, the report is getting a major overhaul. It will collect significantly more detailed information about the home and use a more standardized format.

The bigger question is what happens during the transition.

Appraisers will have to learn a brand-new system, and the new reports require a lot more information. That could mean longer appraisal turn times and potentially higher appraisal costs, at least while everyone gets used to it.

We may also see lenders rely more on appraisal alternatives for qualifying properties, such as Property Data Reports.

A couple important things:
👉 This starts November 2, 2026
👉 For now, this applies to conventional loans, not FHA or VA
👉 Your house isn’t suddenly being appraised differently.
The biggest change is how the appraisal is documented and analyzed

Nothing to panic about. Just something I’m watching closely, especially as we head into fall.

As always, I’ll keep you posted as we learn more. 🏡