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09/03/2026

September in Cleveland is basically a warning shot.

Football is back. The days are getting shorter. And whether we want to admit it or not, winter isn’t that far behind.

If you own a home, this is a good month to handle a few small things before they become expensive winter problems.

Check the weatherstripping. Clean the gutters. Take a look at the chimney and attic. Make sure water is draining where it should.

But I’d also use September for a quick financial checkup.

What did heating the house cost last winter? Is your emergency fund where you want it? Has credit card utilization crept up? And if moving might be on the radar next year, what would you want your next house to do differently?

Nothing complicated. Just a little maintenance for the house and the finances behind it.

Because in Northeast Ohio, it’s much easier to clean the gutters in September than when it’s 34 degrees, raining sideways, and you’re questioning all of your life choices.

Swipe through the September Home & Money Checklist and save it for later.

08/02/2026

August in Cleveland. The days are warm, but summer is starting to wind down. School is around the corner, Buckeye games are getting close, and everyone is trying to squeeze in one more family cookout before it will be time for pumpkin spice.

It's also a smart time for homeowners to check in on a few things around the house.

A little maintenance now can save a lot of headaches before the weather changes. Future you will be glad you did when that first 50-degree morning sneaks up on Northeast Ohio.

07/03/2026

July in Cleveland is one of the best times of the year. ☀️

We're grilling out, going to Guardians games, spending time on patios, and trying to squeeze every bit out of our short Northeast Ohio summer.

It's also a good halfway point to do a quick check on your house and finances.

Check out this list of a few small things that will save you money and headaches later.

What project is on your July to-do list?🏡

03/22/2026

Buying a condo with financing just changed.

If you’re working with condo buyers, Freddie Mac just made updates to guidelines that can make or break a deal:

👉 1. HOA Insurance Matters More Than Ever

If the HOA cut corners on insurance to save money? That unit may not be financeable.

👉 2. Reserves & Budget Health Are Under the Microscope

It’s not just “does the HOA have reserves?” anymore.

Now it’s:
• Increased minimum reserves of 15% of budget (instead of 10%)
• Is the building planning ahead for repairs?
• Are there signs of deferred maintenance or future assessments?

Low reserves = higher risk = potential loan issues.

💡 What this means for you and your buyers:

✔️ Limited Review process being eliminated (full review or waiver only)
✔️ Plan closing dates with enough time to process full condo approval
✔️ Not all condos are created equal
✔️ A “great deal” could fall apart during condo review
✔️ Strong HOAs = smoother closings

🏁 Pro Tip:
Before you fall in love with a condo, have your lender review the HOA early.

It can save you weeks of frustration - and keep your deal on track.

Fortunately, we offer many non-warrantable condo loan options that banks do not offer.

Even if the condo doesn't meet Freddie Mac or Conventional loan guidelines for a warrantable condo, we can still get your deal closed!

If you want, I can help you pre-screen a condo before you write the offer 👍

03/01/2026

March is for catching the small issues winter quietly left behind.

Before spring storms and warmer temps arrive, work your way down this checklist.

✔️ Replace HVAC filter
✔️ Test your sump pump
✔️ Check for winter wear on siding, trim, and paint
✔️ Clear gutters + confirm downspouts drain properly
✔️ Inspect window screens
✔️ Look for cracks in driveways + walkways
✔️ Check attic for moisture or musty smells
✔️ Confirm outdoor spigots aren’t leaking
✔️ Tighten loose handles, hinges, and latches
✔️ Clean out one “junk zone”

Small fixes now help avoid big repairs later.

02/28/2026

If you're downsizing and asking yourself, "sell first or buy first", here's the TWO HOME Risk Test we use so you don't get stuck with two homes or nowhere to live.

There isn't just one right answer. The "right" order depends on your answers to these 5 easy questions.

If you need your equity to qualify, buying first often creates pressure and rushed decisions.

If you don't need your equity to qualify, buying first can work, but only if you can carry the overlap without resentment.

Downsizing isn't just a sale; it's a handoff to give you the lifestyle you want.

The best rightsizing plan is one that protects your timeline AND your nervous system!

02/04/2026

Doctor Loans - The perfect RX for Homebuyers.

I recently helped a young surgeon in California burdened by student loans and a small down payment break into the housing market with our specialized medical professional loans!

This isn't some rare exception. This is what Physician Loans are designed to do.

Here are the basics:
- Up to $2 million purchase price with 100% financing
- No private mortgage insurance (saves you hundreds monthly)
- Deferred student loans don't count against you
- Employment contracts count as income verification
- Generous qualifying guidelines
- Not just for first time homebuyers
- Available to MDs, DOs, DDSs, DVMs, and many other licensed medical professionals

I've watched too many doctors put their lives on hold because they think traditional lending rules apply to them.

They don't.

We can help nationwide, so give me a call to learn more about our exciting Doctor Loan Program.

David Goldberg Mortgage Team
Physician Lending Specialist
Based in Beachwood, Ohio; Lending Nationwide
NMLS 728872

02/03/2026

February is for quick wins that prevent bigger headaches later.

Work top to bottom and check these off your list.

01/13/2026

Does just thinking about a down payment give you a headache? 🤔

I promise there's light at the end of this home-buying tunnel for you, especially if you're a first-time home buyer in Northeast Ohio.

In 2026, Cleveland area homebuyers might qualify for our incredible down payment assistance programs designed to ease your expenses.

From options covering FHA, VA, and Conventional loans, including those with liberal credit score and income limits—I've got you covered.

Curious if you meet the requirements to buy without a huge down payment?

Get in touch with the David Goldberg Mortgage Team, and together, we will uncover the path leading you straight to affordable home ownership and peace of mind.

Let's find out which program is perfect for you!

11/27/2025

Just closed a deal yesterday that proves you don't need a pile of cash to buy your first home.

My clients? First-time buyers who thought homeownership was years away.

Their situation:
- Good income
- Decent credit
- Zero saved for down payment

Most lenders would've said "come back when you have $10k."

Not me.

Here's what we made happen:

First, we found a down payment assistance program they actually qualified for. Not the watered-down version. The real deal.

Second, we negotiated seller concessions to cover closing costs. Every penny paid by the seller.

Third - and this is where it gets good - we structured the deal to include an enhanced home warranty. That's peace of mind for the first two years when every repair feels like a major crisis.

Fourth - we were able to refund their credit card for the appraisal fee they had already paid.

But here's the kicker: We also secured a principal reduction.

That means they started with instant equity. Day one.

Total out of pocket for my client? Zero dollars.

They went from "maybe in five years" to "here are your keys" in 45 days.

This isn't magic. It's knowing which programs exist, which ones actually work, and how to stack them.

Most buyers don't know these options exist because most loan officers don't dig deep enough to find them.

The market's tough. But if you're sitting on the sidelines because you think you need 20% down...heck, even 3%....

You might be wrong.

The question is: Are you working with someone who knows how to find these opportunities?

Or someone who just knows how to fill out applications?

If you're tired of hearing "no" or "not yet," let's talk.

I'll tell you what's actually possible.

Address

6751 Engle Road
Cleveland, OH
44130

Website

https://goldbergmortgage.com/

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