Mike Steren - NMLS #267806

10/16/2026

Last week, we noted some early evidence that rates could be forming a ceiling, but warned that higher-than-expected inflation data this week could quickly undo the improvement. As it happened, inflation wasn’t just higher than expected, it was broad-based, showing up in categories that couldn't simply be explained by higher fuel costs. At first glance, that looked like the end of the road for the rate recovery, but then the paradox kicked in, and rates ultimately moved lower.

Mortgage rates just had their best week since late March, despite inflation reports that normally would have pushed them higher.

10/16/2026

Your car, your health, your home. The important things in life deserve protection. Your home purchase is no different.

NAF Cash Secure, an affiliate of New American Funding, backs your approved Conventional or VA financing so that if anything unexpected comes up between approval and closing, your purchase stays on track.

Smart buyers protect their biggest investment. You've got this.

10/14/2026

The home that seemed slightly outside your purchase price range may not be out of budget anymore. Here's why: Conforming loan limits are climbing.

The single-unit figure is projected to hit $845,000, a bump from the current $832,750—and NAF is already writing loans at the new number, before the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) makes it official in November.

That line is the dividing wall between Conventional and Jumbo financing. Jumbo means tighter qualifying rules, heavier documentation, and frequently a heftier down payment. Conventional means a smoother, more straightforward process.

If a deal stalled just above the old limit, let's revisit it. Message me and we'll run the numbers.

10/12/2026

Your home equity could be a powerful financial tool. 🏡💰
A cash-out refinance allows you to replace your current mortgage with a new, larger loan and receive the difference in cash—giving you funds that may be used for things like consolidating high-interest debt, home improvements, education costs, medical expenses, or other financial goals.
Of course, it’s important to look at the full picture, including your new payment, closing costs, and how much equity you’ll have remaining.
Curious if a cash-out refinance could make sense for your goals? Let’s talk about your options.

10/09/2026

Next week offers a critical opportunity. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Producer Price Index (PPI) will provide fresh evidence on inflation at the consumer and producer levels. Lower-than-expected readings could give the recovery a stronger foundation and ease pressure on the Fed to keep hiking. Higher readings could quickly undo the improvement and put recent highs back in play.

Mortgage rates had their best week in a while, falling to the lowest levels in 2 weeks. Most of the recent increase is still intact, but investors showed m,...

10/09/2026

Big Investments. Smaller Down Payments. New American Funding's 90% LTV Investment Property Loan keeps more cash liquid for the next deal. Invest with less, message me to get started

10/07/2026

What could your rent payments be building for you? 🏠 Instead of paying toward your landlord’s investment, homeownership can give you the opportunity to build your own equity over time. 🔑 NAF is here to help you understand your options and take the next step. 💬 Ready to see what buying could look like for you? Let’s talk!

10/05/2026

With NAF Cash, you can make an all-cash offer while leveraging your VA Loan benefits to stand out in a competitive market.

10/05/2026

The home that seemed slightly outside your purchase price range may not be out of budget anymore. Here's why: Conforming loan limits are climbing. The single-unit figure is projected to hit $845,000, a bump from the current $832,750—and NAF is already writing loans at the new number, before the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) makes it official in November. That line is the dividing wall between Conventional and Jumbo financing. Jumbo means tighter qualifying rules, heavier documentation, and frequently a heftier down payment. Conventional means a smoother, more straightforward process. If a deal stalled just above the old limit, let's revisit it. Message me and we'll run the numbers.

10/02/2026

While it's true that nonfarm payrolls (the monthly job count) have long been the most important part of the jobs report, that began to shift in 2025 due to changes in labor force composition. By early 2026, Fed speakers were warning that markets should focus on the unemployment rate for a clean read. In fact, some research suggests it doesn't take any new job creation to keep the unemployment rate flat these days.

This one is going to frustrate a lot of rate watchers.