Mark A Gelbman, NMLS # 112342

09/23/2026

Realtors, are you ready for UAD 3.6?
Do you know what UAD 3.6 is?

This will be a major shift on how conventional appraisals will be completed and a change in how you interact with the appraiser. Check out NAR's article on what you need to know.
Warning, many lenders have or will be implementing the new process before NOV 1st. Union Home Mortgage goes live on October 1st.

Your professionalism will shine when you start preparing your clients now for the appraisal reporting changes underway—and embrace the important role of accurately documenting your knowledge about the properties you’re selling.

09/22/2026

You don't need a large down payment to build your new home! Contact me today to explore your construction options.

👉Mark Gelbman, Your Mortgage Advisor
NMLS 112342
Union Home Mortgage
Rochester, MI 48307
248.705.8431 📲
[email protected]

09/19/2026

What the Fed Funds Rate affects and does not affect.

What it is: The federal funds rate is the rate banks charge each other for very short loans, usually overnight. The Fed sets a target for it. Think of it as the "base price" of borrowing money in the economy.

Rates that move right away (direct impact)

These rates are tied to the Fed funds rate by a formula or by the way they're set up, so they usually change within days of a Fed decision.

- Prime rate
- Credit card rates
- Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)
- Other variable-rate loans: Some adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), private student loans, and business lines of credit adjust based on short-term benchmark rates that follow the Fed closely.
- Savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs: Banks usually change these fairly quickly, though not always by the full amount. Banks tend to lower savings rates faster than they raise them.

Rates that do not move directly (indirect impact)

These rates are not set by the Fed. They can still be influenced by what people think the Fed will do in the future.

- 30-year and 15-year fixed mortgage rates:
- Long-term Treasury yields: Investors set these by buying and selling, not the Fed.
- Auto loans: These are fixed at signing.
- Federal student loans: Congress sets the formula. Each year's rate is based on a Treasury auction in May and then stays fixed for the life of that loan.

➡️Existing fixed-rate loans: If you already have a fixed rate, a Fed change doesn't touch it.

09/17/2026

In a unanimous vote, the Fed raised its benchmark rate by 0.25% to a target range of 3.75%–4%, citing elevated inflation. The Fed Funds Rate is the overnight borrowing rate for banks and is not the same as mortgage rates. The Fed’s latest projections also showed that 16 of 18 officials expect at least one more quarter-point hike this year; Chair Kevin Warsh did not submit a projection.

09/17/2026

Pending home sales (signed contracts for existing homes) edged up 0.3% from July to August. But sales were down 4.7% from a year ago, with all four U.S. regions seeing year-over-year declines.

Housing starts fell 2.6% from July to August, coming in below expectations. Building permits, a key indicator of future homebuilding, also declined by a similar 2.7%.

09/17/2026

The City of Port Huron's Urban Pioneer+ Down Payment Assistance Program is returning as of September 21, 2026.

Eligible homebuyers may qualify for up to $24,999 in down payment assistance, helping make homeownership more affordable by reducing some of the upfront costs associated with purchasing a home.*

Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds remain available. If you or someone you know is considering a home purchase in Port Huron, now is the time to explore options and prepare for the application period.

*Assistance amounts are determined based on demonstrated need and are not guaranteed. Funding is limited and subject to availability. Additional eligibility requirements apply.

This program is for 1st time buyers and has income caps based on family size.

➡️You will need to be pre-approved before applying for this program. ⬅️
Please reach out with any questions.
👉Mark Gelbman, Your Mortgage Advisor
NMLS 112342
Union Home Mortgage
Rochester, MI 48307
248.705.8431 📲
[email protected]

09/17/2026

Homebuilder confidence fell three points to 32 in September, staying well below the growth mark of 50. Builders noted that elevated mortgage rates, worsening labor shortages, and higher construction costs continue to weigh on the housing market.

09/16/2026

Mandatory appraisal changes - November 2nd! Industry wide.
Are you ready?
Do you know what the changes are? Are your sellers ready?
Reach out with questions...
👉Mark Gelbman, Your Mortgage Advisor
NMLS 112342
Union Home Mortgage
Rochester, MI 48307
248.705.8431 📲
[email protected]

09/15/2026

I am seeing an increase in price drops.

When a listing hits a price-reduction phase, simply dropping the asking price doesn't always bring buyers off the fence. Buyers today are far more sensitive to 1️⃣ interest rates and 2️⃣upfront cash to close than purchase price alone.

I created the **Equity Advantage Strategy** to help agents turn listings with upcoming price adjustments into compelling, multi-option opportunities for buyers.

Instead of negotiating a lower purchase price, we structure the offer slightly above what would be the lower list price and use the difference as a seller concession. Through a detailed Total Cost Analysis breakdown, we present buyers with three powerful options:

Option 1: Upfront Cash Reduction — Concessions are applied to buyer closing costs, drastically reducing the money needed at the closing table.
Option 2: Permanent Rate Buy-Down — Concessions permanently lower the interest rate, creating substantial monthly payment savings compared to standard list price financing.
Option 3: Accelerated Equity Strategy — The monthly savings from Option 2 are applied directly back into the monthly principal payment. This keeps the buyer's payment identical to list price while shaving years off the loan term!

Listing Agents: If you have a listing that you will be reducing its price, send it over! I’ll run a custom property-specific Total Cost Analysis report and co-brand a flyer to help you market the property to prospective buyers.
For Buyer Agents: If your buyers are hesitant about current interest rates, let’s run the numbers before making a low-ball offer. We can show them how to get a lower rate and build equity faster.

Let me know if you have a property in mind, and I’ll send over a sample breakdown so you can see the math in action!

Best regards,

Mark Gelbman | Your Mortgage Advisor
Union Home Mortgage | NMLS #112342
Cell/Text: (248) 705-8431
Email: [email protected]

09/14/2026

🏠 Weekly Equity Advantage Deal | 2042 Decker Rd
Walled Lake, MI 48390

Looking for ways to lower your monthly mortgage payment and/or upfront cash to close? Check out this property scenario!

Properties with recent price adjustments present a unique opportunity. By utilizing a seller concession, we structure your offer to deliver maximum impact where it counts most for you:
1️⃣ maximizes cash savings, or
2️⃣ maximizes monthly savings, or
3️⃣ maximizes equity increase

Don't let market rates hold you back from your dream home. Text or DM me today to see how the math works for you!

Mark Gelbman** | Your Mortgage Advisor
NMLS #112342
Union Home Mortgage
📲 (248) 705-8431
✉️ [email protected]