Weekly Mortgage News Update


What Homebuyers Should Know Right Now
 
Tax

Week of Feb 20th, 2026

TAX SEASON STRATEGY FOR SELF-EMPLOYED BUYERS
How to Qualify for a Mortgage Without Losing Purchasing Power

Tax season can feel complicated when you are self-employed, a freelancer, or earning 1099 income. Unlike W-2 employees, your tax deductions directly impact how lenders calculate your qualifying income. Many business owners focus on reducing their tax bill without realizing that large write-offs may also reduce how much home they can qualify to purchase.
Understanding this balance before you file your taxes can make a major difference in your homebuying journey.

Understanding the Self-Employment Income Challenge

When applying for a mortgage, lenders typically average two years of tax returns to determine qualifying income. While deductions help lower taxable income, they can also lower your borrowing power. In some cases, saving money on taxes today could unintentionally reduce your ability to qualify for a home tomorrow.
Smart Timing Strategies for Buyers

Before Filing Taxes
If you plan to purchase a home within the next 12 to 18 months, it is important to plan ahead before submitting your tax return. Speaking with both your CPA and your mortgage advisor can help you find the right balance between tax savings and maintaining strong qualifying income.

After Filing Taxes
If you already filed and your reported income decreased significantly, you may still have options. Certain loan programs, such as bank statement loans, allow qualification based on business deposits instead of tax returns. These programs may require stronger reserves or a larger down payment but can help keep your homeownership plans moving forward.

Mid-Year Planning
If you are currently shopping for a home, reviewing your tax transcripts early helps determine your real qualifying income. This allows you to decide whether it makes sense to buy now or strengthen your financial profile for the next tax cycle.

Documents You May Be Asked to Provide
To properly evaluate self-employed income, your mortgage advisor may request:

• Two years of personal and business tax returns
• Year-to-date Profit and Loss statement and balance sheet
• Business bank statements when needed
• CPA letter or business verification if applicable

Why Planning Ahead Matters
When you understand how tax strategies affect mortgage approval, you avoid last-minute surprises and move through the loan process with more confidence. Strategic planning allows you to protect your purchasing power while still making smart financial decisions for your business.

If you are self-employed and thinking about buying a home, reviewing your income strategy before tax season ends can help position you for success. Visit our Non QM section by following this Link
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Week of Jan 23rd, 2026

This Week in South Florida Mortgage News: What Buyers and Homeowners Should Know

The South Florida housing market continues to move at its own pace. While national headlines talk about uncertainty, local buyers and homeowners are navigating a market that is becoming more strategic and opportunity-driven.
Mortgage Rates: Small Changes, Real Impact Locally
Mortgage rates have been moving within a narrow range, with slight daily fluctuations tied to the bond market. Even so, rates remain lower than what many South Florida buyers saw over the last two years. In a market where home prices are higher than the national average, even a small rate improvement can make a noticeable difference in monthly payments.
For buyers in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, locking the right structure matters just as much as locking the rate.
Affordability in South Florida: Still Challenging, but Improving
Home prices across South Florida remain competitive, especially for single-family homes and well-located condos. However, affordability has improved compared to last year thanks to lower rates and expanded access to low down payment and down payment assistance programs.
Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that owning may now be comparable to renting, particularly as rents continue to stay elevated across Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Coral Springs, and surrounding areas.
Inventory and Negotiation: More Flexibility Than Before
Inventory remains limited, but the market has softened enough to allow for more negotiation. Sellers are increasingly open to contributing toward closing costs or interest rate buydowns, especially for homes that have been on the market longer than average.
In South Florida, these concessions can be a powerful tool to reduce monthly payments without needing a large price reduction.
Equity and Refinancing: A Growing Conversation Locally
Many South Florida homeowners who purchased or refinanced in recent years are sitting on significant equity. While rate-and-term refinances are less common, equity-based solutions such as home equity loans and HELOCs are gaining attention.
Homeowners are using equity to renovate, consolidate high-interest debt, or invest in small businesses and additional properties, all common strategies in our local market.
The Bottom Line
South Florida is no longer in a rapid-fire seller’s market, but it’s far from stalled. This is a market where preparation, local knowledge, and the right loan strategy create real advantages. Buyers and homeowners who understand their options are moving forward with confidence.
Let’s Talk
If you’re buying, refinancing, or exploring how to use your home equity in South Florida, I’m here to help you find the right loan for the right home.
Visit www.loansbymonica.com to explore your options or reach out directly for personalized guidance.
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Week of Jan 9th, 2026

The mortgage market has been doing its favorite thing lately: shifting just enough to keep everyone guessing. Rates have eased compared to recent highs, giving buyers and homeowners a small but meaningful window of opportunity. Nothing dramatic, nothing magical just the kind of movement that rewards people who are paying attention and asking the right questions.
Here’s the big picture. Mortgage rates remain sensitive to inflation data and Federal Reserve signals, but the wild swings of the past couple of years have calmed down. That stability matters. It allows buyers to plan instead of panic and gives homeowners a chance to explore refinancing, home equity loans, or strategic moves without feeling rushed by tomorrow’s headline.
Inventory is still tight in many Florida markets, but motivated sellers are becoming more flexible. That combination slightly lower rates plus more realistic pricing means buyers who are properly prepared have more leverage than they did even a few months ago. Preparation is the quiet superpower in real estate.
For homeowners, this is also a moment worth revisiting your numbers. Many people assume refinancing no longer makes sense, but that’s not always true. Rate-and-term refinances, debt consolidation, or tapping equity for renovations can still be smart moves depending on your goals. Mortgages are not one-size-fits-all financial products; they’re tools, and tools work best when chosen carefully.
The takeaway for this week is simple: don’t rely on headlines alone. Mortgage news is useful, but personal strategy is what actually saves money and opens doors. A half-percent change in rate means very different things depending on credit, income structure, property type, and long-term plans.
If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just want clarity on where you stand, now is a great time to get a personalized review. Visit www.loansbymonica.com to explore your options, run scenarios, or schedule a conversation. The goal isn’t to chase the market it’s to make the market work for you.