📅 What's Coming This Week?

Markets reopen tomorrow (Tuesday), and we've got some key data dropping this week that could move rates. Keep an eye on housing starts numbers and jobless claims—both can cause rate swings. We'll keep you posted. 👀

🏠 Need a Loan? Any Property, Any Purpose? We've got lenders ready to compete for your business. Primary residence, vacation home, rental—doesn't matter. Fill out this quick form and we'll connect you with the right lender for your situation.

🏢 Investment Property in Your Sights? January is actually a sneaky-good month for investors. Motivated sellers, less competition, and you can start collecting rent (or Airbnb income) immediately. Connect with investment specialists here who understand cash flow and ROI.

🏖️ Building Your STR Empire in 2026? Smart move. Get connected with lenders who specialize in short-term rental financing and actually understand how to evaluate STR income. Talk to STR loan experts here.

🔑 Rate Lock Secrets Lenders Don't Always Explain

1. Lock Periods Are NOT Free
Most lenders offer 30, 45, or 60-day locks. The longer the lock, the higher the rate (or bigger the cost). According to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau guidelines, a 60-day lock might cost you 0.125% to 0.25% more than a 30-day lock. That's real money. 💵

2. Float-Down Options Are Rare (And Often Gimmicky)
Some lenders advertise "float-down" provisions—if rates drop after you lock, you can get the lower rate. Sounds great! Except these usually come with catches: the rate has to drop by 0.25% or more, you pay a fee, or it only applies once. Read the fine print carefully. 🔍

3. Rate Locks Can Expire (And That's Bad)
If your closing gets delayed past your lock expiration, you're back at the mercy of current market rates. And here's the kicker: lenders can charge extension fees ($200-500 per week) OR re-lock you at current rates. In a rising rate environment, this can cost thousands. ⏰

4. Written Documentation Is EVERYTHING
Verbal rate locks mean absolutely nothing. Get it in writing. Your rate lock agreement should specify: the exact rate, the exact fees, the exact lock period, and what happens if you need an extension. According to Freddie Mac's guidance, this protects both you and the lender. 📄

Pro Strategy: Don't lock immediately when you start shopping. Get pre-approved with a 30-day lock timeline in mind, then watch rates for a few days. When you see a dip or feel confident, THAT'S when you lock. Timing is everything. 🎯

🚀 Level Up Your Investment Game:

📊 Cost Segregation Studies: If you bought a rental property in 2025, you can still do a cost segregation study and amend your 2025 return. This accelerates depreciation and can put five figures back in your pocket. Get a free estimate here.

🛋️ 0% Financing for STR Furnishings: Closing on an Airbnb property? Our partner offers 0% interest financing for furnishings, renovations, and amenities. It's literally free money for 12 months. Set up your property right.

💰 Make Too Much for a Roth IRA? Do This Instead.

Here's a strategy high earners use all the time, but somehow it stays under the radar: the Backdoor Roth IRA conversion. And yes, it's 100% legal. 🎩

The Problem: In 2026, if you make over $165,000 (single) or $246,000 (married filing jointly), you can't contribute directly to a Roth IRA. That tax-free growth? Off limits. Or is it? 🤔

The Backdoor Solution:

Step 1: Contribute $7,000 to a traditional IRA (this has no income limits). Don't take the tax deduction—just let it sit there as non-deductible contributions.

Step 2: Immediately convert that traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Since you didn't take a deduction in Step 1, you owe zero taxes on the conversion. According to IRS guidelines, this is completely above board.

Step 3: Boom. You now have $7,000 in a Roth IRA that will grow tax-free forever. Rinse and repeat annually.

The Catch (There's Always a Catch):
If you already have a traditional IRA with pre-tax money in it, this gets complicated due to the "pro-rata rule." Investopedia explains the IRS treats all your traditional IRAs as one bucket, which creates tax headaches. Solutions: roll existing traditional IRAs into a 401(k), or just accept the pro-rata tax hit if it's still worth it. 🧮

Real Talk: This strategy is most powerful when you're young(ish) and have decades for that money to grow tax-free. A $7,000 contribution at age 35 that grows at 8% annually? That's $109,000 tax-free at age 65. Worth the paperwork. 📈

Action Item: Most online brokers (Fidelity, Vanguard, Schwab) make this super easy with automated conversion tools. Set it up once, repeat every January like clockwork. Future you will thank present you. 🙏

🎯 Ready to Make Your Move?

Whatever your real estate goals, we've got you covered:

• 🏡 General Mortgage Needs:Start your application
• 💼 Investment Properties:Connect with specialists
• 🏖️ STR/Vacation Rentals:Get STR-specific financing
• 💰 Tax Savings via Cost Seg:Free estimate
• 🛋️ 0% Furnishing/Renovations:Apply for funding

The Lending Letter
📬 Delivered daily to your inbox
🚀 Because mortgage rates move fast, and so do we

See you tomorrow (Tuesday) for the latest market moves!

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Rates and terms vary by lender and borrower qualifications. Always consult with a licensed mortgage professional, tax advisor, and financial planner for your specific situation. Investment strategies discussed require careful consideration of your personal financial situation and risk tolerance.