In this episode of the *South Florida Mortgage Report*, Billy Mei and Craig A. Garcia break down what actually happened with rates last year, what the big forecasters are projecting for the end of 2026 (Fannie Mae, MBA, NAR, NAHB, Wells Fargo), and why “predictions” should always be treated as directionally useful—not exact.They also dig into two major headlines that could influence the mortgage market:* The push to limit institutional investors buying homes* The announcement around Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac potentially purchasing up to $200B in mortgage-backed securities—and what that could mean for mortgage spreads, volatility, and the refinance outlookYou’ll also hear why mortgage rates don’t simply follow the Fed, what a Fed Chair transition could mean (and what it *won’t* mean), and practical takeaways for buyers, sellers, and agents navigating a more stable—but still headline-driven—rate environment.And yes… we close out with the full “Calculation Man” track. 🎶**Chapters (suggested)**0:00 Intro + New Year kickoff2:30 2025 rate recap (6.91% → 6.15%)5:10 2026 predictions: who’s forecasting what9:30 Why forecasts are usually off12:30 New Fed Chair talk + why aggressive cuts could backfire18:10 Negotiation market: “make the market before it makes you”22:30 Institutional investor homebuying headlines27:00 $200B MBS purchase talk: spreads, impact, volatility33:00 Jobs report and rate reaction38:00 Wrap-up + “Calculation Man”**Subscribe for weekly market updates** on rates, inflation, jobs reports, and what actually moves mortgage pricing.📍South Florida focus — national relevance.#MortgageRates #HousingMarket #RealEstate #Fed #FannieMae #FreddieMac #MBS #Refinance #HomeBuying #SouthFloridaRealEstate🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA MORTGAGE REPORT 🔁 YouTube playlist (all episodes): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCOa_zSrotiecbiomGKhTzASCBToYQUea 📱 Subscribe & follow on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/south-florida-mortgage-report/id1834181574 • Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxG2PzPd3W9pJFqQnLAPS?si=5a667fbd60a44ce9 📌 HELPFUL LINKS📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://housingnewsletters.com/craiggarcia ✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime: ⁠Option 1⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/rhx8h ⁠Option 2⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7v

Mortgage rates are trending down (hello, low 6’s), and in this holiday “season of giving,” we’re talking about one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—ways families can help each other buy a home: a Gift of Equity.In this episode of The South Florida Mortgage Report, Billy “Hat Dude” (the hat-wearing mortgage guy) and Capital Partners Mortgage President Craig A. Garcia break down:What CPI (Consumer Price Index) means and why a “good” CPI report can help mortgage ratesThe Gift of Equity concept in plain English (when a family member sells a home below market value and “gifts” part of the equity)Why these deals often go sideways when the contract isn’t structured correctly—and how to avoid the most common mistakesHow buyers can potentially come to closing with little to no money out of pocket, sometimes with low LTV and no mortgage insurance (if the numbers support it)Who can (and can’t) use gift of equity—typically family members under standard lending rulesPlus, Craig shares a teaser: possible upcoming condo insurance flexibility expected from Fannie Mae in January—music to the ears of anyone financing condos in South Florida.✅ Like • Subscribe • Share — and enjoy the debut of our theme music: “Calculation Man.”📍 See you at the closing table.#MortgageRates #GiftOfEquity #FHALoan #VALoan #ConventionalLoan #HomeBuying #SouthFloridaRealEstate #CondoFinancing #HELOC #BankStatementLoan #CapitalPartnersMortgage

In this episode of South Florida Mortgage Report, host Bill Mei sits down with Craig A. Garcia, President of Capital Partners Mortgage, for a timely and insightful discussion on the latest developments shaping the housing and mortgage markets.🏦 Topics Covered in This Episode:Mortgage Rates UpdateWhat the latest Freddie Mac survey shows, why rates moved this week, and what “low to mid-6%” really means for today’s buyers.Federal Reserve Rate Cut ExplainedThe Fed’s quarter-point rate cut, why what Jerome Powell said mattered more than the cut itself, and how “hawkish vs. dovish” language impacts mortgage rates.Bond Market & Future Rate ExpectationsWhy markets react to expectations, not headlines—and what data (jobs vs. inflation) will matter most going forward.Florida Property Tax Relief UpdateProgress in the Florida House, upcoming votes, ballot implications, and Governor DeSantis’ proposed budget addressing potential impacts on rural communities.FHA Loan Limit Increase for 2024New FHA loan limits in South Florida (up to ~$667,000), how FHA differs from conventional loans, and why FHA can be a smart choice—even for borrowers who qualify for conventional financing.Buyer Strategies in Today’s MarketUsing seller concessions, rate buydowns, FHA advantages, and why buyers may still land rates in the 5s with the right structure.🏡 Whether you’re a homebuyer, homeowner, real estate professional, or just trying to understand where the market is heading, this episode breaks it down in plain English with real-world insights.🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA MORTGAGE REPORT🔁 YouTube playlist (all episodes): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCOa_zSrotiecbiomGKhTzASCBToYQUea📱 Subscribe & follow on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/south-florida-mortgage-report/id1834181574• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxG2PzPd3W9pJFqQnLAPS?si=5a667fbd60a44ce9---📌 HELPFUL LINKS📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://housingnewsletters.com/craiggarcia✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:⁠Option 1⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/rhx8h⁠Option 2⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7vWe’ll see you at the closing table.

Billy Mei (“The Hat Dude”) and Craig A. Garcia, President of Capital Partners Mortgage, break down this week’s hottest topics in real estate, mortgages, and South Florida housing.In today’s episode, we cover three big stories shaping the market right now:________________________________________🔹 1. Mortgage Rate Update — Are We Heading Toward 6%?Freddie Mac’s latest survey shows rates dipping to around 6.19%, and market confidence is growing around a potential Fed rate cut.We discuss:• Why rates are trending downward• What buyers should expect this holiday season• How Fed leadership changes may influence 2025 mortgage markets________________________________________🔹 2. Climate Change, Real Estate Data & the Zillow vs. Redfin DebateZillow recently removed certain climate-risk data from their listings… Redfin doubled down and kept theirs.We explore:• Why climate-risk scoring is so controversial• Which data actually matters for homebuyers (like flood zone + insurance impact)• Why Florida buyers ask about this more than ever• How national climate reporting may affect property values and consumer perception________________________________________🔹 3. Condominium Lending Hack: Buy With Just 10% Down (Even Without Budgeted Reserves!)Our Hats Off segment highlights a first-time buyer success story where a condo lacked reserve budgeting—normally a deal-killer.But not with us.We break down:• How Fannie Mae allows a 75/15 structure (1st mortgage + outside 2nd)• Why this lets buyers put just 10% down on condos that don’t meet standard reserve requirements• Real-world example: A young couple closing on a beautiful townhome-style condo today• Why boutique lenders like us can close deals that big banks can’t________________________________________🦃 Bonus: Thanksgiving Recap + a Wild Turkey-Frying StoryBilly didn’t burn the house down (win!) and Craig admits the holiday eating season has officially begun.________________________________________📺 Previous Episode ShoutoutIf you missed last week’s episode with State Rep. Chip LaMarca, go watch it!We did a full deep-dive into the truth behind Florida’s proposed property-tax changes.https://youtu.be/gb3YL9T8YaM________________________________________🎙️ About UsCapital Partners Mortgage Services— Your boutique South Florida lender.Local expertise. Creative solutions. Real results.________________________________________👉 Like, Subscribe & ShareIf you’re a Realtor, buyer, or South Florida homeowner, this episode is packed with insights you won’t hear anywhere else.Drop your questions in the comments — we may feature them in next week’s show!

In this episode of the South Florida Mortgage Report, hosts Craig Garcia and Billy Mei sit down with Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca to break down several major issues impacting homeowners, buyers, and the real estate industry in 2025.We dive deep into the conversation around property tax reforms, including the rising momentum behind property tax waivers, questions about potential property tax elimination, and what it would take legislatively for meaningful changes to land on a statewide ballot. Rep. LaMarca also discusses why the government should never be in the business of taking someone’s home over unpaid taxes—and what reforms could protect property owners going forward.The episode also explores:The strengthened condo safety regulations following the Surfside tragedyThe continued strength of Florida's condo market despite rising compliance costsThe My Safe Florida Home program, which now provides grants to help homeowners harden their properties against hurricanesA mortgage market update, including new loan limits for 2026 that open purchase opportunities with smaller down paymentsWhether you're a homeowner, buyer, real estate professional, or simply tracking Florida's evolving housing landscape, this episode is packed with valuable insights.⏱️ Chapters & Timestamps00:00 – Introduction to Property Tax Reform01:48 – Understanding the Property Tax Waiver Debate05:33 – Exploring Property Tax Relief Options09:26 – Categorical Eliminations and Exemptions13:35 – Proposed Reforms and the Legislative Process17:30 – Impact of Property Tax Changes on Local Governments21:42 – Condo Safety Regulations Post-Surfside25:15 – Future of Property Tax Legislation29:37 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts39:24 – Condo Safety and Structural Integrity41:19 – My Safe Florida Home Program43:38 – Personal Insights and Musical Passions46:28 – Career Path Reflections51:00 – Market Update and 2026 Loan Limits🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA MORTGAGE REPORT🔁 YouTube playlist (all episodes): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCOa_zSrotiecbiomGKhTzASCBToYQUea📱 Subscribe & follow on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/south-florida-mortgage-report/id1834181574• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxG2PzPd3W9pJFqQnLAPS?si=5a667fbd60a44ce9📌 HELPFUL LINKSChip LaMarcahttps://www.chiplamarca.com/https://flhouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/details.aspx?MemberId=4722&LegislativeTermId=91https://x.com/ChipLaMarca📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://housingnewsletters.com/craiggarcia✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:⁠Option 1⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/rhx8h⁠Option 2⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7v

This week on The South Florida Mortgage Report, Billy “Hat Dude” Mei and Craig A. Garcia unpack the buzz around mortgage portability — the idea of taking your low-rate mortgage with you to your next home.They break down how mortgages are really funded, why bond investors matter, and why “just letting people keep their 3% rate” isn’t as simple (or harmless) as it sounds. The guys touch on affordability, first-time buyers, institutional investors, and wrap up with a quick look at where rates and the market are heading right now.Perfect for buyers, homeowners, and agents trying to make sense of today’s housing chatter—without the hype.🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA MORTGAGE REPORT🔁 YouTube playlist (all episodes): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCOa_zSrotiecbiomGKhTzASCBToYQUea📱 Subscribe & follow on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/south-florida-mortgage-report/id1834181574• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxG2PzPd3W9pJFqQnLAPS?si=5a667fbd60a44ce9---📌 HELPFUL LINKS📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://housingnewsletters.com/craiggarcia✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:⁠Option 1⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/rhx8h⁠Option 2⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7v

Are you a South Florida real estate agent or investor trying to grow your business and stay out of legal trouble?In this episode of the South Florida Mortgage Report, Billy “Hat Dude” Mei and Capital Partners Mortgage President Craig A. Garcia sit down with Marine Corps veteran and attorney A.J. Yolofsky of Yolofsky Law to talk about how to PROTECT your real estate business the right way.👨‍⚖️ WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE• The biggest legal risks real estate agents face as they “level up” • When being “just a realtor” quietly turns into running a securities offering (raising money for flips, equity shares, etc.) • Why your LLC / P.A. / S-Corp structure only works if you actually use it correctly • How to keep business risks out of your personal name (leases, cars, marketing, etc.) • Why TikTok legal hacks and “just put it in a revocable trust so you own nothing” are dangerous myths • Practical ways newer and growing agents can de-risk their business without breaking the bank • How to build a real advisory “team” (attorney, CPA, wealth, insurance) that helps you scale • The power of disclosure: how written disclosures and “knowing waivers” can protect you when presenting new products or programs This is a must-watch for realtors, team leaders, and small real estate investors who want to treat their work like a real business, not just a side hustle.---👤 ABOUT A.J. YOLOFSKYA.J. Yolofsky is a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Yolofsky Law, an estate planning, asset protection, and business law firm based in downtown Fort Lauderdale. He helps professionals, entrepreneurs, and real estate pros build and protect their businesses and legacies with smart legal structures and strategy.---📄 DOWNLOAD AJ’S HANDOUT FOR REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALSGet AJ’s resource mentioned in the episode here: 👉 https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rYco...---📞 CONNECT WITH YOLOFSKY LAWYolofsky Law, P.A. – Estate Planning, Asset Protection & Business Law 🌐 Website: https://yolofskylaw.com/ 📅 Schedule an intro call: use the “Schedule Intro Call” button on the website 📧 Email: [email protected] 📍 Office: 100 SE 3rd Ave., 10th Floor, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394 📞 Phone: (305) 702-8250 (Reach out to AJ and his team if you’re a realtor, investor, or business owner who needs help structuring, protecting, and growing your business.)---🎧 LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA MORTGAGE REPORT🔁 YouTube playlist (all episodes):    • South Florida Mortgage Report  📱 Subscribe & follow on your favorite platform: • Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5QxG2Pz...

---📌 HELPFUL LINKS📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://housingnewsletters.com/craigg...✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:⁠Option 1⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/rhx8h⁠Option 2⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7v

Welcome back to the South Florida Mortgage Report!In today’s mid-week episode, Craig Garcia (President of Capital Partners Mortgage) and Billy “The Hat Dude” Mei break down two big mortgage headlines making waves:🔹 1. Fannie Mae Drops the 620 Minimum Credit Score — But What Does That Really Mean?There’s been a lot of buzz about Fannie Mae eliminating the long-standing 620 minimum FICO requirement. Craig and Billy unpack:Whether borrowers with sub-620 scores will actually get approvedWhy credit score alone still doesn’t tell the full storyHow down payment, reserves, and credit history play a bigger roleAnd why FHA may still be the better option for many🔹 2. The 50-Year Mortgage — Helpful Innovation or Just a Headline?With affordability challenges dominating the housing market, the idea of a 50-year mortgage is making news. The guys explore:Why 40-year mortgages failed to catch on in the early 2000sHow much payment savings a 50-year term would really offerWhether stretching a loan term actually meaningfully improves affordabilityThis episode is all about separating headline hype from practical reality—and delivering clarity for buyers, sellers, and agents in today’s market.👉 Subscribe for weekly updates on rates, programs, and real estate news:YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify🎙️ New Friday episode coming soon — with a special guest!Helpful Links📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: https://housingnewsletters.com/craiggarcia✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:⁠Option 1⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/rhx8h⁠Option 2⁠ https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7v

In this week’s South Florida Mortgage Report, your “hat dude” Billy Mei and Craig A. Garcia, President of Capital Partners Mortgage, dive into what’s happening right now in the mortgage and real estate world — from rising rates to property tax pitfalls and the truth behind all that “South Florida housing crash” talk online.💡 In this episode:📈 Mortgage rate update — Freddie Mac’s latest survey and what it really means🏛️ The government shutdown’s impact (and what’s actually unaffected)💰 Property taxes: why Zillow’s numbers can be way off and how to check the real bill🏡 Homestead exemption deadlines and portability tips for Florida homeowners💸 Down payment assistance still available — including Hometown Heroes and HomeFront Heroes programs📰 Why “crash headlines” don’t reflect what’s really happening in the South Florida marketCraig and Billy break down the numbers, share real borrower examples, and give you straightforward insights you can use whether you’re buying, selling, or advising clients.👉 Watch now, hit Like, and Subscribe for weekly South Florida mortgage and housing updates!#SouthFloridaMortgageReport #CapitalPartnersMortgage #MortgageRates #RealEstateMarket #SouthFloridaRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #MortgageUpdate #HometownHeroes #PropertyTaxes #HomesteadExemption #floridarealestate https://www.cp-mtg.com

Craig Garcia and Billy Mei wrap up an incredible conversation with South Florida real estate legend Hap Pomerantz — and dive right into what’s happening with mortgage rates this week after the latest Fed meeting.

💡 In this episode:

• Why the Fed doesn’t actually control mortgage rates

• What Jerome Powell said that made rates tick up again

• Why South Florida’s housing market remains strong and steady

🏡 Insight, humor, and a little Halloween spirit — all in one quick Mortgage Report wrap-up!

👉 Watch, like, and subscribe for your weekly South Florida housing and mortgage updates.

#SouthFloridaMortgageReport #MortgageRates #RealEstatePodcast #CapitalPartnersMortgage #SouthFloridaRealEstate #HomeBuying #MortgageUpdate #InterestRates #AlohaFriday #Halloween