Happy Finance Friday! In this South Florida Mortgage Report (Oct 3, 2025), Craig Garcia (President, Capital Partners Mortgage) and co-host Billy dig into a wild week for rates and real estate: a federal government shutdown, softer jobs data, stocks at highs, and why “bad news” can sometimes be “good news” for mortgages. We break down how closings are affected (or not), practical flood-insurance workarounds while NFIP is paused, VA loan processing during a shutdown, and Florida’s headline-grabbing property-tax proposal—what it is, what it isn’t, and how it could impact buyers, owners, and local services. Plus: an appraisal curveball on a no-income-verification deal, and advice for agents on keeping fragile deals together right now.

What we cover:

Mortgage rates: Freddie Mac trend vs. real-time relief and the “bad news = good news” dynamic

Government shutdown: what it actually means for closings this week

Flood insurance: private-market options while NFIP is paused (so deals don’t stall)

VA loans: expected processing slowdowns vs. deal-killer myths

Florida property taxes: what a 2026 proposal could mean for homesteads & local budgets

Appraisal discrepancy on a no-income-verification loan: lessons learned

Agent playbook: prioritize keeping current deals together over chasing new ones

Key takeaways:Most purchases can still close with private flood coverage if NFIP isn’t issuing new policiesVA loans may see minor delays, but they’re still closing

Property-tax “elimination” headlines need a careful read—real impacts depend on scope and revenue replacement

In choppy markets, communication and contingency planning save deals

If you found this helpful, follow/subscribe and share with a friend in real estate. Send questions for a future episode and we’ll tackle them on air!

#SouthFloridaMortgageReport #MortgageRates #RealEstate #FloridaRealEstate #FloodInsurance #VALoans #PropertyTaxes #HousingMarket #MortgageTips

Helpful Links

·        📩HousingNewsletter:Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight toyour inbox: ⁠⁠Subscribe here⁠⁠

·        ✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:

o    ⁠⁠Option 1⁠⁠

o    ⁠⁠Option 2⁠⁠

It’s Aloha Friday and the gents are back form the closing table with a full breakdown of this week’s mortgage headlines and market insights. In this episode, Craig and Billy dive into the latest Freddie Mac rate survey, explaining why mortgage rates can move opposite of Federal Reserve decisions and what that means for buyers heading into Q4.They also unpack a major change in lending guidelines: Freddie Mac now allows up to 95% financing on owner-occupied four-unit properties — aligning with Fannie Mae’s existing policy. Craig explains how this shift opens new doors for buyers looking to “house hack” their way into real estate by living in one unit and renting out the others.Plus, the conversation explores new conforming loan limits (up to $819,000 for 1-unit homes) and what that means for affordability and strategy — especially in competitive markets like South Florida. The duo closes with a practical discussion on whether buyers should wait for lower rates or take advantage of today’s inventory, negotiating power, and potential seller concessions.Whether you’re a first-time buyer, investor, or simply mortgage-curious, this episode is packed with real-world insight, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way.

Helpful Links

• 📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠Subscribe here⁠

• ✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:

  • ⁠Option 1⁠

  • ⁠Option 2⁠

Mortgage rates dipped below 6.5% in the latest Freddie Mac survey, but what does the Fed’s recent rate cut really mean for homebuyers and homeowners? In this episode of the South Florida Mortgage Report, Craig Garcia and Billy May break down the Fed meeting, why mortgage rates didn’t improve as much as many expected, and what to watch for in upcoming economic data.

We also cover specialty loan programs that could be game changers in today’s market:

• FHA 203(k) & Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation Loans – buy a home and finance the repairs or upgrades in one mortgage.

• Hometown Heroes Program – still funded with millions available, offering down payment help for eligible professions.

Plus, insights on how buyers can negotiate seller concessions to permanently buy down their interest rate and create today’s opportunities instead of waiting for tomorrow’s market shifts.

🎙️ Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a homeowner thinking about refinancing, or a Realtor looking for solutions for your clients—this episode is packed with practical strategies.

• 📩 Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: Subscribe here

• ✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started anytime:

  • Option 1

  • Option 2

Helpful Links

In this episode of The South Florida Mortgage Report, Craig Garcia of Capital Partners Mortgage Services breaks down what to expect from this week’s FOMC meeting, why mortgage rates don’t simply follow Fed cuts, and how buyers can use seller concessions to lock in rates in the low 5% range today. Whether you’re an agent, buyer, or homeowner, you’ll gain clear insights into market trends and actionable strategies to make this market work for you.

Helpful Links:

• 📰 Subscribe to the Housing Newsletter

• ✅ Pre-Approvals 24/7: Option 1 | Option 2

In this episode of The South Florida Mortgage Report, host Craig Garcia of Capital Partners Mortgage Services goes solo to break down the latest in the mortgage world.

Craig starts with an update on Freddie Mac’s Mortgage Rates Survey, explaining how the bond market – not just the Fed – drives changes, and why now may be a favorable moment for buyers and refinancers. He then dives into the newly signed Trigger Lead Bill, clarifying what “trigger leads” are, how they’ve affected borrowers with unwanted solicitation calls, and what protections the upcoming law (effective March 2026) will provide. Craig also shares a practical tip for homeowners and buyers who want to protect themselves now through optoutprescreen.com.

Finally, he recounts a recent client story that highlights the importance of tenacity, resourcefulness, and credit know-how. What started as a discouraging denial by a builder turned into a successful home purchase — and a lesson in persistence for both clients and loan officers.

Whether you’re a homebuyer, seller, or just keeping an eye on the market, this episode delivers valuable insights on rates, consumer protections, and real-world mortgage problem-solving.

**Helpful Links:**• Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: [Subscribe here](https://housingnewsletters.com/craiggarcia)• Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started with mortgage pre-approvals anytime—whichever link works best for you:o [Option 1](https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/homehub/signup/[email protected]?from_mobile_share=true)o [Option 2](https://loancenter.cp-mtg.com/dr/c/w2o7v)

South Florida Mortgage Report – Rates, Housing Data & Condo Insights

Bill Mei and Craig Garcia kick off the long weekend with a mix of Dolphins football banter and an in-depth look at the latest trends in mortgages and housing.

This week’s episode covers:

• Mortgage rates trending downward toward the mid-6% range and what’s driving the shift.

• The Florida Hometown Heroes Program update—why funds may run out faster than expected and how borrowers can still take advantage.

• The latest FHFA and Case-Shiller reports, showing home prices are still rising but at the slowest pace since 2012.

• A behind-the-scenes story on navigating non-warrantable condos—and how Capital Partners Mortgage helped close a deal that others said couldn’t be done.

• Builder incentives, buyer negotiating power, and what agents should know as we head into the fall market.

Plus, Craig and Bill share their take on seasonality in South Florida real estate and why September could bring fresh momentum.

👉 Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate agent, this episode is packed with timely insights to help you navigate today’s market.

Helpful Links:

• Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: ⁠Subscribe here⁠

• Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started with mortgage pre-approvals anytime—whichever link works best for you:

o ⁠Option 1⁠

o ⁠Option 2

In today’s South Florida Mortgage Report, Craig Garcia and Bill Mei dive into the highlights from Jackson Hole, including Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s “friendly address” and its implications for the future of interest rates. The episode also covers Bill Pulte going after Fed member Lisa Cook on the topic of mortgage fraud, adding some fiery commentary to the mix.

Plus, Craig shares his recent feature in a national magazine on HFA loans—check it out here.

Whether you’re a Realtor, homebuyer, or seller, this episode offers critical insights on market trends, Fed policy, and real-world mortgage strategies you can put to work today.

Helpful Links:
• Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: Subscribe here
• Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started with mortgage pre-approvals anytime—whichever link works best for you:
o Option 1
o Option 2

In this week’s South Florida Mortgage Report, Craig Garcia and Bill Mei unpack the latest inflation report and its ripple effects on mortgage rates. They also break down recent commentary from Treasury Secretary Bessent and what it could mean for housing and finance professionals. Rounding out the discussion, Bill and Craig share smart strategies on how to buy your new home before you sell your current one—a must-know for buyers navigating today’s competitive market.

Whether you’re a Realtor advising clients, a homebuyer planning your next move, or a seller looking to maximize your options, this episode delivers timely insights and practical takeaways you can use right now.

Helpful Links:
• Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: Subscribe here
• Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started with mortgage pre-approvals anytime—whichever link works best for you:
o Option 1
o Option 2

Join Craig Garcia and Bill Mei on this week’s South Florida Mortgage Report, featuring a special spotlight on Carlos Gonzalez of Atlantic Building Inspections. They break down the latest mortgage rate trends, share essential insights for real estate professionals and clients, and explain how a trusted home inspection partner can elevate your deals with confidence. Whether you're prepping a property for sale, advising buyers, or tightening contingency clauses—knowing the ins and outs of home inspections can make all the difference.

If you're a Realtor, buyer, or seller in the South Florida market, this episode delivers actionable strategies, unexpected takeaways, and a trusted industry connection you won't want to miss.

Helpful Links:
• Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: Subscribe here
• Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started with mortgage pre-approvals anytime—whichever link works best for you:
o Option 1
o Option 2

Florida Hometown Heroes Program returns! Plus the future direction of interest rates and The FED, the recent jobs report, and more!
Helpful Links:
• Housing Newsletter: Stay informed with curated mortgage and housing insights delivered straight to your inbox: Subscribe here
• Pre-Approvals 24/7: Get started with mortgage pre-approvals anytime—whichever link works best for you:
o Option 1
o Option 2