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Month: March 2026

Buying and Selling Process Oakstreet Company News

Online Mortgage Closings Have Finally Arrived – Sign From Anywhere

Here’s a question I’ve been getting for years: “Why can’t I just sign my mortgage closing documents online from home?”

For the longest time, my answer was the same – legal hurdles, regulatory obstacles, state-by-state restrictions. The mortgage industry has been stuck in the past while almost everything else went digital.

Well, here’s the deal: That wait is finally over.

At Oakstreet moving forward, we’re now offering fully online loan closings. No title company office. No scheduling around someone else’s availability. No driving across town during your workday.

How Remote Online Closings Actually Work

Let me break this down because it’s simpler than you might think.

You pick the closing date. When that day arrives, you log in anytime that works for you – morning, afternoon, or evening. One of our online notaries will be available to walk you through the signing process via video. The whole thing typically takes 30-45 minutes.

Here’s what most people don’t realize: You and your co-borrower don’t even need to be in the same place. If your spouse is traveling for work or you’re in different locations, no problem. You can each sign separately at different times during the day.

What You’ll Need

The requirements are straightforward:

  • A computer with a camera and internet access
  • Valid government-issued ID to show the online notary
  • A desire for convenience and savings

That’s it. No printing. No scanning. No driving anywhere.

We Handle the Title Work Too

Here’s another benefit: We manage the entire process for you. No separate title company needed.

And you get a great discounted single fixed price on title insurance and settlement fees. After 25 years in this business, I know how those costs can add up. We’ve streamlined everything to save you money and hassle.

What About Purchase Transactions?

Real talk: For purchase transactions, I still recommend traditional in-person closings in most cases.

Why? When you’re buying a home, especially your first home, sitting down face-to-face with everyone at the closing table provides an extra level of comfort and clarity. You’re making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. Sometimes the old-school approach just makes sense.

But for refinances? Investment properties? Second homes? Online closings are a game-changer.

Still Prefer the Traditional Way?

Not a problem. We fully support traditional in-office, in-person signings too.

This isn’t about forcing everyone online. It’s about giving you options that fit your life and your situation. Some folks want to walk into an office and shake hands. Others want to close in their pajamas at 9 PM. Both are perfectly valid choices.

Bottom Line

The mortgage industry has finally caught up with how people actually want to do business in 2026 and beyond. Online closings offer:

  • Flexibility to sign on your schedule
  • No need to take time off work or arrange childcare
  • Works even when signers are in different locations
  • Discounted title insurance and settlement fees
  • Complete process handled by our team

Mission accomplished on something borrowers have been requesting for years.

If you’re curious about whether an online closing makes sense for your situation, reach out. I’m happy to walk you through the details and answer any questions. No pressure, just straight information from someone who’s been navigating this business since before the internet changed everything.

Roger that?

Let’s talk.

Robert Musseman | NMLS ID# 85152
Oak Street Mortgage | NMLS ID# 1618618
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com

FHA Loans Mortgage Rates Oakstreet Company News VA-Veteran Loans

Lock Your Rate in March, Get Your Appraisal Free—Here’s the Deal

Here’s something I don’t say often: this month, you can save real money right out of the gate.

If you lock your rate with us anytime in March 2026, we’ll reimburse your appraisal cost at closing—up to $600. That applies to Conventional, FHA, and VA loans.

No catch. No fine print buried three pages deep. Just a straightforward credit back to you when you close.

Why This Matters

Let me break this down. The appraisal is one of those upfront costs that catches people off guard. You’re already juggling down payment funds, inspection fees, and maybe some repairs. Then boom—another $500 to $650 for the appraisal.

It’s not optional. The lender needs it. But this month? We’re covering it.

Bottom line: That’s $600 you can put toward something else—moving costs, furniture, or just keeping it in your pocket. After 25 years in this business, I know every dollar counts when you’re buying or refinancing a home.

Who Qualifies?

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Lock your rate in March 2026 (that means between now and March 31st)
  • Most Conventional, FHA, and VA loans qualify
  • You get the reimbursement at closing—we credit it back when the deal closes
  • Up to $600 depending on your actual appraisal cost

Real talk: You need to actually close the loan to get the credit. If you lock and then decide not to move forward, the offer doesn’t apply. Fair enough, right?

Perfect Timing for Veterans

If you’re using your VA loan benefit, this is especially valuable. VA loans already come with zero down payment and competitive rates. Now add a free appraisal? That’s a serious advantage.

I’ve worked with hundreds of veterans over the years, and one thing I hear constantly is appreciation for straightforward benefits. No games. This is exactly that.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer using your benefit or a veteran who’s used it before (yes, you can use it again), this March offer stacks on top of everything the VA loan already gives you.

What You Need to Do

The mission is simple:

1. Connect with us before March 31st. Get pre-approved if you’re buying, or let’s talk through your refi scenario if you’re looking to lower your rate or pull cash out.

2. Lock your rate in March. Once we’ve got your full application and you’re ready, we lock it in. That’s when the appraisal reimbursement gets attached to your loan.

3. Close your loan. We process everything, you get to closing, and that appraisal cost comes back to you as a credit.

That’s it. Three steps.

Why We’re Doing This

Here’s what most people don’t realize: March can be a smart time to lock a rate. We’re past the holiday chaos, spring buying season is just starting to heat up, and inventory is beginning to move.

We want to help you take advantage of this window. And frankly, we want to earn your business by making the process as financially painless as possible.

I’ve been doing this for over 25 years. I’ve seen every gimmick and every legitimate offer. This is the latter—a real benefit that puts money back in your pocket.

Ready to Move Forward?

If you’ve been thinking about buying or refinancing, now’s the time to get the intel you need. Let’s talk through your situation, run the numbers, and get you locked in this month.

You can reach out directly, and we’ll get you pre-approved and on track. Whether you’re in DC, Virginia, Maryland, or beyond—if you’re ready to move, let’s make March count.

Roger that?

Let’s get to work.

Robert Musseman | NMLS# 85152
Oak Street Mortgage | NMLS# 1618618
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com

Borrower Qualifications Buying and Selling Process Loan Programs Low Downpayment Loans

First-Time Homebuyer Loans: Great Deals Hiding in Plain Sight

Here’s what most people don’t realize: you don’t need a massive down payment to buy a home. And in many cases, you don’t even need to be a first-time buyer to access some of the best loan programs available.

After 25+ years in this business, I’ve seen too many qualified buyers sit on the sidelines because they think they need 20% down. That’s just not the case anymore.

Let me break this down.

What Makes First-Time Homebuyer Programs Such a Good Deal?

These programs were designed to help people get into homes, and they do exactly that. Here’s what you’re looking at:

  • Down payments as low as 3% – Yes, you read that right.
  • Competitive interest rates – Often better than conventional loans
  • Grant programs available – In some cases, you can stack grants to reduce your cash needed even further

Bottom line: these programs can be game-changers for qualified buyers in the DC/VA/MD market.

The Income Question Everyone Asks

Here’s the deal: many of these programs have income limits. They’re designed to help folks who need the assistance, so there are caps based on your area’s median income.

In the DC metro area, we’re talking median incomes typically in the $120-150k range. Because this is a high-cost area, those limits are higher than you might expect. If you’re in that range or lower, you may very well qualify.

Real talk: Don’t assume you make too much until you actually check. I’ve had clients surprised to learn they qualified when they thought they wouldn’t.

You Don’t Actually Have to Be a “First-Timer”

This surprises people.

Many programs will qualify you if you simply haven’t owned a home in the last three years. Some programs don’t even require that. The key factors are usually:

  • Meeting the income requirements
  • The property being your primary residence
  • Completing any required homebuyer education (more on that in a second)

So if you owned a place years ago, went through a divorce, relocated for work, or just got back on your feet financially – you might still be eligible.

The Homebuyer Counseling Requirement

Some programs require you to complete homebuyer education or counseling. Before you groan, here’s what that actually looks like:

Most of our customers complete this online, at their own pace. It’s not sitting in a classroom for hours. You’ll learn about the homebuying process, budgeting, and maintaining your home. Honestly, even experienced buyers pick up useful intel.

It’s painless, and it’s required for good reason – we want you to succeed as a homeowner.

The Mortgage Insurance Reality

Let’s address this head-on: if you put down less than 20%, you’ll have mortgage insurance (MI). That’s an additional monthly cost that protects the lender.

Is it ideal? No. But here’s the math that matters: waiting another 2-3 years to save up 20% while paying rent and watching home prices climb often costs you more than the MI would.

Plus, with some loan types, you can remove MI once you hit 20% equity through a combination of paying down the loan and home appreciation.

The Strategy Most People Miss

Here’s something interesting: even if you CAN afford to put 20% down, you might want to explore these programs anyway.

Why? Because if you qualify based on income, you can still use the program, benefit from excellent rates, and avoid mortgage insurance by putting 20% down. You get the best of both worlds.

I’ve had clients with significant savings who qualified for these programs and got better terms than they would have with a conventional loan. It’s worth exploring.

Your Mission: Get the Facts

Every first-time homebuyer program has different rules and requirements. Some are state-specific, some are county-specific, and some are lender-specific.

The key is talking to someone who knows the local market and these programs inside and out. Someone who can run the numbers based on your specific situation and tell you what you actually qualify for.

Here in the DC metro area, we have access to several excellent programs. The strategy is matching the right program to your situation – your income, your savings, your timeline, and your goals.

What You Should Do Next

Don’t make assumptions about what you can or can’t afford. Don’t assume you make too much to qualify. And definitely don’t think you need to wait until you have 20% saved.

Get pre-qualified. Understand your options. Look at the real numbers.

In 25+ years, I’ve helped hundreds of first-time buyers (and second-time buyers using first-time programs) get into homes they thought were out of reach. The programs are there. The question is whether you’re going to use them.

If you’re in the DC, Virginia, or Maryland area and want to explore your options, let’s talk. No pressure, no sales pitch – just straight answers about what programs you might qualify for and what makes sense for your situation.

Roger that?

Robert Musseman, Senior Loan Officer
Oak Street Mortgage
NMLS ID# 85152 | Company NMLS ID# 1618618
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com

Monthly Mortgage Rate Update

MONTHLY RATE UPDATE MARCH 2026

Conventional Rates indicated in the table below are better as last month. VA (Veteran) rates are better. ***NOTE: REFINANCES ARE ABOUT 0.25% lower than rates below for March. Call for quotes** **Free Appraisals (Up to $600) in March for all new loans!** See purchase rates table below for details. Contact Us for more information.

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan*
This Month
(better)		 Last Month APR
5.625% + 1.25 pts 5.875% + 1.25 pts 5.690% APR**

*Lower rates/prices available for First Time Home Buyers or Borrowers that meet income limit requirements. Call for details!

30 Year Fixed Veteran Loan*
(First Time Use)
This Month
(better)		 Last Month APR
5.125% + 1.5 pts 5.30% + 1.5 pts 5.35% APR**
4.875% + 1.5 pts
Disabled Veterans		 Usually best of all loans if you are a qualifying a disabled veteran 4.99% APR**

*Additionally, the VA Charges a Funding Fee for most loans. Call for details.

**Advertised rates are for primary residence purchase loans for well qualified borrowers with credit scores over 740, and over 20% down payment. Prospective borrowers must be able to fully document income per agency guidelines, and meet all other agency requirements for conforming loans. This is not an approval or loan commitment. All borrowers must apply for and be approved for these programs. The Veteran loan pricing reflects 10% or more down. A VA Funding fee of 1.25% applies for Veterans loans with 10% or more down if the veteran is not disabled.

Many Loan Options Available to meet your unique needs
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Buying and Selling Process Mortgage Rates

Will Mortgage Rates Be Lower This Spring? Here’s What the Data Actually Says

I’ve been getting this question a lot lately: “Robert, should I wait until spring to buy? Rates are going to drop, right?”

I get it. After watching rates climb over the past couple years, everyone’s hoping for relief. But here’s the deal: if you’re banking on significantly lower rates this spring, you might want to recalibrate your expectations.

Let me break down what’s actually happening in the market right now.

The Hard Truth About Spring 2025 Rates

Real talk: the factors that drive mortgage rates aren’t lining up for a spring rate drop. In fact, several key indicators are pointing toward stable—or even slightly rising—rates over the next few months.

After 25+ years in this business, I’ve learned to watch the fundamentals, not the wishful thinking. And right now, the fundamentals are telling a different story than what many buyers want to hear.

Four Factors Working Against Lower Rates

1. Budget Deficit Spending

The U.S. government continues to spend well beyond what it takes in. We’re talking about deficit spending that requires massive Treasury bond issuance to fund operations. When the government floods the bond market with supply, it puts upward pressure on yields—and mortgage rates typically follow Treasury yields.

Bottom line: Uncle Sam’s spending habits aren’t helping your mortgage rate.

2. Political Unpredictability

Markets hate uncertainty. With ongoing political volatility and unpredictable policy shifts, investors demand higher yields to compensate for risk. That uncertainty premium gets baked right into mortgage rates.

I’ve seen this play out over decades—when Washington becomes less predictable, Wall Street demands higher returns.

3. Dollar Weakness Concerns

The U.S. dollar has shown recent weakness against other major currencies. When foreign investors see dollar weakness, they become more cautious about U.S. debt investments. To attract those investors, yields have to rise. And again, higher yields mean higher mortgage rates.

It’s all connected.

4. Economic Strength Signals

Here’s what most people don’t realize: good economic news can actually be bad news for mortgage rates. When employment stays strong and consumer spending remains robust, it reduces the urgency for the Federal Reserve to cut rates aggressively.

The economy has shown more resilience than many predicted. That’s great for job security, but it doesn’t create the conditions for dramatically lower mortgage rates.

What About That $200 Billion MBS Purchase Plan?

You might have heard about the proposed $200 billion government purchase of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). On the surface, it sounds promising—more demand for MBS should theoretically lower mortgage rates.

But here’s my take after watching similar programs over the years:

  • It’s still just a proposal. Nothing’s implemented yet, and the timeline remains unclear.
  • The details matter. How the program gets structured, when purchases actually begin, and over what timeframe—these specifics will determine any real impact.
  • The market may have already priced it in. Financial markets often anticipate policy moves before they happen. Any potential benefit might already be reflected in current rates.
  • Other factors could offset it. Even if the program launches this spring, the four headwinds I mentioned above could easily counteract any downward pressure on rates.

Real talk: I’m not holding my breath for this program to dramatically move the needle this spring, if it has a significant impact at all.

What This Means for Your Home Buying Mission

Look, I’m not saying rates will never come down. Over time, they may But if you’re waiting for spring 2025 to bring substantially lower rates, you’re probably making your strategy based on hope rather than intel.

Here’s what I tell my clients in the DC/VA/MD market:

Today’s rate is the only rate that matters. You can’t make a decision based on what rates might do in three months. You have to evaluate whether buying makes sense for you right now, at current rates, with current home prices.

You can always refinance later. If rates do drop significantly down the road, you’ll have options. But you can’t go back in time to buy the house you love at today’s price if you wait and prices climb.

Inventory is the bigger issue. In our local market, the real challenge isn’t rates—it’s finding the right home. Spring typically brings more inventory, which could give you better selection even if rates don’t budge.

The Strategy I’d Recommend

If you’re seriously considering buying this spring, here’s my advice:

Get pre-approved now so you know exactly what you’re working with. Understand your payment at current rates. If that payment works for your budget and you find the right home, make your move.

Don’t let predictions about future rate movements paralyze you. I’ve seen too many people sit on the sidelines waiting for the “perfect” rate environment, only to watch home prices climb faster than rates could possibly fall.

After 25 years doing loans in this market, I can tell you this: the best time to buy is when you find the right home and the numbers work for your situation. That’s it. That’s the whole formula.

Bottom Line

Should you expect significantly lower mortgage rates this spring? Based on current economic indicators, deficit spending, political uncertainty, and dollar dynamics—probably not.

The various factors at play suggest we’re more likely looking at stable rates, possibly with some upward movement, rather than the meaningful decreases many buyers are hoping for.

Does that mean you shouldn’t buy this spring? Absolutely not. It just means you should make your decision based on what makes sense today, not on speculation about tomorrow’s rates.

If you want to talk through your specific situation and what makes sense for your home buying goals, let’s connect. I’ll give you the straight story on what’s realistic and help you build a strategy that actually works.

No pressure. Just solid intel from someone who’s been navigating these markets since the 1990s.

Roger that.

Robert Musseman, NMLS ID# 85152
Oak Street Mortgage, NMLS ID# 1618618
www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com

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