Mortgage Rates

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

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
Connect with us today
(703) 537-5101
Visit Me Here

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

15-Year Mortgages: The Tremendous Value Most Homebuyers Overlook

I sat across from a young couple last week who’d been pre-approved by their bank for a 30-year mortgage at 6%. They were proud—and honestly, getting approved is an accomplishment. But when I asked if they’d considered a 15-year loan, they looked at me like I’d suggested buying the house with cash.

“We surely could not afford a 15-year payment,” they said.

Here’s the deal: Too many people don’t even evaluate the 15 year option, and it’s costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Can you afford the payment and save big?
First make sure you have a handle on the math.

Let me break this down with real numbers. This table below shows the payment comparisons for 15 and 30 year fixed rate loans from $100,000 to $1,000,000. The payment factor is 1.35. Simply multiply any 30 year P&I payment by 1.35 to get the approximate 15 Year P&I Payment:

We are currently offering 15 Year fixed at about 5.00% APR and 30 Year fixed at about 5.80% APR to our best qualified borrowers. (Rates change daily and depend on your specific credit profile. Not a commitment to lend.)

Loan Amount	30 Year Fxd Pmt	Factor	15 Year Fxd Pmt
$100,000	$586.75	1.35	$792.12
$200,000	$1,173.51	1.35	$1,584.23
$300,000	$1,760.26	1.35	$2,376.35
$400,000	$2,347.01	1.35	$3,168.47
$500,000	$2,933.77	1.35	$3,960.58
$600,000	$3,520.52	1.35	$4,752.70
$700,000	$4,107.27	1.35	$5,544.82
$800,000	$4,694.02	1.35	$6,336.93
$900,000	$5,280.78	1.35	$7,129.05
$1,000,000	$5,867.53	1.35	$7,921.17

For a $400,000 loan for example, the monthly payment is about $821/month higher with a 15 year loan. But you save over $275,000 in interest over the life of the loan. Check out your savings at different points in the table below:

$400,000 Loan — 30 Yr Fixed @ 5.8% vs 15 Yr Fixed @ 5.0%
End of Year	Interest Saved
5	$24,087
7	$38,847
10	$67,379
15	$134,815
20	$207,240
30	$275,553

Read that again. Two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars.

Here’s What Most People Don’t Realize

After 25 years in this business, I’ve watched clients choose the “safer” 30-year option over and over. I get it—the lower payment feels more comfortable. But here’s the real talk: that comfort comes with an enormous price tag.

The 15-year mortgage gives you:

A lower interest rate. Usually 0.5% to 0.90% less than the 30-year. Lenders reward you for taking less risk.
Forced equity building. You’re paying down principal aggressively from day one, not just feeding the interest machine.
Freedom in half the time. Imagine being mortgage-free at 50 instead of 65. That’s a completely different retirement picture.
Less total risk. You owe less, faster. If life throws you a curveball, you’ve got more equity to work with.

The Payment Reality Check

Bottom line: Yes, $821 more per month is real money. But let’s look at what you’re actually getting.

That extra $821 isn’t disappearing—it’s building your equity at warp speed. On a 30-year loan, your first payment sends maybe $1,328 to principal. On the 15-year? You’re putting $1,822 toward principal right out of the gate.

When It Makes Perfect Sense

The 15-year mortgage is a tremendous value if you:

Have stable income you can count on
Want to build wealth through equity, not just hope for appreciation
Are in your peak earning years (40s-50s typically)
Plan to stay in the home long-term
Value being debt-free over keeping monthly payments low

When the 30-Year Makes More Sense

Look, I’m not here to sell you something that doesn’t fit. There are absolutely times when the 30-year is the right call:

You’re stretching to buy in a competitive market and need the lower payment
You’re early in your career with income expected to grow substantially
You’ve got other high-interest debt to tackle first
You’re investing heavily in retirement accounts and maxing out tax-advantaged options
The payment difference genuinely strains your monthly budget

But here’s my challenge: Don’t just assume you can’t afford the 15-year. Run the actual numbers. Look at your budget honestly. You might surprise yourself.

If you want to run the numbers on your specific situation—whether you’re buying, refinancing, or just exploring options—let’s talk. No sales pitch, just straight intel on what makes sense for your circumstances.

Call or email me anytime for additional numbers or details.

Robert Musseman
703-309-2537
robm@oakstreet.coregrowthexperts.com
Senior Loan Officer, Oak Street Mortgage
NMLS ID# 85152 | Company NMLS ID# 1618618
Visit www.nmlsconsumeraccess.com for licensing information

Monthly Rate and Market Update – December 2025

Conventional Rates indicated in the table below are the same as last month. VA(Veteran) rates are slightly better. See table below. Contact Me for more information.

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan^*
This Month (No Change)	Last Month	APR
5.625% + 1.5pts	5.625% + 1.5pts	5.725% 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 (slightly better)	Last Month	APR
5.125% + 1.00 pts	5.250% + 1.00 pts	5.199% APR**
5.125% + 0.5 pts Disabled Veterans	Usually best of all loans if you are a qualifying a disabled veteran	5.175% APR**

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

**Advertised rates are for 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 to meet your unique needs
Connect with us today
(703)537-5101
Visit Me Here

Monthly Rate and Market Update – November 2025

Conventional Rates indicated in the table below are the same as last month. VA(Veteran) rates are slightly better. See table below. Contact Me for more information.

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan^*
This Month (No Change)	Last Month	APR
5.625% + 1.5pts	5.625% + 1.5pts	5.725% 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 (slightly better)	Last Month	APR
5.250% + 1.00 pts	5.375% + 1.00 pts	5.330% APR**
5.125% + 0.5 pts Disabled Veterans	Usually best of all loans if you are a qualifying a disabled veteran	5.31% APR**

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

Many Loan Options Available to to meet your unique needs
Connect with us today
(703)537-5101
Visit Me Here

Monthly Rate and Market Update – October 2025

Conventional Rates indicated in the table below are about the same as last month. VA(Veteran) rates are slightly worse. See table below. Contact Me for more information.

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan^*
This Month (No Change)	Last Month	APR
5.625% + 1.5pts	5.625% + 1.2pts	5.785% 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 (slightly worse)	Last Month	APR
5.375% + 1.00 pts	5.250% + 1.00 pts	5.430% APR**
5.250% + 0.5 pts Disabled Veterans	Usually best of all loans if you are a qualifying a disabled veteran	5.31% APR**

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

Many Loan Options Available to to meet your unique needs
Connect with us today
(703)537-5101
Visit Me Here

Monthly Rate and Market Update – Sept 2025

Conventional Rates indicated in the table below are SUBSTANTIALLY BETTER!! as last month. VA(Veteran) rates are SUBSTANTIALLY BETTER!!. See table below. Contact Me for more information.

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan^*
This Month (MUCH BETTER!!)	Last Month	APR
5.625% + 1.2pts	6.375% + 1.2pts	5.774% 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 (MUCH BETTER!!)	Last Month	APR
5.250% + 1.00 pts	6.125% + 0.500 pts	5.390% APR**
5.250% + 0.5 pts Disabled Veterans	Usually best of all loans if you are a qualifying a disabled veteran	5.31% APR**

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

Many Loan Options Available to to meet your unique needs
Connect with us today
(703)537-5101
Visit Me Here

Monthly Rate and Market Update – July 2025

Conventional Rates indicated in the table below are about the same as last month. VA(Veteran) rates are slightly better. See table below. Contact Me for more information.

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan^*
This Month (same)	Last Month	APR
6.375% + 1.2pts	6.375% + 1.2pts	6.430% 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 (slightly better)	Last Month	APR
6.000% + 0.125 pts	6.125% + 0.500 pts	6.048% APR**
5.875% + 0.5 pts Disabled Veterans	Usually best of all loans if you are a qualifying a disabled veteran	5.990% APR**

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

Many Loan Options Available to to meet your unique needs
Connect with us today
(703)537-5101
Visit Me Here

By Robert Musseman
July 8, 2025

Monthly Rate and Market Update – June 2025

Conventional Rates indicated in the table below are slightly worse than last month. VA(Veteran) rates also slightly worse. See table below. Contact Me for more information.

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan^*
This Month (worse)	Last Month	APR
6.375% + 1.2pts	5.990% + 1.5pts	6.4150% 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 (slightly worse)	Last Month	APR
6.125% + 0.5 pts	5.875% + 1.1 pts	6.198% APR**
5.875% + 0.5 pts Disabled Veterans	Usually best of all loans if you are a qualifying a disabled veteran	5.990% APR**

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

Many Loan Options Available to to meet your unique needs
Connect with us today
(703)537-5101
Visit Me Here

By Robert Musseman
May 30, 2025

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

Why This Matters

Who Qualifies?

Perfect Timing for Veterans

What You Need to Do

Why We’re Doing This

Ready to Move Forward?

MONTHLY RATE UPDATE MARCH 2026

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

The Hard Truth About Spring 2025 Rates

Four Factors Working Against Lower Rates

What About That $200 Billion MBS Purchase Plan?

What This Means for Your Home Buying Mission

The Strategy I’d Recommend

Bottom Line

15-Year Mortgages: The Tremendous Value Most Homebuyers Overlook

Can you afford the payment and save big?
First make sure you have a handle on the math.

Here’s What Most People Don’t Realize

The Payment Reality Check

When It Makes Perfect Sense

When the 30-Year Makes More Sense

Monthly Rate and Market Update – December 2025

Monthly Rate and Market Update – November 2025

Monthly Rate and Market Update – October 2025

Monthly Rate and Market Update – Sept 2025

Monthly Rate and Market Update – July 2025

Monthly Rate and Market Update – June 2025

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Mortgage Rates

Why This Matters

Who Qualifies?

Perfect Timing for Veterans

What You Need to Do

Why We’re Doing This

Ready to Move Forward?

The Hard Truth About Spring 2025 Rates

Four Factors Working Against Lower Rates

What About That $200 Billion MBS Purchase Plan?

What This Means for Your Home Buying Mission

The Strategy I’d Recommend

Bottom Line

Can you afford the payment and save big? First make sure you have a handle on the math.

Here’s What Most People Don’t Realize

The Payment Reality Check

When It Makes Perfect Sense

When the 30-Year Makes More Sense

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Search

Archives

Categories

Get Rates

Stay on top of the market!

Signup for Monthly Rates & Market Update

Regístrese para recibir tarifas mensuales y actualizaciones delmercado

Can you afford the payment and save big?
First make sure you have a handle on the math.

Regístrese para recibir tarifas mensuales y actualizaciones del
mercado