Loan Officer Gustan Cho
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The latest market intel suggests that rates could keep drifting lower into the fall as the economy shows mixed signals. Employment growth is still strong, but inflation is pulling back faster than the Fed’s July forecast, meaning fewer aggressive rate hikes ahead. Investors now see the chance the Fed could pause totally at the next meeting, which is why the fixed-rate loans have slipped closer to those tempting 6.5% breaks some analysts said could unlock pent-up demand.
The most common adjustable-rate mortgage, the 5/1 ARM, is averaging about 5.95%, which, although still pricey, is sitting a full point below the 30-year fixed. Given the conflict in the bond market, where the 10-year Treasury yield dropped below 4.10% for the first time in three weeks, ARMs could gain traction for buyers looking to save on monthly payments. Brokers say maybe 30% of new apps are aiming for that route.
On the refinancing front, nearly 70% of current loans held by homeowners still sit below today’s 30-year fixed, leaving a huge cash-out segment untouched. Borrowers with jumbo loans, especially in high-cost areas, may see spreads narrow as the jumbo bond market stabilizes. Some lenders are even quoting rates starting with a 6.25% for high-balance, fixed 30-year loans, which felt out of reach a month ago.
Although hesitant, today’s mortgage environment feels more forgiving than earlier quarters. Borrowers should closely monitor data releases and mortgage lender boards, since the next rate moves may be small but meaningful. The chance to lock in a more favorable rate could be worth the risk of waiting now that the downward slope seems visible through the end of 2025.
The direction of mortgage rates is strongly influenced by what the Federal Reserve decides on interest rates. After several sharp increases in 2022 and 2023 aimed at fighting inflation, the Fed has taken a more measured stance in 2025. The federal funds rate has been fixed between 4.25% and 4.5% since early this year, and has stayed in that same range through five straight policy meetings. In July, Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted that the economy is still on solid footing. While inflation is still above target, it is slowly leveling off. This gradual improvement is why the Fed has chosen to halt any more hikes.
Looking forward, most analysts in the housing and finance sectors expect mortgage rates to stay in the mid-6% range for the balance of 2025. Some argue we might see small drops, but no big reductions seem likely unless inflation cools more quickly or the job market noticeably slows down. Market watchers feel that any substantial easing in mortgage rates would only come once the Fed adjusts its rate path. That shift would depend on clear evidence that inflation is steadily down.
Even though mortgage rates are still high, the housing market keeps showing solid, steady strength. Home loan approvals haven’t dropped, and the number of people actually buying homes—although calmer than the mad rush of 2020 and 2021—stays pretty consistent. This tells us many buyers are revising their budgets and moving forward, even with the pricier payments.
Still, affordability is a huge worry. Home prices are near record highs in lots of places, and rates are way up from two years ago. Because of that, first-time buyers and younger families find jumping in tough. Higher monthly payments mean some people are getting pushed out, and others accept smaller houses or longer drives to work.
We probably won’t see mortgage rates drop below 5% in 2025, but the way rates are trending—combined with steady job growth and slowing inflation—could give buyers small, welcome breaks later this year. In the meantime, anyone considering a new mortgage or a refinance should closely monitor Fed updates, CPI numbers, and overall economic news.
August 2025 Mortgage Snapshot
- Average 30-year fixed mortgage: 6.72%.
- Average 15-year fixed mortgage: 5.85%.
- The federal funds rate is 4.25% to 4.5% (no change since early 2025).
- Where we’re headed: A slow rate decline is possible by December, but we don’t expect sharp drops.
- What the market thinks: Cautious optimism, though high prices still make affordability a worry.
Waiting for a small dip can sometimes pay off if you consider locking in a rate. Borrowers using FHA, VA, or first-time buyer programs might snag lower rates, smaller down payments, and friendlier credit rules.
What to do next, or whether buying or refinancing is smart for you right now? A trusty mortgage advisor can walk you through your choices and help you feel good about your decision, even when rates constantly change.
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Fed Chairman Jerome Powell is hands down the biggest incompetent ignorant arrogant clown of all time. Trump was correct and spot on when he referred to power the dumbest stubborn moron of all time. Fully agree. Let’s now see when Trump will start the firing proceedings of Jerome Powell.
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Boomers Can’t Sell Their Homes — And It’s About to Get Worse in California
Across California, Baby Boomers are encountering a surprising problem: they want to sell their homes but can’t. Even with record home equity and historically high prices, millions of homeowners born between 1946 and 1964 feel trapped. They either can’t find a decent place to move into or can’t stomach the math. The bad news? This situation is only going to get worse.
At Gustan Cho Associates, we watch this trend ripple through everything from low inventory to how generational wealth is passed down. Knowing why Boomers are stuck helps buyers, sellers, and real estate pros plan for what’s next.
Why Boomers Aren’t Selling Their HomesLocked-In Ultra-Low Mortgage Rates
Many Baby Boomers refinanced their loans during the pandemic and locked in rates around 2% to 3%. Now that the average mortgage rate is flirting with 7%, swapping their current home for a new one would about double or triple their monthly payment, even if they buy something smaller.
That expense is a non-starter for retirees or those about to retire. They’d rather stay put in the home with a low payment and a big yard, even if it gets harder to maintain.
Rising Property Taxes and Prop 13 Lock-in
In California, Proposition 13 helps keep property taxes stable by locking assessments to the original purchase price. For many long-term homeowners, their tax bill barely budges each year. But if they sell and buy another place—even if it’s smaller—they face a higher tax assessment that can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. They can avoid the hike through Prop 19, but must meet the eligibility rules and file the right paperwork to keep the tax relief.
- No Suitable Housing: The market is in demand for retirees looking to downsize.
- Affordable one-story and accessible homes in safe, familiar neighborhoods are hard to find.
- And when a few do turn up, the price often feels too steep for the smaller space they’ll end up in.
- Without the right inventory, making a move doesn’t pencil out.
Emotional and Logistical Barriers
Many Boomers have called the same house home for 20, 30, or even 40 years. Those walls hold decades of birthdays, graduations, and quiet mornings. The thought of packing up that past, getting used to a new place, and building new routines adds to plenty of stress. For many, the emotional weight makes it easier—at least for now—to stay right where they are.
Why This Problem Is Getting Worse in California
Mortgage Rate Volatility
While mortgage rates stay elevated and no clear Fed cuts are on the table, many older homeowners will stay put. This “lock-in” effect, paired with Boomers choosing to “age in place,” means the supply of ready-to-move-in homes in top zip codes keeps getting smaller.
Generational Housing Gridlock
Millennials and Gen Z hit record-high prices, skimpy inventory, and fierce bidding wars when Boomers don’t move. Move-up buyers can’t upgrade because first-time buyers can’t find a starting point—so the entire market gets caught in a cycle no one can break.
Slowing Construction-Friendly Homes
Developers are building far fewer homes for older adults. High land prices, slow permits, and strict NIMBY zoning in California discourage investment in 55+ communities, leaving the inventory gap even wider.
The Bigger Picture: California’s Housing Crisis at a Crossroads
With the state already experiencing the country’s deepest affordability crisis, the news that half of Boomers won’t sell—per Redfin—adds more strain to a supply-demand gap that keeps widening.
With Baby Boomers retiring at a clip of 10,000 a day, many living on fixed incomes, the challenge has moved beyond numbers. It’s now a political flashpoint, a generational tug-of-war, and a structural mess we can’t ignore.
What Can We Do? Teach Boomers Prop 19’s Perks
Proposition 19 lets homeowners 55 and older move anywhere in California and keep their property tax bill low, up to three times. Realtors and mortgage pros should bring this up whenever they talk to seniors. It can mean smaller payments on a new, maybe smaller, home without the big tax hike.
Provide Flexible Loan Options
At Gustan Cho Associates, we offer no-overlay mortgage solutions, such as low down payment jumbo loans, reverse mortgages, bridge loans, and cash-out refinancing for seniors. These loans let Boomers tap home equity, lower their monthly bills, or buy a new place without the usual strain.
Push for Senior-Friendly Housing
City and county leaders should eliminate zoning red tape, offer tax credits, and speed up building permits for single-story homes, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and communities designed for aging residents.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for a Crash—Plan for a Transition
California’s Boomer housing freeze won’t melt away by itself. High rates and tight budgets mean the housing market will stay stuck unless new policies, smart financing, and forward-thinking planning appear.
If you’re a Baby Boomer thinking about selling or downsizing—or a frustrated buyer waiting for more homes—Gustan Cho Associates has your back.
We understand the complex financial and emotional aspects of this decision. That’s why we design **custom loan programs with no strict rules** so you can get back to homeownership—even when others tell you to wait.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Whether you want to sell, downsize, transfer your Prop 13 tax base, or tap your home’s equity, we’re here to help. Reach out to Gustan Cho Associates today to learn how our flexible mortgage solutions enable Boomers to take charge of their next chapter.
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Can You Get a Mortgage After Bankruptcy if You Have Late Payments?
Going through bankruptcy can be tough, mentally and financially. Once the stress of the bankruptcy is over, many people start thinking about buying a home again. A common worry is whether the late payments that happened during and right after the bankruptcy will block them from getting a mortgage.
How Lenders View Late Payments
Late payments in the past 12 months are deal killers for mortgage loan applicants. If you have late payments, the best cure is to add positive credit to dilute the late payment. Time is the best cure for late payments. Now, after late payments after bankruptcy, you should get the late payment deleted or add tons of new positive credit tradelines and pass time. It is like a huge hangover. With time, the hangover will heal.
Mortgage lenders stick to strict rules when they review applications after bankruptcy. They pay extra attention to when you made payments. Late payments that occur during bankruptcy, or right after you finish it, can hurt your credit score and raise red flags for lenders. Still, the question remains: will a single late payment during or right after bankruptcy be a deal-breaker? The answer is not as clear-cut as you might think.
Mortgage Rules for Borrowers After Bankruptcy
When you file for bankruptcy—whether Chapter 7 or Chapter 13—lenders look closely at your payment history during and immediately after your case. Keeping all payments on time during this period is very important.
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
- When you’re under a Chapter 13 repayment plan, the court requires you to stick to a strict payment schedule, which includes your mortgage.
- Falling behind or sending a payment late can hurt your chances of getting a mortgage later.
- Most lenders want to see at least 12 months of on-time payments after you enter Chapter 13 before considering approving your home loan.
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
- Once Chapter 7 is discharged—typically in 4 to 6 months—lenders closely examine your payment record during and after the case.
- If you miss payments during the case or in the following months, they see that as a signal that you still have money trouble, which could lead to a loan denial.
- Mortgage lenders treat missed payments during and after bankruptcy very seriously.
- They often see a borrower with late payments as a “second offender,” meaning they’ll likely get a flat no on the mortgage application.
- One late payment during or right after bankruptcy can lead to an automatic denial.
But Does This Mean You Can’t Get a Mortgage?
It’s commonly said that a late payment tied to a bankruptcy makes it nearly impossible to borrow again. However, Gustan Cho Associates uses a commonsense underwriting process that opens the door to homeownership. You can still qualify for a mortgage, even if late payments appear on your record.
Our team assesses your whole financial life. Not just the blot on your credit. Late payments during or after bankruptcy don’t automatically exclude you.
Explore the following paths and strategies for mortgage approval:
Demonstrate Financial Strength with Compensating Factors
When lenders see late payments, they look for other signs of financial responsibility.
If you show solid compensating factors, your approval odds improve.
Some of these factors include:
- Steady Job History: A long record with the same employer or field suggests reliable income, strengthening your case for on-time mortgage payments.
- Nice Down Payment or Solid Savings: If you’ve set aside a chunk of change for your down payment, that shows you’re good with money and can take on big bills without panicking.
- Low Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: A DTI that stays low means you’re not biting off more than you can chew, even if you’ve stumbled before.
- Lenders pay close attention to this when deciding whether to give your mortgage a green light or a stop sign.
Think About a Non-QM Loan
Non-QM loans (non-qualified mortgage loans) can be a lifesaver if you don’t tick every box on the usual conventional loan checklist, especially if you’ve had a few late payments during or after going bankrupt.
These loans let you bend the rules on credit scores, DTI ratios, and payment history, so they’re worth considering if your credit past is a little spotty. Non-QM loans usually let you:
- Share Different Docs: Non-QM lenders might not need as much paperwork as conventional ones, so they can easily overlook a few late payments.
- Look at Other Good Stuff: Non-QM folks want the full picture, like conventional lenders.
- If you’ve got a big savings cushion, a steady job, or other positives, they’ll consider those, not just your credit score.
Wait Out the Required Time Frame (For FHA Loans)
Your timing after a bankruptcy is key for FHA loans backed by the government.
- The FHA states that you must wait at least 2 years after a Chapter 7 discharge or show 1 year of on-time payments under a Chapter 13 repayment plan to become eligible.
- However, the FHA can sometimes bend the rules.
- If you are worried about a couple of late payments after the discharge, remember you can still boost your standing.
- Wait a little longer, pay on time going forward, and the chances of approval can rise.
- Suppose the late payments were tied to a unique or serious hardship, and you showed good credit behavior afterward. In that case, the underwriter might grant an exception.
Clear Paperwork and a Letter of Explanation
When you go to apply for the mortgage, tie your late payments to a letter of explanation.
- In the letter, describe why the payments were late, what you have done to stay on track since, and why you think you can handle a loan today.
- Lenders pay more attention if they have the full story.
- If they see you have rebuilt better habits and have a plan, they may overlook some bumps on your road back.
Turn to a Trusted Mortgage Broker or Lender
- Partnering with an experienced mortgage broker or lender—like Gustan Cho Associates’ dedicated team—can change the game.
- Our specialists know that financial bumps happen, and our goal is to guide you through the mortgage process even if your financial history is complicated.
Late Payments During or After Bankruptcy Don’t Close the Door on Homeownership
- Remember, late payments that appear while you’re in bankruptcy or shortly afterward don’t automatically disqualify you from a mortgage.
- Lenders look at the full picture, and with the right paperwork, some strong compensating factors, and the expertise of a lender like Gustan Cho Associates, you can still get approved, even with a not-so-perfect payment record.
- Keep that hope alive if you’re in the middle of bankruptcy and dreaming of your own home.
- The path might be tougher, but with solid support and the right tools, your dream of homeownership is on the table.
If late payments popped up on your credit during or after bankruptcy and you’re looking to qualify for a mortgage, reach out to us now at Gustan Cho Associates. We offer a tailored consultation to help you move closer to owning a home.
This guide blends solid agency guidelines and practices with real-life stories from borrowers who’ve been there. We share hands-on tips for anyone dealing with bankruptcy. Our main focus is the flexibility you’ll find at Gustan Cho Associates, and we invite you to look into mortgage solutions designed for your unique financial picture.
https://gcamortgage.com/home-loan-with-late-payments-after-bankruptcy/
gcamortgage.com
Home Loan With Late Payments After Bankruptcy
Lenders will not approve borrowers a home loan with late payments after bankruptcy because ot its overlays but GCA Mortgage Group approves
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Here’s the latest pictures of my three German Shepherd dogs. Chase, Skylar, and Bailey. Bailey is still a dud. Seems like she has been abused when she was a pup. I adopted Bailey when she was one year old. Skylar is my baby girl. Her problem is she is too attached to me. If I sneak out of the house and she gets in the house from the yard, she looks for me in a frenzy. I normally take her wherever I go. Whether to the grocery story, Walgreens, post office, or to pick up food.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by Gustan Cho.
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This reply was modified 9 months, 2 weeks ago by
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SUMMER of 69-BRYAN ADAMS
Bryan Adams – Wembley Live 1996
It was July 27th 1996 and a sell-out crowd in excess of 70,000 welcomed Bryan Adams to Wembley Stadium on his “18 ‘Til I Die Tour” in support of the multi-platinum album of the same name. “18 ‘Til I Die” had been released a few weeks earlier and hit the No.1 spot on the UK Albums Chart and gone Top 5 right around Europe. The show opened with the album’s first hit single “The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You” and straight away the stage was set for an energetic, hit packed performance which was received with wild enthusiasm by the huge crowd. This is a legendary show for Bryan Adams fans and is now finally being released on ALL FORMATS for the first time.
https://youtu.be/NgpcwYooLO0?si=wr_SNhMWAtIhNfff
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This reply was modified 10 months ago by Gustan Cho.
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This reply was modified 10 months ago by
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Here is my Buddy Chase. He will not grow up. Chase is three years old and loves his red ball. Good thing my wife bought over a dozen red balls with handles.
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That would be wonderful if you can categorize breakdown of executive orders, economic legislation, and foreign policy achievements, I would greatly appreciate it. If you can also compile specifics of major court cases and tariffs, it would be extremely helpful.
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