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Our Blog
Stay informed with the latest mortgage trends, financial advice, and homeownership tips — curated by our experts just for you.


How Rising Insurance and Taxes Affect Investor Loan Qualification
Real estate investors are navigating a more complex lending environment as insurance premiums and property taxes continue to rise across many markets. While interest rates often receive the most attention, these non-loan costs play a critical role in investor loan qualification—especially for DSCR, SFR, and other cash-flow-based programs. Understanding how higher insurance and taxes impact qualification can help investors plan more effectively, structure deals more strategica
StratoBridge Lending
3 days ago3 min read


Student Rentals: Great Opportunity—If You Don’t Overpay
Single-family homes near major universities can be some of the most reliable cash-flowing rentals in the U.S. Demand is steady, turnover is predictable, and parents often co-sign leases—reducing credit risk. But the same strengths that make student rentals attractive can also lead investors to overpay for “the perfect house” if they aren’t disciplined. Here’s a short, practical guide to weighing opportunity against risk—and knowing when to walk away. Why Student Rentals Can
StratoBridge Lending
Dec 9, 20252 min read


Rental Properties: To Buy or Not To Buy? Why I’m Beginning to Reconsider
In my previous post , I wrote about stepping back from the “always buy” mentality and becoming more selective. Ironically, the very forces that made me cautious are also creating fresh opportunities—and I’ve started looking again. Here are a few added considerations shaping my thinking: 1. Rate Cuts + Market Highs = Rentals Look Good Again With the Fed cutting rates and the stock market hovering near all-time highs, traditional asset yields have compressed. Bond yields hav
StratoBridge Lending
Dec 8, 20252 min read


2026 Mortgage Update: New Conforming Loan Limit Is $832,750 — How It Impacts Borrowers
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has officially announced that the baseline conforming loan limit for 2026 will rise to $832,750, marking a 3.25% increase from the 2025 limit of $806,500. For borrowers in high-cost areas, the ceiling has been set at $1,249,125, reflecting 150% of the baseline limit. This adjustment, though smaller than the 5%+ increases seen in recent years, carries significant implications for homebuyers, refinancers, and the broader housing market.
StratoBridge Lending
Nov 27, 20253 min read


Zero Down Payment: A Signature Benefit of the VA Loan Program
The VA home loan program, guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, stands out as one of the most powerful mortgage options available, with its most notable feature being the ability for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses to purchase a home with 0% down payment. This benefit makes homeownership a reality for many who might otherwise spend years saving for a conventional down payment. Key Advantages of a VA Loan Beyond t
StratoBridge Lending
Nov 18, 20252 min read


Comparing Lender Offers: Tactics for Spotting Hidden Opportunities for Lower Interest
Unlocking the Best Mortgage Deal in Today's Market In 2025, falling mortgage rates have opened new doors for homebuyers and investors across the country, especially in states like Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania where unique opportunities abound. However, the lowest interest rates don’t always jump out at you—in fact, the best deals are often hidden beneath the surface of lender offers, buried in the fine print or masked by upfront fees. Understanding how to spot these hidd
StratoBridge Lending
Nov 1, 20253 min read


Why Buyers in the USA Should Act Now to Purchase a Home
Timing is everything in real estate. Across the United States, conditions are aligning to create a unique opportunity for homebuyers....
StratoBridge Lending
Sep 26, 20253 min read
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