MORTGAGE BLOG

A Fright-Free Guide to Saving for a Home

Blog posted On October 15, 2026

Saving for a home shouldn’t be spooky! If the idea of crunching financial numbers makes you feel like Shaggy and Scooby-doo running from a ghost, perish the thought immediately. With these fright-free financial tips, we’ll dispel the myths and unknowns when diving into the mortgage savings process. The scariest part isn’t all the numbers or bank statements. It’s going into the process unprepared!

CMG Financial’s Melissa Koupal Named a 2026 Powerful Woman in Mortgage Banking

News posted On October 08, 2026

San Ramon, CA — October 8, 2026 — CMG Financial, a leading privately held mortgage lender, proudly announces that Melissa Koupal, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, has been recognized as one of National Mortgage Professional’s Powerful Women in Mortgage Banking for 2026. The annual recognition celebrates women whose leadership, influence, and contributions are making a meaningful impact across the mortgage industry.

Meet Rate Break: A Lower Payment, A Better First Year

Blog posted On October 07, 2026

For many home buyers, signing the closing documents is only the beginning of the journey. There are moving expenses, housing purchases, and a plethora of other costs that come when settling into a new home. And that is precisely where our new program, Rate Break, can help! Rate Break is a lender-paid temporary buydown that gives eligible buyers a lower mortgage payment for their first 12 payments. It’s another way for buyers to create a little extra wiggle room in their budget.

CMG Financial and CapRelo Launch Volt Home Loans

News posted On October 01, 2026

Alexandria, VA — 10/1/26 — Volt Home Loans, a mortgage joint venture powered by CMG Financial and CapRelo, has officially launched, pairing relocation expertise with mortgage financing. For relocating consumers, buying a home is rarely an isolated transaction. It’s part of a larger transition that can involve a new job, a new city and a new school system. Volt Home Loans makes mortgage financing a natural part of that journey.

Fire Prevention Month: 5 Fall Tips for a Safer Home

Blog posted On October 01, 2026

This October, we’re spreading awareness about Fire Prevention Month. Before we delve into the spooky fun and treats of the season, we want to tackle the real-life scaries related to fire safety and homeownership. No treats until you learn the tricks to keeping your family ready for fire emergencies!

Make the Most of Your Home Equity This Fall

Blog posted On September 24, 2026

With home equity sitting at record highs this season, homeowners might be wondering how best to take advantage of their potential gold mines. A few options include high-interest debt consolidation, tackling education costs, financial emergencies, and last but not least, home renovations. We’ll list the most popular methods to access your equity, and as a special treat, we’ll include some of the most popular fall renovation ideas that are trending right now.

September Housing Market Update: Why Mortgage Rates Are Up and What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Blog posted On September 17, 2026

If you’ve been watching mortgage rates lately, you may be wondering: Why did rates go up again?

There isn’t one simple reason. This month, several pieces of the economy moved in the same direction. The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate, fuel prices increased and inflation remained elevated. Together, those developments have put more pressure on borrowing costs and the housing market.

Here’s the lowdown on what happened, why it matters, and what home buyers and sellers should know right now.

The Bigger Picture: Finding Opportunity in Today’s Housing Market

Blog posted On September 17, 2026

Mortgage rates naturally get a lot of attention, it makes complete sense! However, they're only one piece of the home buying equation. For buyers considering a home today, understanding the bigger picture means weighing the full range of factors that can affect affordability and the options that may be available. From temporary buydowns to down payment assistance, there are other less-trodden paths to walk on your homeownership adventure.

National Mortgage Professional Month: The People Behind the Mortgage Process

Blog posted On September 10, 2026

This month, we’re celebrating National Mortgage Professional Month by shouting out all the key players in your mortgage journey. From real estate agents to loan officers and underwriters, it takes a village to get your loan to the finish line. It helps to pull back the veil and reveal the mortgage magic behind the curtain!

National Preparedness Month: From Hurricanes to Winter Storms, Is Your Home Ready?

Blog posted On September 03, 2026

This September, we’re taking part in National Preparedness Month, an annual campaign launched in 2004 that seeks to educate and prepare people for all types of emergencies, including national disasters like earthquakes, tornados, hurricanes, and wildfires. We specifically want to empower homeowners by providing tips on safeguarding properties and keeping your family members safe. No matter where you live, the unexpected can happen to anyone.

CMG Financial’s Tony Giglio Named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard

News posted On September 01, 2026

SAN RAMON, Calif., September 01, 2026 – CMG Financial, a well-capitalized and privately held mortgage banking firm headquartered in San Ramon, Calif., announced today that Tony Giglio, Executive Vice President, Head of Retail Sales, has been named a 2026 HousingWire Vanguard, recognizing his leadership, strategic vision and impact on CMG Financial and the mortgage industry.

Put Down the Pumpkin: 5 Subtle Ways to Transition Your Home for Fall

Blog posted On August 27, 2026

As the summer begins to sing its swan song and students trickle back to school, the flicker of fall beckons invitingly from afar. While some may dive headfirst into spooky season with bats and pumpkins galore, we suggest more subtle ways to transition into the next season. Skip those beloved gourds for now and ease into fall home décor styles, with warm color palettes and casual, cozy knits.

Understanding Mortgage Insurance: PMI, MIP, and Guarantee Fee

Blog posted On August 20, 2026

When you’re a new homeowner diving into the mortgage process, there are a few unfamiliar words that get bandied about. Today, we’re unpacking three of these financial terms so that you can confidently discuss loans terms with your lending team. We’ll go over private mortgage insurance, mortgage insurance premiums, and guarantee fees.

The Hidden Benefits of Buying in the Current Rate Environment

Blog posted On August 13, 2026

With the current rate environment, it’s been a challenge for buyers and sellers to find footing in the housing market this summer. Rates and affordability are on the forefront of everyone’s minds right now. Don’t forget, there are advantages and disadvantages to the wide spectrum of real estate economies. Lower rates mean less time for person-to-person interaction. Higher rates can often lead to additional time and care spent directly with you, and you’ll have the ability to refinance to a lower rate down the line. With all that in mind, how can you get ahead right now?

The Financing Pivot: Why creditworthy buyers are still getting declined

Blog posted On August 11, 2026

Rates and affordability dominate every conversation in housing right now. But we keep seeing a different problem, buyers who can absolutely afford a home, walking away because a lender couldn't figure out how to document them.

Unlock What You've Built With EquityAccess Closed-End Second

Blog posted On August 06, 2026

With Freddie Mac’s EquityAccess Closed-End Second program, the hidden benefits of home equity await. This powerful product lets you tap into up to $78,277 of your home’s equity in a single, fixed-rate loan. This is a variation of an equity loan, and unlike a HELOC, it ditches the adjustable rate and allows you to take out one big sum of cash.

Turn Up the Heat on Your Listings with List & Lock™

Blog posted On July 30, 2026

With rates rising alongside these scorching temps, you might be wondering how to shine the light back onto your listings. Sellers and agents can rejoice because a gleaming solution exists: List & Lock, the rate reduction remedy you’ve been seeking! With our exclusive program, you can advertise discounted rates on your listings.*

Home Equity Explained: HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance

Blog posted On July 23, 2026

For existing homeowners, you have access to a pile of cash that grows each time you pay off your mortgage. That’s equity at your fingertips, amassing strength every month. But how can you take advantage of it? Let’s dive into the two most popular ways you can unlock your equity: HELOCs vs. cash-out refinances.

Summer Survival Starts at Home: 10 Easy Ways to Keep Cool and Save

Blog posted On July 16, 2026

Homeowners, are you keeping hydrated and refreshed during this red-hot heatwave? Does it feel like you’re surviving on a desert planet right now? Here are some quick tips to help your home preserve its chill this season.

The New Wedding Registry Trend

Blog posted On July 09, 2026

The advent of wedding registry alternatives is upon us! The days of overpriced dishware and bedsheets is falling out of fashion. Instead, couples are asking for gifts in the form of down payment contributions for their first home. A brand new air fryer is nice, but can it help invest in your long-term future together? With our online down payment platform, HomeFundIt™, you can raise gift funds from your wedding guests. It’s fast, it’s simple, and it’ll help you reach your homeownership goals sooner.

250 Years Later: The American Dream Still Starts at Home

Blog posted On July 02, 2026

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, it’s worth reflecting on one of the most sought-after dreams in America; the dream of homeownership.

For generations, that dream has represented far more than owning property. It has symbolized stability, independence, and the opportunity to build a future. While the path to homeownership has evolved over time, its meaning has remained remarkably consistent.

At its core, the American Dream still begins with a place to call home.

5 Tips for a Safe Independence Day

Blog posted On June 25, 2026

With 4^th of July just around the corner, we wanted to share these tips ahead of time to ensure you and the family can have a fun and safe holiday weekend. The Founding Fathers wouldn’t have wished for future Americans to accidentally light their lawns on fire while celebrating the nation! So please, read these safety tips carefully, and help keep your loved ones secure and smiling this July!

The Homeowner Era: Why More Gen Z Buyers Are Buying Earlier

Blog posted On June 18, 2026

A hopeful homeownership statistic has materialized recently: Gen Z home buyers are managing to buy earlier despite the odds. Unlike Millennials, they’ve taken a more pragmatic approach by bypassing the traditional milestones (marriage, kids, etc). The statistic of both unmarried and single women buyers has risen within Gen Z, higher than any other generation. Let’s unpack how this digitally savvy age bracket is reshaping the real estate industry.

Give Your Financial Wellness a Summer Glow-Up

Blog posted On June 11, 2026

Like a bad fringe in need of a trim, your finances may be overdue for a glow-up this summer. Your financial six-pack isn’t just going to manifest itself! Below, we’ve tackled a few ways you can boost your personal finances during the frenzy of the summer buying season. With these helpful tips, your economic transformation is sure to catch the eye of sellers, agents, and lenders alike.

CMG Home Loans Welcomes Ellen Schuler, Sales Manager

News posted On June 09, 2026

San Antonio, TX – CMG Home Loans, the retail arm of the well-capitalized and privately held mortgage lender, CMG Financial, is proud to announce the hire of Sales Manager, Ellen Schuler (NMLS# 409880). One of San Antonio's most respected mortgage professionals, Schuler brings more than 20 years of industry experience, a longstanding reputation for exceptional client service, and deep relationships throughout the Texas housing market.