General Archives | CrossCountry Mortgage

Refinancing: Is It Time? Maybe. But Don’t Get Sold.

Craig Fortunato — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 20:46:46 +0000

Global markets are increasingly signaling skepticism—not panic, but doubt—toward the optimistic economic narrative emanating from Washington. Despite enthusiastic declarations that the U.S. economy is the strongest in history, investor behavior suggests confidence is eroding rather than strengthening.

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“What Are Rates?” Is the Wrong First Question. Here’s What Actually Matters.

Craig Fortunato — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:47:08 +0000

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me, “What are rates?” I could probably buy everyone McDonald’s fries and explain this in person. It’s a fair question. Rates are everywhere. Ads, headlines, social posts, and conversations with friends make it sound like there is one magic number everyone should be chasing.

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Nervous About Buying a Home? Here’s What to Expect in the Mortgage Process

Craig Fortunato — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:23:48 +0000

Buying a home is exciting, but the mortgage process can feel like a lot at first. Most buyers feel some nerves, especially if it’s their first time. The good news is that once you know what to expect, everything becomes much easier to navigate.

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How Much Mortgage Can I Afford? Here’s How I Help You Figure It Out

Craig Fortunato — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 18:59:23 +0000

One of the most common questions I hear is, “How much mortgage can I afford?”It is the right question to ask, and it should come early in the process.

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Understanding 1031 Exchange Purchases

Craig Fortunato — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:49:34 +0000

A 1031 exchange is a powerful tax-deferral strategy that allows real estate investors to sell an investment or business property and reinvest the proceeds into another “like-kind” property without immediately paying capital gains taxes. Named after Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, this strategy is commonly used to preserve equity, grow portfolios, and reposition investments.

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What Are Non-QM Loans and Could One Help You Buy a Home

Craig Fortunato — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 21:35:37 +0000

Not every buyer fits neatly into the traditional mortgage box. I see it every week. Self-employed clients whose tax returns do not tell the full story. Retirees with plenty of assets but limited monthly income. Buyers who are financially stable today but working through an old credit event.

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You Don’t Need 20 Percent Down to Buy a Home

Craig Fortunato — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:17:36 +0000

The idea that you must have 20 percent down to buy a home still floats around like an old rule that never got updated. Yes, 20 percent has benefits. It removes private mortgage insurance, lowers your payment, and strengthens your overall profile. It is also out of reach for many buyers, especially first-timers.

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Why an Annual Mortgage Review Matters, Even If You Are Not Moving

Craig Fortunato — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 15:53:56 +0000

Most people stay on top of their health. They service their car before problems show up. But their mortgage? That often gets ignored for years. For most homeowners, the last time they looked at their mortgage was the day they signed the paperwork.

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Markets, Messaging, and the Growing Trust Deficit

Craig Fortunato — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:16:16 +0000

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Good Intentions, No Follow-Through: Why Policy Uncertainty Is Keeping Markets Flat

Craig Fortunato — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:44:01 +0000

Investors aren’t suddenly confused by math. They’re confused by the whiplash. One day it’s tariffs on, next day tariffs off. Government jobs are bloated, then they’re strategic.

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