Joe Cicali Named UMortgage Chief Strategy Officer

Since the September Federal Reserve meeting which gave us the first cut to the Federal Funds Rate in more than 4 years, the housing market has been moving. Bookended by a 0.50% cut in September and a 0.25% cut on November 7th, we’ve seen a plethora of conflicting economic data, a tight election that will see the balance of power shift greatly, and mortgage rates that shot from the high 5% range to nearly 7%. With so much in flux and plenty of questions about where mortgage rates are heading in 2025, UMortgage partnered with Barry Habib, CEO of MBS Highway, to share insider expertise with our Loan Originators and enable them to help their clients and agents navigate next year’s market with ease. Where are Mortgage Rates Heading in 2025? To understand where mortgage rates are going in the new year, we first need to take a look at where mortgage rates currently sit and the events that got us here. In September 2024, the Federal Reserve cut the Federal Funds Rate by 0.50%—marking the first Fed rate cut since March 2020. The week of that meeting, rates sat in a range between 5.8% and 6.2%. Since then, we’ve had an array of labor market and inflation data that indicate a strong U.S. economy and a presidential election; this data made mortgage rates rise to, as of November 13th, the high 6% range. On November 7th, the Fed cut rates by another 0.25%. Speaking to UMortgage LOs shortly after the news of this 0.25% cut broke, Habib said, “Based upon what we see from the Fed, they might continue cutting maybe another 0.25% in December. But next year, they anticipate another 1% to 1.25% in cuts. That's going to filter its way into the 10-year treasury, and as the 10-year treasury declines, mortgage rates will decline.” Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home? The first question that most prospective homebuyers ask as they prepare to buy a home is, “is now a good time to buy?” Habib emphasized that, in today’s market, answering this question requires a clear understanding of rate trends, inventory constraints, and broader market conditions. While it might sound most sensible to wait until rates drop to buy a home, it could actually benefit many homebuyers to buy now while demand remains relatively subdued. “[As mortgage rates drop], we think that a buyer’s investment in their home is probably very sound,” continued Habib. “You have a lot more demand when rates go down. In the tight inventory environment, that typically means prices go up.” The S&P Case-Shiller National Home Price Index indicated that home prices increased by an average of 4.5% from 2023 to 2024. While rates might currently be higher than desired, buying now could help clients lock in the property they want in a market where home values will appreciate even faster with demand compounding with the standard rate of home price appreciation. And when rates come down in the coming year, they can work with their UMortgage Loan Originator to refinance to that lower rate that they identified after closing the initial mortgage and enjoy the benefits of equity and appreciation while increased demand drives prices higher. So, if you’re a homebuyer who’s financially ready to buy a home and comfortable paying the quoted monthly mortgage payment, the best time to buy is likely right now! Anticipating Market Trends by Working With an Expert Loan Originator Prospective homebuyers shouldn’t need a background in economics and a subscription to the Wall Street Journal to buy when the time is right. That’s why, in a market shaped by shifting rates, tight inventory, and rising demand, working with a knowledgeable Loan Originator is invaluable. Choosing to buy a home with a UMortgage Loan Originator provides homebuyers with value that extends far beyond their initial home purchase. They’ll receive a trusted mortgage advisor who will be proactive to help them maximize the investment they’ve made in their home, save money when mortgage rates drop, and build generational wealth through real estate. UMortgage has LOs licensed from coast to coast and based in a town near you to provide guidance specific to your homeownership goals. With an expansive portfolio of lenders to get you the lowest rate, thorough knowledge of loan guidelines for specific loans like VA loans and more, and a dedication to providing you with a mortgage that prioritizes your needs first, there’s never been a better time to start your homebuying process. Follow this link and fill out the form to connect with an LO near you!

Historically, the mortgage and finance industries have been predominantly represented by men. According to data from Zippa, 44.7% of loan officers in the United States are women. Of that group, women loan officers earned 87% of what their male counterparts earned. While this gender disparity has decreased in the last decade, Kahren Oxner, a UMortgage Branch Manager, identified the need for a community that helps amplify the voices of women in the mortgage industry and creates equitable growth opportunities. This led to the creation of EmpowHERed—a group exclusively for women at UMortgage and within the housing industry that provides a platform for connection, growth, and empowerment. Considering the need for such a group not just at UMortgage but for the industry as a whole, Oxner said, “I created EmpowHERed because I wanted to create a space for women in our industry to come together, thrive, and grow as a team. This organization is home to so many incredible communities, but it was clear that we were missing one for the great women throughout the company. We needed a place where we could come together, get to know one another, deepen our relationships, support each other, and just have fun.” EmpowHERed is a dynamic group with more than 146 members from UMortgage and the broader housing industry. The group hosts open forums known as EmpowHERed Hour, where members can share insights, discuss challenges, and support each other. Additionally, it produces the EmpowHERed by UMortgage Podcast which amplifies the voices of women in the industry by featuring their stories and the initiatives they're leading to drive positive change. “I’ve always thought that it was incredibly important to support women in the mortgage industry and bring forward different perspectives,” continued Oxner. “Bringing unique voices in and giving them the space to provide fresh ideas and different opinions wholly enriches us. It’s so important to allow those voices to be heard to continue to push our industry forward.” A research study conducted by McKinsey & Company found that organizations in the top quartile of gender diversity on executive teams are 21% more likely to outperform their less gender-diverse counterparts. While plenty of progress has been made for women in the mortgage industry, there’s still plenty of work to continue to bridge the gap and create a more equitable industry for mortgage companies and the homebuyers they serve. Looking ahead, Oxner is optimistic about the future of women in the mortgage industry. “I’m proud to have started this movement, but now it’s evolved into something with a life of its own,” she expressed. “We’ve seen a lot of amazing growth with the number of powerful women we have at UMortgage and I’m excited to see what the future holds!” Visit this page to learn more about how Oxner and EmpowHERed are helping bridge the gender gap and empower women in the mortgage industry.

The Road to 300 | Ben Bell Marks a Milestone of Families Served at UMortgage Ben Bell’s approach to his business’ continued success starts with one thing: genuine care for the clients he serves. Since joining UMortgage in June 2022, Ben Bell has made a huge impact on his community in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. We’re proud to share his latest milestone—his 300th loan closed with UMortgage! As a Senior Branch Manager and Scotsman Guide-ranked originator, Ben’s journey with UMortgage has always centered around his profound commitment to the clients he serves. In many ways, this commitment to the clients he serves has been a key driver in his continued success over the years. Creating Homeownership Dreams, Regardless of the Size With more than 15 years of experience in the mortgage industry, Ben’s success is about more than just numbers; to him, success means that he’s made a positive impact on the families he serves. Every loan offers a new opportunity to guide his clients toward long-term financial freedom. Ben’s approach is simple yet powerful: prioritize relationships, not transactions. “There’s not one program that I say I’m better or worse at,” shared Ben. “My favorite loan product is literally all of them. I’m just as happy to help a client who wants to buy an $80,000 manufactured home as I am to do the $2 million jumbo loan.” This philosophy reflects Ben’s genuine desire to help anyone—regardless of their background or financial situation—achieve their dreams of homeownership and access the life-changing benefits that come with it. Mortgage Service that Goes Beyond the Loan Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most people make, and Ben sees his role as pivotal in helping clients achieve financial freedom through responsible homeownership. Many in the mortgage industry view clients as one-time transactions, but Ben envisions something far greater. For him, each mortgage represents an ongoing relationship where he serves as a trusted advisor for his clients’ long-term financial well-being. “I take so much pride in the relationships I have with my borrowers,” Ben emphasizes. “We impact lives every single day. It’s a big financial sacrifice that people make to get their mortgage, and I want to make sure that their experience getting that mortgage and owning their home is the best out there.” How Mortgages Make a Difference in Your Community For Ben, every loan closed is another life positively impacted, another opportunity to support a client’s dreams and a testament to his commitment to relationships that last long after closing day. Ben is a testament to the positive impact loan officers can have on their communities when they’re equipped with the right resources and a supportive team that fosters their personal & professional growth. UMortgage is committed to empowering homebuyers nationwide, providing access to the most affordable mortgage options available while ensuring expert guidance from a local loan officer who genuinely has their best interests at heart. Follow this link and fill out the form to get connected with an LO in your area today!