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UMortgage Earns #88 Ranking on 2024 Inc. 5000 List

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Chris Thornton

Loan Originator |NMLS 1942515

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Meet Chris!

Dedicated and client-focused Loan Officer with over three years of experience in the financial industry. Known for building strong client relationships by placing their needs and financial goals at the forefront of every transaction. Adept at analyzing financial situations, offering tailored loan solutions, and ensuring a seamless loan application process. Committed to providing exceptional service and fostering trust with clients to help them achieve their financial objectives.

Serving Homebuyers In:

  • Kentucky
  • Ohio

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Tips to Navigate a Changing Housing Market

In today’s fast-paced real estate environment, adapting to change is essential. We’ve seen first-hand that the market can be unpredictable. However, with the right strategy and the right team in your corner, there’s plenty of opportunity for you to thrive. Here's how you can collaborate with UMortgage to navigate these challenges and find success. Work With a Local Expert One of the biggest advantages you can get in any housing market, let alone one that changes quickly, is local expertise. National headlines paint a broad picture, but every neighborhood has its own dynamics. By partnering with one of UMortgage’s local mortgage experts, you can dive deeper into the market conditions affecting your area to make informed decisions while you shop for your home. UMortgage is proud to have Loan Originators who are rooted in their local communities and can offer in-depth expertise on the market dynamics of specific neighborhoods. When you choose to work with a UMortgage LO, you’ll get inside knowledge on regional trends, mortgage rate movements, and inventory fluctuations to help you shop with confidence. With the right information in your toolbelt, you can ensure you're acting at the best time to buy or own your home without unneeded financial strain. Understand the Economics Behind the Market A changing market can feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that real estate is driven by fundamental economics. Your LO can break down these key drivers—such as interest rates, inflation, housing supply, and demand—so you understand not just what’s happening, but why. This insight is especially helpful for homebuyers who may feel unsure about jumping into the market during periods of fluctuation. If you're a real estate agent, having a solid narrative behind these changes can set you apart when trying to win over a prospective buyer. Being able to clearly explain why certain trends are happening will build trust and reassure your clients that you're the go-to person for real estate advice. With UMortgage’s help, you’ll always have up-to-date market insights to share. We publish a weekly blog every Monday at noon sharing digestible insight into recent mortgage rate movements and a forecast market-impacting events on the horizon. Check it out here every week to see the different pieces of economic data that will make mortgage rates shift to stay ahead of the curve. Find Your Niche and Strengthen Your Knowledge In a diverse market, it’s important to find a niche where you can specialize. As a real estate agent, honing in on a specific area—whether it's first-time homebuyers, military homebuyers, or investment properties—can set you apart. With UMortgage, we offer a wide range of loan products to tailor a mortgage to a client’s specific financial goals. When you specialize, you can provide better service, and we can match you with the right mortgage product to strengthen those client relationships. Homebuyers can also benefit from this strategy by working with a LO who understands their unique circumstances. Whether you're a veteran using a VA loan or a self-employed borrower with a more complex financial picture, finding the right loan product will make all the difference when your loan reaches underwriting. Managing the Emotions of the Homebuying Experience Finally, it’s crucial to manage the emotional rollercoaster of real estate transactions. Buying a home can be stressful, and market changes can add to that pressure. But don’t worry—we’ve seen it all. Your UMortgage LO is here to guide you with clear, rational advice that helps you stay focused on your long-term goals. By working closely with your UMortgage LO, you'll have the right combination of local knowledge, market insight, and emotional support to stay resilient through the ups and downs. The real estate market may be ever-changing, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to succeed. With the right LO by your side, you can navigate these shifts confidently. At UMortgage, we’re committed to helping you find the best path forward, no matter what the market throws your way.

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Housing Market Update | Week of October 21st

Mortgage rates inched slightly higher last week as the markets continued to digest some of the previous economic data we’ve seen concerning job growth and inflation. We have another quiet week without much market-moving data; however, we could potentially see rates come back down with some favorable data in a jam-packed week next week. Last Week's Mortgage Rate Recap Rates Rose Slightly There wasn’t much substance to the pieces of market data that we received last week to move rates significantly in either direction. We did, however, see some positive housing data that suggests increased supply and healthy demand. We’ve had 3 consecutive weeks of positive year-over-year growth in purchase application data and pending contract data. There’s also been another week of inventory growth; we currently sit 33% higher than we did this time last year. This Week's Mortgage Rate Forecast Rates Should Be Steady The only market movers we could see this week will be from the various Fed members’ media appearances and initial jobless claims on Thursday. That said, expect another relatively steady week. Next week, however, is action-packed and could change the market’s direction if we get favorable data from the various employment reports and our PCE report between October 29th and November 1st. This data will be instrumental to the Fed’s decision in their November 7th meeting. All things considered, we should see the market shift in a positive direction for us in the coming months. To help us navigate this shift, we’re hosting an exclusive event—Market Momentum: Industry Insights from Industry Leaders on Market Resilience—tomorrow at 3pm ET. We’ll have plenty of great perspectives shared by leading real estate agents, LOs, and industry executives. Follow this link to save your spot so we can tackle this market and make 2025 our best year yet!

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Spruce Up Your Fall Open Houses With This Checklist

Autumn is the perfect time to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites buyers to envision themselves living in the home they're visiting. As the weather cools and the leaves start to turn, real estate agents have a unique opportunity to set the mood for open houses by adding a touch of seasonal charm. With just a few simple touches, you can help potential buyers feel at home while also reminding them of important fall maintenance tasks. Here’s a checklist to give your open houses that cozy, autumnal vibe while also emphasizing the importance of seasonal upkeep. 1. Set the Mood with Fall-Scented Candles or a Simmer Pot When potential buyers walk into a home, the first thing they’ll notice is the atmosphere. Scents are incredibly powerful, so setting the right mood with fall-scented candles or a simmer pot with seasonal spices is a must. Opt for warm, inviting aromas like cinnamon, pumpkin spice, allspice, or cedarwood. These scents create an immediate sense of comfort and coziness. Tip: Choose subtle, natural fragrances to avoid overwhelming guests. You want the scent to be pleasant, not overpowering. For a fall-scented simmer pot, slice an apple, an orange, and a lemon and add to a saucepot. Sprinkle them with a tablespoon of nutmeg and ground ginger and add up to 5 cinnamon sticks. Cover with water, bring to a boil, and lower the heat to simmer for as long as desired. 2. Incorporate Seasonal Decor Fall is all about beautiful colors and textures, so why not bring those elements into your open house? You don’t have to go overboard—just a few tasteful touches will do the trick. Think decorative pumpkins, a simple wreath on the door, cozy throw blankets, and vases filled with autumnal foliage or wheat stalks. Tip: Neutral tones and natural materials, like wood and cotton, blend well with most interiors and help potential buyers focus on the home itself, not just the decor. 3. Create Cozy, Inviting Spaces Fall is the season of warmth and relaxation, so highlight areas of the home that encourage comfort. Stage the living room with plush pillows and soft throws or set up a reading nook with a comfy chair and a stack of books. If the home has a fireplace, make sure it’s clean and staged, and consider lighting it for the event (if it’s a gas fireplace) to showcase how the space could feel on a chilly evening. Tip: Dim lighting and warm, ambient lamps create a relaxed atmosphere that makes the space feel more intimate and inviting. 4. Highlight Outdoor Spaces with Seasonal Touches Don’t forget about the exterior! Add seasonal touches to the front porch or backyard to make outdoor spaces shine. A simple pumpkin arrangement or a few pots of mums can make a big difference. Clean up leaves and debris to ensure the yard looks well-maintained. Tip: Don’t forget to highlight the potential for cozy outdoor living. Adding a fire pit, some string lights, or a patio heater can inspire buyers to imagine gathering outside even in cooler weather. Seasonal Maintenance Tips to Share with Buyers In addition to creating a cozy atmosphere, fall is an important time for homeowners to tackle seasonal maintenance tasks. By offering these tips during an open house, you can help buyers think ahead and show that you’re a knowledgeable resource. 1. Turn Off Outdoor Spigots and Drain Hoses One of the most important fall tasks is to turn off outdoor spigots and drain hoses before freezing temperatures arrive. Remind buyers that failing to do so can lead to burst pipes, which can cause costly damage. Tip: Suggest purchasing insulated faucet covers to protect outdoor water sources during the winter months. 2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts Fallen leaves and debris can easily clog gutters and downspouts, leading to water damage when the rain starts. Make sure buyers are aware of this essential task to prevent overflow or ice damming during winter. Tip: A gutter guard can help reduce the amount of debris that accumulates, saving time and effort in the long run. 3. Trim Dead Limbs and Clean Up Spent Plants Fall is the perfect time to trim dead or damaged tree limbs to prevent them from breaking under the weight of snow or ice. It’s also a good idea to clean up spent plants and flowers from garden beds to give the yard a tidy appearance and prepare for next spring. Tip: Encourage buyers to save time in the spring by planting bulbs in the fall that will bloom early next year, like tulips or daffodils. 4. Inspect and Seal Drafty Windows and Doors With cooler weather coming, now is the time for homeowners to check windows and doors for drafts. Encourage buyers to inspect the home’s seals and weatherstripping to prevent heat loss and save on energy bills. Tip: Window insulation kits and door draft stoppers are affordable and effective ways to block cold air from seeping in. Adding fall vibes to your open houses is more than just setting the mood—it’s about helping potential buyers feel comfortable, welcome, and excited to imagine themselves living in the space. By combining seasonal decor and cozy touches with important homeownership tips, you’ll not only create a memorable experience but also position yourself as a trusted resource for your prospective buyers.

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