Skip to main content

UMortgage Earns Second Consecutive Inc. 5000 Ranking for America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Read More

Ty Downing

Loan Originator |NMLS 2281948

Connect on Social Media!

Google Reviews

Meet Ty!

A Florida native, Ty Downing was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. Ty joined the US Navy in 2009 and was stationed at NAS Jacksonville where he served for 11 years as a Naval Aircrewman. After four deployments, he decided to transition to a training consultant role for the Navy, which allowed him to start a family. During his time in the service, he also received his Bachelors in Business and Minor in Finance from Columbia College of Missouri, and was also selected to attend the University of Florida’s Professional MBA Program. Ty has always had a passion for real estate and values building relationships with his customers and— more than anything— wants to help others, especially other service members, through the homebuying process. Ty believes in honesty, communication, and doing what’s right for the customer. His number one priority is following the golden rule: treating his customers how he and his family want to be treated. In his free time, Ty enjoys spending time with his wife and son, and sneaking away to the golf course when he can. Him and his family love to go on vacation, especially to the House of the Mouse, and they never miss Sunday Football (Go Broncos!) or a Chelsea Futbol match.

Serving Homebuyers In:

  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • North Carolina

Mortgage Calculators

Monthly Payment

Affordability

Refinance

VA Entitlement & Payments

Your Mortgage Questions, Answered!

Housing Market Update | Week of August 25th

Mortgage rates reached a new yearly low on Friday after Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell suggested that recent labor data could force the Fed to adjust its monetary policy and cut rates. This statement sprang economists into action as the 10-year treasury yield dropped sharply and took mortgage rates lower on Friday afternoon. It’s important to note that mortgage rates dropping like this is the market preemptively pricing in a Fed rate cut. We likely have some buyers who want to wait to act until after a potential cut, but they could be missing out on the lowest rate if they do so. We saw the same thing happen last September; Powell hinted that the Fed would cut in his 2024 speech at Jackson Hole, rates dropped, then after the cut, rates bounced higher. If you’re trying to convince buyers to act now instead of waiting for the actual rate cut, feel free to share this blog to explain the market trends surrounding Fed rate cuts. Last Week's Mortgage Rate Recap Rates Dropped Economists waited with bated breath last week, awaiting any hint of a rate cut by Fed officials, especially Powell, during the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium. Early in Powell’s speech on Friday, they got what they hoped for. Powell emphasized that the rapid slowdown in job growth presents a significant risk to the labor market and could seriously harm the economy through higher layoffs and rising unemployment. Regarding inflation and tariffs, he believes tariffs would cause a one-time shift in prices rather than long-term inflation. He explained that this short-term price increase wouldn’t happen all at once but would gradually occur as tariffs are implemented at different times. More economic data will emerge before the Fed’s September meeting, starting with a PCE inflation report this week. Currently, all signs point to a 0.25% cut on September 17th. This Week's Mortgage Rate Forecast Rates Could Move on Friday The biggest news this week is Friday’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation report. As we’ve noted before, this is the Fed’s favorite way to measure inflation. Core PCE is currently expected to rise 0.3%; if that happens and inflation doesn’t get out of control, we could see rates continue to decline. Powell has said that the health of the labor market influences the Fed’s monetary policy more than inflation does. The Fed still has a dual mandate to lower inflation and reduce unemployment, but revisions to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) jobs reports in May and June pose a bigger risk to the economy’s health. If the next Jobs Report on September 5th shows a big increase in job growth, the Fed might shift its focus back to inflation. But right now, this summer’s labor data could trigger our first rate cut of 2025. Now more than ever, your buyers are likely wondering what these headlines mean for them. It’s important to note that mortgage rates usually drop before the Fed cuts rates and tend to rise slightly after the rate cut is official. If you have any questions about the market or want to connect any of your buyers with a UMortgage Loan Originator, follow this link to connect with an expert near you!

Read More

How the Federal Reserve Impacts Mortgage Rates (And How It Doesn't)

If you’ve been watching the news lately, you’ve probably seen a lot of headlines about the Federal Reserve and interest rates. And if you're a homebuyer or a real estate agent working with buyers, you might wonder: Does the Federal Reserve control mortgage rates? It’s a great question. And the short answer is: Not necessarily. The longer answer is a bit more nuanced because while the Fed does play an important role in the economy, it doesn't directly control mortgage rates. What Is the Federal Reserve and the Federal Funds Rate? The Federal Reserve, often referred to simply as the Fed, is the central bank of the United States. Its primary job is to keep the economy healthy by keeping inflation in check, supporting the labor economy, and promoting stable & sustainable economic growth. One of the main tools the Fed uses to manage the economy is the Federal Funds Rate. This is the interest rate banks charge one another for overnight loans. While consumers don’t pay this rate directly, it has a ripple effect across the economy, influencing rates on credit cards, auto loans, and savings accounts. How the Federal Funds Rate Influences the Economy When the Fed raises the Federal Funds Rate, it becomes more expensive for banks to borrow money. That tends to result in higher borrowing costs for consumers and businesses in an attempt to slow down inflation and prevent the economy from overheating. When the Fed lowers the rate, borrowing becomes cheaper. This encourages more spending and investment, often a strategy used during economic slowdowns or recessions. Important distinction: The Federal Funds Rate influences the economy, but it does not directly control mortgage rates. Why Mortgage Rates Don’t Always Follow the Fed Here’s where a lot of confusion begins. Many people assume that when the Fed raises interest rates, mortgage rates automatically rise too. But that’s not how it works. Mortgage rates are driven by a different set of economic factors, mainly the bond market. Specifically, rates are closely tied to the 10-year Treasury yield and the performance of mortgage-backed securities (MBS). Investors who buy these securities care most about the labor market, inflation, the long-term economic outlook, and market stability/instability If inflation is rising or expected to rise, mortgage rates tend to increase. If economic conditions appear weak or uncertain, rates can fall, even if the Fed is raising the Federal Funds Rate. In fact, mortgage rates often move in anticipation of what the Fed might do, not just in response to what it has done. The markets are always looking ahead. What Really Drives Mortgage Rates? Here’s a quick snapshot of the major factors that impact mortgage rates: Inflation: Higher inflation usually = higher mortgage rates. Economic Growth: A strong economy can lead to higher rates. Global Events: Uncertainty (like geopolitical conflict or pandemics) can drive rates lower. Bond Market Demand: More demand for mortgage bonds often = lower mortgage rates. In other words, mortgage rates are influenced by a wide range of factors and are always forward-looking. Want more in-depth analysis of the housing market? Check out our weekly Housing Market Update blog. How Homebuyers and Real Estate Can Navigate the Market For homebuyers and the real estate agents supporting them, the key takeaway is this: Don’t assume that a Fed rate cut means mortgage rates are going down. In some cases, mortgage rates don’t move much on the day that the Fed cuts rates. Most of the time, they will drop in the lead-up to a Fed Meeting if a rate cut is expected. Other times, they might drop after a Fed announcement, depending on how markets interpret the economic outlook. If you’re considering buying a home or are an agent for a hesitant buyer, here’s how you should navigate periods of market instability: Focus on personal goals and timing, rather than trying to time the market. Work with a knowledgeable mortgage professional who can explain how market shifts impact your unique situation. Make informed decisions based on the bigger picture, not just headlines. Whether you're buying, selling, or considering a refinance, UMortgage Loan Originators are here to help you navigate the market with confidence and leverage homeownership to build wealth. If you’re curious about your homebuying or refinance options and want expert guidance, fill out this form to get connected with a UMortgage Loan Originator in your area!

Read More

How to Consolidate Debt Using Your Home Equity

If you’re like many homeowners holding off on refinancing because you don’t want to lose your low mortgage rate, it might be time to look at the bigger picture. Yes, rates aren’t what they were a few years ago. However, credit card debt is at record highs, with average interest rates north of 20%. For households juggling thousands in revolving debt, it’s not the mortgage rate that’s crushing monthly cash flow; it’s those high-interest minimum payments. If you’re feeling financially squeezed, loan products like a cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit (HELOC) can help you take control by using your home’s equity to consolidate debt and reclaim hundreds, sometimes thousands, in monthly breathing room. Brian Cardenas, UMortgage Loan Originator, has been using these strategies to save his clients hundreds of dollars per month. “Money is one of the biggest stressors that we experience in our lives,” said Cardenas. “People are sitting on a ton of equity and a really low interest rate on their home. But they also have this albatross around their neck of this high-interest debt that’s just crushing them.” According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, total outstanding credit card debt stood at approximately $1.21 trillion by the end of Q4 2024 – a $45 billion increase from the prior quarter, marking a 7.3% year-over-year rise. At an average APR of 21.37%, as reported by the Federal Reserve in February 2025, that extra debt adds up fast. With a cash-out refi or HELOC, you’re using the money you’ve already invested in your home instead of taking on more debt with high-interest credit cards or personal loans. Here’s how each works, so you know your options before you commit. What is a Cash Out Refinance and How Does One Work? A cash-out refinance allows homeowners to replace their current mortgage with a new loan that provides extra funds by tapping into the equity homeowners have built in their property. Essentially, homeowners can "cash out" a portion of their equity to use as they see fit. This process works by allowing homeowners to borrow against their home equity, which is the difference between the home’s appraised market value and the remaining mortgage balance. By taking out a larger loan, the borrower receives the excess in cash after paying off the original mortgage. For a clearer picture of how this can work, use UMortgage’s Refinance Calculator to see what a cash-out refi might look like for you. What is a HELOC Loan and How Does One Work? A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a loan that lets you borrow against your home’s equity without replacing your existing mortgage. Think of it like a credit card that can be used, repaid, and used again over time. This flexible borrowing option is based on the difference between the home’s current market value and the outstanding mortgage balance. Homeowners can draw from the line of credit as needed, whether for home improvements, debt consolidation, or other significant expenses, and only pay interest on the amount they use. Why You Should Consult with an Expert Before You Act Accessing your equity is just like any other mortgage product: there’s no one-size-fits-all option. That’s why it’s so important to consult with a mortgage expert before you pull the trigger. Working with a UMortgage Loan Originator takes out the guesswork; you’ll have someone in your corner who will present you with all your options so you can make an informed decision that works best for your financial future. “After crunching all the numbers, I found out that there were some considerable savings that we can present to this borrower and help relieve some of the financial burdens that they’re experiencing every single month,” said Cardenas regarding a client whose debt he consolidated earlier this year. “We’re just simply presenting options and letting the consumer decide which, if any of these options, is going to fit their needs best.” If you want to discover your options to consolidate your debt with your home’s equity, or learn more about HELOC rates, fill out this form to connect with a UMortgage Loan Originator in your area. They’ll reach out shortly after you submit to start the process.

Read More
Read More
Apply With Me
Submit Referral
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Review our complete Privacy Policy here.