What a way to start March. Rates were trending in a positive direction, and then the Middle East escalated from a simmer to a boil. Oil prices have risen dramatically, creating an inflationary cycle that has pushed rates modestly higher — though they remain close to the 6% range. 7- and 10-year ARMs are still holding in the 5s.
Hopefully there is some form of near-term resolution, allowing oil prices to settle and interest rates to follow the same trajectory. Time will tell. Most importantly, we hope for a swift conclusion and freedom for the Iranian people.
Current Rate Snapshot
| Loan Program | Rate / Notes |
|---|---|
| Jumbo ARM (7 or 10-Year) | Low to mid 5% range — attractive for buyers with a near term time horizon or plan to refinance. |
| 30-Year Fixed | Hovering near the 6% range; slight upward pressure from oil-driven inflation. |
| Bank Statement Programs | Low-to-mid 6% range. Asset utilization programs also available as an alternative income qualifier. |
Loan Program Highlights
Jumbo ARM Programs
Jumbo loan rates in the low-to-mid 5% range make 7- and 10-year ARMs compelling products for buyers whose time horizon aligns with the fixed period — or for those who anticipate refinancing in the next few years. Saving even a few hundred dollars per month accumulates meaningfully over 5 to 7 years.
Bank Statement & Asset Utilization Programs
Business bank statement programs have kept pace with the broader decline in mortgage rates, now in the low-to-mid 6% range. We also offer asset utilization programs that treat qualifying assets as an alternative form of income — a powerful tool for borrowers who may not show traditional W-2 income but have substantial assets.
Real Estate Market Conditions
The market continues to reflect a form of equilibrium on the supply/demand side. Aggressively priced properties still generate strong activity, while overpriced homes sit on the market for extended periods.
Seller Tip: Ensure your agent has you properly aligned with current comps for a realistic listing price.
Buyer Tip: Consider targeting properties that have been on the market 30–60 days — sellers in that window may be more flexible on price.
Economic Snapshot
Last month’s employment report disappointed, with the economy shedding 90,000 jobs and prior month figures revised downward. It remains to be seen whether this reflects a broader slowdown or the continued displacement of positions by technology.
The most recent CPI (inflation) report showed no change from the prior month — a neutral reading. However, next month’s report may be more challenging for the bond market to absorb if the conflict with Iran remains unresolved. Gas prices are a meaningful component of overall cost of living, and their trajectory will directly influence the rate environment.
Notable Recent Transactions
| Property Type | Loan Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Unit Investment Property | $3,450,000 | 75% LTV using bank statements |
| SFR – Short-Term Rental | $2,000,000 | 65% LTV; underwriting based on rental income from property management company |
Loan Programs At A Glance
| Program | Ideal Borrower | How They Qualify | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional / Jumbo | W-2 employees, first-time buyers & high-balance loans | Tax returns, pay stubs, 2-yr employment history | Conforming and jumbo loan amounts available |
| Bank Statement Loans | Self-employed, business owners & 1099 earners | 12–24 months bank statements — no tax returns | Great for buyers turned down by traditional banks |
| Asset Utilization | Retirees & high-net-worth buyers with portfolios | Assets depleted over loan term = qualifying income | No job or income needed — assets qualify them |
| DSCR — Investor Loans | Real estate investors — SFR or 2–4 unit properties | Property cash flow covers mortgage — no personal income | No property limit — scales with growing portfolios |
| HELOC | Homeowners looking to tap existing equity in their property | Home equity line; flexible draws with multiple underwriting options | Ideal for renovations, debt consolidation, or reserves |
| Multi-Family | Investors acquiring 5+ unit or mixed-use buildings | Property income, DSCR, or commercial underwriting | 5 to 100+ units — residential & commercial covered |
| Construction Loans | Buyers building a home or investors building rentals | One-time close — covers land + full build cost | Owner-occupied and investment construction eligible |
| Commercial | Owners buying offices, retail, warehouses, mixed-use | Business financials, property income, or SBA programs | Owner-occupied and investment properties both covered |
| Reverse Mortgage | Homeowners 62+ with significant equity in their home | Age + equity qualifies — no monthly payment required | Helps seniors stay in place or buy their next home |
5 Borrowers You May Be Missing
- Self-Employed Turned Down Elsewhere: Bank statement loan — qualify on deposits, not taxes.
- Investor Buying Their 8th+ Property: DSCR loan — no personal income docs, no property limit.
- Retiree with $1M+ in Savings: Asset utilization — portfolio qualifies as income.
- Client Wants to Build a Custom Home: Construction loan — land + build, one close.
- Senior Sitting on Lots of Equity: Reverse mortgage — eliminates payment, frees cash.
Why Partner With Centek
- We Say YES When Others Can’t: Access to 50+ wholesale lenders — more options for every borrower.
- One Relationship — Every Loan Type: Residential, commercial, construction, reverse — all under one roof.
- Fast, Communicative Closings: Your reputation stays intact. We close on time, every time.
- Co-Marketing Support: Co-branded flyers, social posts, and buyer guides at no cost.
- Hard Deal Hotline for Partners: Tough scenario? Reach out before you give up — we’ll find a way.
A complete menu of our loan products is attached for your reference. As always, we welcome your feedback and look forward to speaking with you soon.
Best regards,
Gloria Shulman
Centek Capital Group | gloria@centek.com | centek.com
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