March 2026 arrives with a familiar sense of déjà vu. Rates had been tracking in a positive direction through late winter, and then escalating Middle East tensions reignited inflationary pressure through rising oil prices. The result: modest upward movement in the 30-year fixed, which now sits close to the 6% mark. That said, 7- and 10-year ARMs remain firmly in the 5s and continue to represent compelling value.
We hope, as we always do, for a swift and peaceful resolution. The impact on everyday consumers — from gas prices to cost of living — is a direct transmission mechanism into the mortgage market. Until clarity emerges, we are focused on structuring loans that protect clients regardless of what the next several months bring.
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
Hybrid ARM products — particularly the 7- and 10-year fixed periods — remain the standout value in today’s market. For buyers with a defined time horizon or those who anticipate refinancing within the fixed window, locking in the low-to-mid 5% range on a jumbo ARM can translate to hundreds of dollars per month in savings relative to a 30-year fixed. Over five to seven years, that accumulates meaningfully.
Bank Statement & Asset Utilization Programs
Bank statement programs for self-employed borrowers have also repriced favorably. We are placing loans in the low-to-mid 6% range using business bank statements — no tax returns required. Asset utilization programs, which qualify borrowers based on their asset base rather than documented income, remain a powerful alternative for clients with substantial holdings.
Real Estate Market Conditions
The supply and demand picture in real estate has reached a form of equilibrium. Correctly priced properties are moving, while overpriced listings are accumulating days on the market.
Seller Tip: Aligning your list price with current comps is more important than ever.
Buyer Tip: Properties that have been on the market 30 to 60 days often present a negotiating window worth pursuing. We are here to help you model the financing on any opportunity you are tracking.
Economic Snapshot
The most recent employment report disappointed, with the economy shedding approximately 90,000 positions and prior-month figures revised lower — continuing a pattern of softness.
The CPI reading came in flat month-over-month, a neutral outcome in isolation, but one that could shift in the coming months if oil prices remain elevated. Bond markets will be watching closely.
Notable Recent Transactions
| Property Type | Loan Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Unit Investment Property | $3,450,000 | 75% LTV — qualified using bank statements, no tax returns |
| SFR – Short-Term Rental | $2,000,000 | 65% LTV — underwritten on rental income from a professional 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, Curtis, Ted, Coby, Ben and all of us at Centek
Centek Capital Group | gloria@centek.com | centek.com
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