Opening
Good morning from Plymouth, MI
It's August, the mortgage market is moving, and I've been thinking about a lot lately. Grab your coffee. Let's talk.
Top 5 This Week
Top 5 Things Worth Reading
Why First-Time Buyers Are Finally Catching a Break
Rates dipped again this week and sellers are starting to negotiate. Here's what that means if you're still on the fence.
Read MoreThe Hidden Costs Nobody Warns You About at Closing
Origination fees, escrow buffers, prepaid interest — let's break down what actually shows up on your closing disclosure.
Read MoreWhat Veterans Need to Know About VA Loan Changes in 2026
The VA loan benefit just got more flexible. If you've served, you need to read this before your next move.
Read MoreSenior Living Costs Are Rising — Here's How Reverse Mortgages Are Helping
More seniors are tapping home equity to stay in their homes and cover rising care costs. A look at how it works.
Read MorePlymouth, MI Market Update: What $350K Gets You Right Now
Inventory is tight but moving. Here's a snapshot of what the local market looks like heading into fall.
Read More
Recipe of the Week
Recipe of the Week: Crock Pot Phillies
This one came from my years in the kitchen — a dead-simple slow cooker Philly that feeds a crowd and tastes like you worked all day. You didn't. The crock pot did.
- Any beef roast (round or chuck cut)
- Heavy seasoning (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
- 1 lb wet soup base tub (au jus concentrate — find it at Gordon Food Service or Restaurant Depot)
- Water to cover
- Hoagie rolls
- Provolone cheese
- Bell peppers and onions (sautéed separately)
Feel Good Moment
Feel Good Moment
Trapped for 72 hours in a collapsed mine in rural Kentucky, a team of rescue workers refused to leave until every single person was out. No cameras. No press. Just neighbors helping neighbors. This one hit me hard.
Read the Full StoryQuestion of the Week
Jarrod's Question of the Week
If you could sit down to dinner with any three people — living, dead, or fictional — who's at your table and what are you serving?
Reply to this email — I read every one.
Market Corner
Market Corner
30-year fixed is hovering around 6.67% as of this writing. We've seen two small dips in the last three weeks. If you've been waiting for a signal to move — this might be worth a conversation.
Let's Talk NumbersFrom Jarrod's Desk
From Jarrod's Desk
I started this newsletter because I wanted a place to talk to people — not at them. No pitch. No agenda. Just real stuff. I'm a mortgage guy, yeah — but I'm also a former chef, a dad, a neighbor. This is where those worlds meet. Thanks for being here. See you next Friday.
— Jarrod