01 · The Big Story
Divorce and Real Estate: What Are the Options?
Welcome back. Here's a call every agent gets sooner or later. A past client reaches out and tells you they're in the middle of a divorce. What do you do? What are their options?
It's a real part of this business, and it has to be handled well. On Tuesday we'll look at it from both sides: the real estate options, what has to happen on the lending side, and how to build this part of your business by working with attorneys whose clients are going through separation and divorce.
Tuesday Mortgage Chat, Oct 6, at noon ET. It's free on Zoom, and you'll find the link on my Linktree. I'd love a good turnout, so mark your calendar. Community is what makes this helpful for everyone.
02 · Market Update
A Tough Month for Rates Ends on a Hopeful Note
Mortgage rates spent most of September climbing, and Freddie Mac's weekly average hit 7.28% this week. The main drivers were heavy government borrowing, high oil prices tied to tension in the Middle East, and a Fed that raised its rate again and hasn't ruled out more.
Then today's jobs report changed the mood. Employers added far fewer jobs than expected, and unemployment ticked up to 4.2%. That's the clearest sign yet that the economy is cooling, which is what it takes for rates to come down. Rates improved right away.
What to tell clients who ask: Rates are still high, but this week brought the first real sign of relief. One report doesn't make a trend, so waiting for a "perfect" rate is a gamble. If the numbers work today, buying now still makes sense, and options like adjustable-rate loans can help with the payment.
03 · Tuesday Live
Divorce is one of those moments when a client needs a clear plan, and the agent they call first is in a great spot to help. On Tuesday we’ll walk through the real estate options when a home is part of a divorce, what lenders need to see before anyone can keep the house, sell, or buy the next place, and how to build referral relationships with divorce attorneys so these clients find you first. It comes up more often than most agents expect, so it pays to be ready. Bring your questions, and bring a colleague.
See you Tuesday. Daily updates on Instagram at @thecltmortgageguy, past Tuesday calls on YouTube, and the Zoom link anytime at linktr.ee/thecltmortgageguy.
Have a topic for a future call? Just reply to this email. I read every one.
04 · Recap
Recap: This Week's Tuesday Call on Assumable Mortgages
On this week's Tuesday call (Sep 29), we walked through assumable mortgages step by step. A few takeaways:
Which loans qualify. FHA, VA, and USDA loans can usually be taken over by a buyer who qualifies. Most conventional loans can't.
VA loans. A buyer doesn't have to be a veteran to take over a VA loan, but the seller's VA benefit can stay tied to that loan, so talk it through with the seller before you list.
At the listing appointment, ask: What kind of loan do you have? When did you get it, and what's the rate? About how much do you still owe? Who do you send your payment to?
The gap. The buyer still has to cover the difference between the price and what's owed, with cash, a second loan, or both.
Missed it? The recording is available on my Linktree and my YouTube channel. Every Tuesday call is recorded and posted afterward, so you can catch up on any call you missed.
Ian Smith · VP of Lending, Rate
[email protected] · linktr.ee/thecltmortgageguy · @thecltmortgageguy
Ian Smith, NMLS #1465241 · Equal Housing Lender / © 2026 Guaranteed Rate, Inc. D/B/A Rate · NMLS ID 2611 / Rates shown are illustrative, subject to change, and are not a commitment to lend. Educational only; not legal or tax advice. Loan guidelines vary by program and lender, and not all applicants will qualify.