🚨 Big Changes Coming to OHFA Assistance on July 1st!

Our youngest daughter turned 10 last week. It was a such an awesome milestone for her, but for Ash and me, it marked the end of an era: no more little ones in the single digits. Moments like these are a powerful reminder to soak in every second with your kids… because it all goes by in the blink of an eye.

We are posting regular content to Instagram (Nick | Kreg) and Facebook (Nick | Kreg) to help you and your buyers stay informed. Be sure to follow us!

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Rates ended FLAT compared to last week, and volatility was HIGH. Rates are in the high 6% range for most loan types without paying discount points. Paying discount points can get you in the mid 6's.

🚨 Big Changes Coming to OHFA Assistance on July 1st!

Big shifts like this don’t happen often—but this one’s a game changer.

If you’ve used the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) program before, you know how clutch it’s been for helping buyers cover their out-of-pocket costs. Up until now, buyers could choose between 2.5% or 5% down payment assistance. But starting July 1st, that’s changing. The new setup?

➡️ 3.0% for Conventional loans
➡️ 3.5% for FHA, VA, or USDA loans

Here’s why that matters 👇
The 5% option used to help cover more than just the down payment—it chipped away at closing costs and prepaid items too. Without it, buyers will either need more of their own funds or have to get creative with seller credits.

This could seriously affect affordability for some buyers, especially those already on tight budgets.

OHFA will still offer the unassisted loans, which can have significantly stronger rates vs. standard Conventional, FHA, VA or USDA rates.

Changes take affect on July 1st and we’ll be able to see how the reduction in assistance affects the rates offered by OHFA.

Be Ready for Higher Rates After Moody’s Downgrade

Moody’s pulled the pin with just 10 minutes left in Friday’s trading session and downgraded the U.S. credit outlook. It was the kind of grenade we’ve seen before—most notably in 2011 during a similar stretch of budget dysfunction in Congress.

Moody’s was the last of the big three agencies still giving the U.S. a AAA rating. So while this downgrade isn’t a complete shock to the system, the timing definitely sparked some late-day selling in the bond market.

The reason for the downgrade is simple: the government’s racking up debt, interest payments are climbing, and there’s zero game plan to fix it. Congress is spending like there’s no tomorrow and doesn’t seem too interested in changing course.

What does it mean for us? The 10-year Treasury is jumping, and that usually spells trouble for mortgage rates—at least in the short term.

Lower.com Acquires Movoto: What It Means for Real Estate Agents

File this under industry moves you should definitely be paying attention to 👀

Mortgage tech giant Lower.com (based right here in Columbus 💪) just scooped up Movoto, one of the biggest home search websites in the country. You know the ones—those “Zillow-style” portals that buyers love to scroll at 11pm while dreaming about farmhouse sinks and walk-in pantries.

So why does this matter to you?

Let’s break it down 👇

🧲 1. More Leads, Less Cold Calling

Movoto brought in over 150 million visits last year. With Lower now in control, they’re going to start routing those searchers directly into a home + mortgage ecosystem. That could mean more high-intent buyer leads landing in your lap—especially if you’re plugged in with their network.

Translation: Buyers searching homes → Pre-approved with Lower → Paired with a local agent (hopefully you).

🛠 2. All-in-One Experience = Smoother Closings

Lower’s goal is to create a “one-stop shop” where buyers can search listings, get pre-approved, and tour homes—all in one place. That might sound like a threat at first glance, but here’s the upside: fewer dropped balls during the mortgage process, better-qualified buyers, and a faster path to the closing table.

Think of it like having a built-in loan officer in your back pocket.

🧨 3. Big Tech is Coming for the Middle — Are You Ready?

Let’s be real: this is part of a bigger trend. Rocket bought Redfin. Zillow’s been inching toward full-service for years. Now Lower’s joining the party. As tech companies create end-to-end platforms, the real estate agents who lean into tech, build strong partnerships, and stay visible are the ones who will win.

You don’t need to be a tech platform—you just need to play smart with the ones that exist.

🤝 4. It’s Not All Corporate Takeover Vibes

Movoto’s former CEO is now Lower’s new President of Real Estate. That’s a solid sign they’re not trying to steamroll agents—they’re trying to build something with us, not around us. Expect collabs, tools, and maybe even referral networks to evolve fast.

If you’re paying attention, this could open doors—not close them.

This Lower x Movoto merger isn’t just another headline—it’s a major signal of where the real estate world is heading. It’s tech-driven, integrated, and focused on consumer experience. But that doesn’t mean agents are out of the picture.

In fact, the best agents are about to become more valuable than ever.

Fun fact: Thrive is actually owned by Lower. Kreg and I operate under the broader Lower umbrella and can’t wait to see how this new merger impacts us and our agent partners in a positive way 💪

📅LAST CHANCE - 5/21 - Agent Refresh & Reboot

Kreg and I are hitting the stage at Agent Refresh & Reboot on Wednesday, 5/21, and it’s going down at the stunning Venue at Hocking Hills Cabins & Resort. 🌲🎤

🔥 It’s your mid-season mindset reset.
🧠 Come fuel up with fresh ideas, power-packed strategies, and a few surprise gems from a killer speaker lineup (yes, we’re bringing the heat too).

🕙 10AM–Noon: Game-changing insights.
🍽️ Noon: Lunch is on deck.
💆‍♀️ Mini massages? ✅
💐 Fresh bouquets to take home? Yup, we got those too.

Whether you need a second-half strategy boost or just a break from the grind—this event is your moment.

Come reset, recharge, and crush the rest of 2025. Let’s go! 💥

📅6/2 - Ascend Columbus - Live Event

Please join us for The Lower 2025 Speaker Series, Ascend—a live event designed to bring realtors together to create community and share industry knowledge.

Where: Lower.com Field - Huntington Club
When: Monday June 2nd, 2025
Keynote Speaker - Kendra Cooke

Schedule of Event

• 11AM — 4PM: Food & Drinks Provided

• Check-In: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

• Lunch: 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

• Speaker: 12:30 - 2:00 PM

• Q&A: 2:00 - 2:30 PM

• Bar Closes: 3:00 pm

• Event Wraps: 4:00 pm

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1. Let’s collaborate – schedule a zoom meeting

2. Tough deal?  Let us help!

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all. Have a wonderful week!