Gerald Santoro, Senior Mortgage Advisor - NMLS# 630694

10/07/2026

Worth revisiting today.
With mortgage rates moving higher, this becomes even more important for buyers—and for Realtors structuring offers.
A higher rate doesn’t automatically mean stop looking. Sometimes it means looking more carefully at the entire transaction.
Could the seller be more negotiable? Would a seller concession provide more benefit than simply reducing the price? Could it help with allowable closing costs or a rate-buydown strategy?
Before changing the plan because of a rate headline, let’s run the numbers.

🏡 Higher mortgage rates have some buyers sitting on the sidelines. But there’s one strategy worth understanding: Seller Concessions.
When higher rates reduce buyer demand, some sellers may become more flexible during negotiations.
And sometimes the best negotiation isn’t simply asking for a lower purchase price.
A buyer may be able to negotiate a seller concession, where the seller contributes toward certain allowable closing costs or, when permitted and appropriate, a mortgage rate buydown.
Here’s where it gets interesting:
A $10,000 seller concession and a $10,000 reduction in purchase price can affect a buyer very differently.
Depending on the financing and transaction, that seller contribution may help reduce cash needed at closing or potentially be used toward a rate buydown.
That’s why I like to run the numbers both ways before the buyer and Realtor decide how to structure an offer.
Every transaction is different, and seller-concession limits and permitted uses vary by loan program.
Realtor partners: If you’re negotiating an offer, I’m happy to model the alternatives with you and your buyer.
Know someone who’s considering buying but hesitating because of rates? Share this with them.
Gerald C. Santoro
Senior Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #630694
Bayshore Mortgage Funding, LLC
The Houser Mortgage Team

10/06/2026

🏡 Higher mortgage rates have some buyers sitting on the sidelines. But there’s one strategy worth understanding: Seller Concessions.
When higher rates reduce buyer demand, some sellers may become more flexible during negotiations.
And sometimes the best negotiation isn’t simply asking for a lower purchase price.
A buyer may be able to negotiate a seller concession, where the seller contributes toward certain allowable closing costs or, when permitted and appropriate, a mortgage rate buydown.
Here’s where it gets interesting:
A $10,000 seller concession and a $10,000 reduction in purchase price can affect a buyer very differently.
Depending on the financing and transaction, that seller contribution may help reduce cash needed at closing or potentially be used toward a rate buydown.
That’s why I like to run the numbers both ways before the buyer and Realtor decide how to structure an offer.
Every transaction is different, and seller-concession limits and permitted uses vary by loan program.
Realtor partners: If you’re negotiating an offer, I’m happy to model the alternatives with you and your buyer.
Know someone who’s considering buying but hesitating because of rates? Share this with them.
Gerald C. Santoro
Senior Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #630694
Bayshore Mortgage Funding, LLC
The Houser Mortgage Team

10/05/2026

🏡 A Higher Rate Doesn’t Always Mean “Stop Shopping.” It Means Run the Numbers Carefully.
Mortgage rates have moved higher again, and that understandably gets buyers’ attention.
But there’s another side of today’s market that deserves attention too: when higher rates reduce buyer demand, some sellers may become more willing to negotiate.
That can make it worthwhile to look at the complete transaction — not just the rate.
Depending on the property and seller, a buyer may be able to explore:
• A price adjustment
• Seller concessions toward allowable closing costs
• A seller-funded rate buydown, when permitted and appropriate
• Different financing structures to compare payment and cash-to-close
None of those automatically makes a home a good purchase. And no one can promise where mortgage rates go next.
But if you find the right home, don’t automatically walk away because of a national rate headline. Let’s run the actual numbers and see whether the entire transaction makes sense for you.
Realtor partners: If you’re working on an offer, I’m happy to model different financing and concession scenarios while you negotiate.
No pressure. Just good information.
Gerald C. Santoro
Senior Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #630694
Bayshore Mortgage Funding, LLC
The Houser Mortgage Team
Hashtags:

09/30/2026

“Major Appraisal Changes”
Beginning October 5th, Bayshore will begin ordering ALL Conventional appraisals as UAD 3.6.

09/28/2026

🏡 Higher mortgage rates may be getting the headlines — but buyers should look at the entire transaction.
When home sales slow and sellers have fewer competing offers, buyers may sometimes have more room to negotiate.
Depending on the property and the seller, that could mean opportunities to discuss:
• Seller concessions toward allowable closing costs
• Temporary or permanent rate buydowns, when appropriate
• Price and other contract terms
• Financing structures that may improve the overall payment or cash needed at closing
That doesn’t mean every seller will negotiate, and it doesn’t mean buying is always the right move.
It simply means the mortgage rate is one part of the decision — not the whole decision.
If you’re considering buying, I’m happy to help you compare a few financing scenarios so you can see what the numbers actually look like before deciding whether to move forward or wait.
Realtor partners: I’m also happy to run scenarios while you’re negotiating an offer so your buyer can understand how different concessions or financing structures affect the transaction.
No pressure. Just good information.
Gerald C. Santoro
Senior Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #630694
Bayshore Mortgage Funding, LLC
The Houser Mortgage Team
📞 732-784-8119
✉️ [email protected]

09/24/2026

🏡 Rates are higher. Does that mean buyers should automatically put their plans on hold?

Not necessarily.

Mortgage rates are an important part of the equation, but they’re not the only number that matters when deciding whether to buy a home.

Before deciding to wait, it can be worth looking at the complete picture:

✔️ Which loan program fits best — Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA or another option?
✔️ Are seller or builder concessions available?
✔️ Could a temporary or permanent rate buydown make sense?
✔️ What do the actual monthly payment and cash-to-close numbers look like?
✔️ Most importantly — does the purchase comfortably fit your budget and long-term plans?

Sometimes, after running the numbers, waiting really is the right decision. Other times, buyers discover options they didn't realize were available.

If you've been thinking about buying but today's rates have you sitting on the sidelines, I'm happy to run a few scenarios for you. No pressure and no obligation — just good information so you can make an informed decision.

And Realtors — if you have a buyer who's becoming discouraged by the rate headlines, let's run the numbers before they decide they're out of the market.

Gerald C. Santoro
Senior Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #630694
Bayshore Mortgage Funding, LLC
The Houser Mortgage Team
📞 732-784-8119
✉️ [email protected]

09/22/2026

🍂 Happy First Day of Fall! 🍁

A new season is a great reminder that change can bring new possibilities.

Whether you’re hoping to purchase a home, refinance, renovate, consolidate debt or make better use of your home’s equity, this may be a good time to review your options and prepare for the months ahead.

You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. A simple conversation can help you understand where you stand and what your next step could be.

What are you looking forward to most this fall?

Gerald C. Santoro
Senior Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #630694
Bayshore Mortgage Funding LLC | Company NMLS #196858
The Houser Mortgage Team
📞 732-784-8119

09/22/2026

🏡 You May Be Closer to Homeownership Than You Think!

Many people continue renting because they believe they need perfect credit or a huge down payment before they can purchase a home.

That may not be the case.

The best first step is understanding where you stand and what mortgage options may be available to you.

I can help you explore:

🔑 FHA and Conventional Loans
💰 Down Payment Assistance Programs
🌾 USDA Financing
🏠 First-Time Homebuyer Options
💼 Self-Employed and Bank Statement Programs
🏢 Investment Property and DSCR Loans
🔄 Refinance Options

Already working with a Realtor? Great! I’ll work alongside your agent to help keep the financing process moving.

REALTORS: If you have clients who are uncertain about financing or need another lending option, let’s connect. I’m available to review their situation and help determine the next step.

📞 Ready to find out where you stand? Call or message me at 732-784-8119.

Gerald C. Santoro
Senior Mortgage Advisor | NMLS #630694
Bayshore Mortgage Funding LLC | Company NMLS #196858
The Houser Mortgage Team