Mortgage Education • Rates • Homebuyer Strategy • Chicagoland
Chicago Mortgage Loan Officer & Homebuyer Resource Center
A mortgage education resource created by David Braun — Chicagoland mortgage loan officer with nearly 30 years of experience. Helping Illinois first-time buyers, move-up families, self-employed borrowers and refinancers understand mortgage rates, loan programs, pre-approval, affordability and the home financing process.
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, a move-up buyer, self-employed, or simply researching your financing options…
First-Time Buyers
Guidance on FHA, IHDA, and conventional programs designed to help you buy your first Chicago-area home with confidence.
Move-Up Buyers
Strategies for selling your current home and financing your next one — including bridge options and timing your purchase.
Self-Employed Borrowers
Bank statement loans, 1099 programs, and conventional options for entrepreneurs and independent contractors.
Refinancing
Rate-and-term, cash-out, and streamline refinance options reviewed against your current loan and long-term goals.
Explore MortgageOS Resources
DavidBraunMLO.com features mortgage calculators, market updates, FHA and conventional loan education, self-employed borrower guidance, homebuyer checklists and Chicagoland mortgage resources. MortgageOS is designed to bring these tools together in one place so buyers can build a clearer mortgage strategy.
Nearly Three Decades of Mortgage Experience
A Mortgage Career Built on Experience, Markets and Relationships
From Harris Bank in 1997 to today's mortgage market — nearly 30 years of helping borrowers understand home financing. Mortgage lending has changed dramatically since I entered the business in 1997. Interest rates have risen and fallen. Lending guidelines have changed. Technology has transformed the mortgage process. Banks have merged, markets have gone through historic cycles, and borrowers today have access to more information than ever before.
Weekly Market Update
Chicago Mortgage Rates This Week: October 19–23, 2026 — Are Rates Stabilizing?
October 19, 2026
The 30-year national average held at 7.40% for the week of October 19–23, unchanged from the prior week after a period of rising borrowing costs. David breaks down what could move rates this week — inflation expectations, Treasury yields, housing activity, and Friday's business activity surveys — and what Chicago homebuyers should focus on right now.
- 30-year fixed national average: 7.40% (Freddie Mac, Oct 15, 2026) — unchanged week-over-week
- Watch this week: inflation expectations, Treasury yields, and Friday's Oct 23 business activity surveys
- Waiting for lower rates may make sense for some — others may find opportunities based on their finances and available inventory
- David's advice: focus on what you can control — payment comfort, documentation, program comparison, and cash reserves
Career Milestones
Market Intelligence
Daily mortgage rates, bond market analysis, and Chicago housing data — straight from the Mortgage Maniac blog.
Chicago Housing Market October 2026: Mortgage Demand Falls 18% While Home Prices Rise
National homebuyer demand is weakening — purchase applications are down 18% year-over-year per the MBA — yet Chicago's median sale price hit $409,805 in September 2026, up 7.8% annually. David breaks down what this contrast means for Chicagoland buyers, including three negotiation strategies and a full mortgage rate update.
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Why Choose David Braun? | Chicago Mortgage Expert Since 1997
Posts are for general educational and informational purposes only. Not a mortgage rate quote, preapproval, or commitment to lend. NMLS #303007.
Mortgage Education
Read Before You Apply
David Braun created three practical guides to help Chicagoland homebuyers replace confusion with preparation — and approach important mortgage conversations with greater confidence.
The 2026–2027 Homebuyer & Mortgage Guide
Real Answers. Smart Strategies. A Brighter Tomorrow.
Explains how the mortgage pieces fit together — from early financial preparation through application, property review, underwriting and closing.
Best for:
First-time buyers, repeat buyers, refinancers and anyone who wants a clearer overview before applying.
The Self-Employed Mortgage Playbook
Business owners may earn enough — but presenting income is the challenge.
Covers tax returns, income trends, documented funds and early review strategies for business owners, entrepreneurs, 1099 earners and independent contractors.
Best for:
Business owners, entrepreneurs, independent contractors and borrowers with complex income.
The Chicagoland FHA Homebuying Guide
FHA financing through a Chicagoland lens.
Explains FHA qualification, mortgage insurance, property review, closing funds and how Chicagoland property taxes influence buying power.
Best for:
Eligible first-time and repeat buyers considering FHA financing in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs.
The Books Educate. The Conversation Personalizes.
A book can explain the mortgage process. It cannot review your income, credit, assets, debts, property taxes, timing or goals. Call David to turn general information into a conversation about your specific situation.
Call David — 312-656-0220The Mortgage Maniac — Watch & Learn
Mortgage education videos covering rates, loan programs, homebuyer strategy and more.
Chicago Mortgage Rate Outlook: October 2026
October's inflation reports and Federal Reserve meeting can change the mortgage conversation. Follow the economic calendar, compare payment scenarios, and prepare questions before committing to a loan.
Includes an interactive Chicagoland mortgage payment calculator with rate scenario comparisons.
Chicago Homebuyers: Buy Now or Wait Until 2027?
Why Choose David Braun? | Chicago Mortgage Expert Since 1997
Mortgage Rates Hit 7.40%! What's Happening?
Chicago Housing Market October 2026: Prices Rising, Inventory Falling
Nearly 30 Years in Mortgage Lending | David Braun
Before You Tour Another House, Build Your Homebuying Team
Chicago Luxury Real Estate 2026 | Gold Coast vs. North Shore | Jumbo Mortgages
Chicago Mortgage Rates This Week | David Braun
Let's Talk About Your Home Financing Goals
Ready to take the next step toward homeownership or refinancing in Chicagoland? Fill out the form or reach out directly.
Contact David Directly
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