Interest Rates Are a Dumpster Fire—Here’s How to Win Anyway
Thursday, May 08, 2025
🧨 Mortgage Rates Are a Dumpster Fire (But You Don’t Have to Burn With Them)
Look, I’ve been in every corner of this industry:
- Banker at Wells? Check.
- Ran my own branch? Yep.
- Managed other LOs? Absolutely.
- Worked wholesale? Been behind that curtain.
- Now I’m a broker — with banking lines. That part matters.
So here’s what most people won’t tell you:
👉 Your rate has less to do with the lender’s fancy marketing—and everything to do with whether your loan officer has options and leverage.
Let’s break that down before another “market update” puts you to sleep.
💥 Truth Bomb #1: Rates Don’t Reward Loyalty
There is no “best lender.” There’s only the right lender for right now.
The market changes by the hour. I’ve literally quoted someone 6% with no points, and 24 hours later, it was 6.5%. That’s not a typo. That’s a financial mood swing with a mortgage attached.
So you want someone who can lock your rate when the market’s in your favor and move fast if the market shifts. That’s me.
Because I’m not tied to one lender. I’m tied to your outcome.
🔄 Truth Bomb #2: Brokers Have Leverage. Banks Have Excuses.
Banker says, “Sorry, we’re locked in. Float down policies won’t let us budge.”
Translation? You’re screwed.
As a broker with correspondent lines, I can take your file and move it — fast. We’re talking same file, different lender, better deal. That’s called leverage, and it’s how you avoid getting stuck paying for someone else’s rigidity.
I've literally saved clients thousands just by pivoting mid-process. If you’re working with someone who can’t, you’re overpaying.
🔐 Truth Bomb #3: Locking Isn’t the Problem — Not Being Able to Renegotiate Is
Float downs in the banking world are a joke. Most require rates to drop half a percent before you can improve yours by a quarter. And even then, they'll tack on a fee like it's a hotel mini bar.
That’s not a float down. That’s a penalty with PR spin.
In my world, if rates drop, we act. No games. No excuses. Just savings.
🤯 Truth Bomb #4: Underwriting Shouldn’t Feel Like a Power Trip
Ever had an underwriter ask for your second grade report card and a blood sample?
Yeah, me too. Especially in correspondent lending.
But when you can move the loan, suddenly underwriters get very reasonable. Funny how that works.
🧠 Truth Bomb #5: Most Lenders Are Overcharging You By Default
Here’s a dirty little secret: every lender has a preset margin baked into their rates. That means every quote is padded before you even start negotiating.
Unless your loan officer has the ability — and guts — to override that margin, you’re getting the house and the markup.
That’s why broker models win. Less overhead. More flexibility. Better rates. Period.
🎯 What You Should Actually Do Right Now
Stop rate shopping like it’s Expedia. Mortgage rates change daily. You don’t need the “lowest rate”—you need the lowest rate at the right time.
- Work with someone who has options. If they can’t pivot, you’ll pay for it.
- Get locked if you’re in contract. Don’t wait for “the perfect day.” You’ll miss it.
- Ask about float-downs. If they stumble when you bring it up, run.
Look, the market’s a mess. Tariffs, treasury drama, and enough economic plot twists to make Netflix jealous.
But you don’t need to follow every headline — you need to follow someone who’s been around long enough to smell B.S. and act fast.
That’s what I do. Rates are chaos. I bring the calm.
Want the lowest rate and a backup plan?
Let’s talk before the market changes again.
—
Keith Goeringer
Broker + Banker + Bullsh*t Filter
Ready to make your move?
Hit reply. This is the only place you’ll get real talk without the B.S.
