WQBQ Talk Track: Navigating Today’s Housing Market with Movement Mortgage

WQBQ Talk Track: Navigating Today’s Housing Market with Movement Mortgage

The Chamber, The “Q,” and You on WQBQ is a free on-air opportunity for Chamber members to share insights, highlight their services, and connect directly with the community.

Buying a home can feel overwhelming — especially in a market shaped by shifting interest rates, rising home prices, and changing lending requirements. During a recent episode of The Chamber, The “Q,” and You on WQBQ, listeners tuned in for an informative and engaging conversation with Cole Barlow, Branch Leader at Movement Mortgage, to better understand today’s housing landscape and what prospective buyers should know before making a move.

A National Lender with a Local Presence

Movement Mortgage is one of the largest mortgage lenders in the country, operating in all 50 states. But for Cole, the focus is local. His branch is located right in Mount Dora, just minutes from downtown, where he works closely with individuals and families across Central Florida and Lake County to secure residential home loans.

Cole shared how his decade-long career in the mortgage industry — paired with his deep roots in the community — shapes his approach to helping clients navigate what is often one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

An “Impact Lender” with a Mission

One of the most notable aspects of Movement Mortgage discussed during the segment is the company’s commitment to giving back. As an impact lender, Movement Mortgage donates a minimum of 10% of its profits to charitable causes each year. Last year alone, the company contributed 42% of its profits, helping fund the construction of schools throughout the Southeast.

This mission-driven model allows clients to know their home loan is also supporting meaningful work beyond the transaction itself.

Understanding Today’s Market Conditions

Cole also provided timely insights into current market trends. After a period of higher interest rates, the market has seen rates come down in recent months — making affordability more attainable for many buyers. He cautioned, however, that as rates continue to ease, buyer demand is likely to increase, potentially leading to more competition and fewer negotiating opportunities.

For buyers considering entering the market, timing and preparation were key themes throughout the conversation.

Creative Lending Solutions for Real People

Movement Mortgage offers a wide range of loan products designed to meet borrowers where they are, including conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Cole highlighted several flexible options that can make homeownership possible for buyers with nontraditional financial situations, such as:

• Bank statement loans for self-employed individuals
• Down payment assistance programs, including Florida’s Hometown Heroes initiative
• First-time homebuyer programs
• Renovation loans that can roll repair costs into financing
• In-house solutions like Movement Boost, which can help bridge down payment gaps

Cole emphasized that while every situation is different, his goal is always to find a responsible path forward and say “yes” whenever possible.

The Importance of Preparation

A major takeaway from the segment was the importance of getting pre-approved before beginning the home search. Cole walked listeners through why early preparation — including reviewing income, credit, and documentation — helps prevent surprises later in the process and leads to smoother closings.

He also shared real-world examples of how small financial changes during the loan process can delay or derail a closing, reinforcing the value of working closely with a trusted local lender from start to finish.

Helping First-Time Buyers Succeed

Cole closed the conversation by sharing a recent success story involving a first-time homebuyer couple — a firefighter and a healthcare professional — who were able to purchase their home with the help of state assistance programs and careful planning. Stories like this, he noted, are what make the work especially rewarding.

For Mount Dora residents and businesses alike, understanding the mortgage process and having a knowledgeable local partner can make all the difference. To learn more about Movement Mortgage or to explore home loan options, visit movement.com/barlowcole or contact Cole directly at 352-602-0911.