November 12, 2025
Method Mortgage Quarterly Newsletter
FALL 2026
Your Buying Power May have Increased by $400/Month.
Mortgage rates have started dropping and stand in the low 6% range after spending most of the last two years near 7%. For many buyers, this is the window you’ve been waiting for.
Here’s what it means in real dollars:
• At 6.13%: $450,000 loan = $2,735/month (P&I)
• At 7.5%: same loan = $3,146/month
• That’s $411/month less – nearly $5,000 per year saved!
Even better, many buyers are using seller-paid buydowns to land rates in the high 5s through smart negotiation and strategic credits.
But here’s the reality: Rates this low may not last for long. When they drop further, buyer competition will surge, prices will climb, and we may be back to multiple offers and bidding wars. With inventory already tightening across Birmingham, now may be the time to act, not later.
New Loan Limits Mean More Options
Great news! We’ve raised our conventional loan limit from $802,650 to $819,000 for single-family homes – effective immediately!
This change comes in advance of the expected increase from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which means our clients can explore a wider range of homes starting today. More buying power, more possibilities.
Ready to Make Your Move?
At Method Mortgage, we make sure you’re ready when the right home comes along. Here’s your step-by-step plan:
Step 1: Get Pre-Approved Know exactly what you can afford and show sellers you’re serious.
Step 2: Get Fully Underwritten Remove uncertainty and speed up closing when you find your home.
Step 3: Consider Lock-and-Shop Protect your rate while you search with confidence.
When you find the perfect home, we’ll help you evaluate every option available to get you the best terms possible.
TAKE ACTION THIS MONTH
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today.
Don’t wait for rates to climb back up. Let’s run your numbers and create your personalized home buying plan.
Call us: 205.705.1655
Schedule online: methodmortgage.com
Your dream home might be closer than you think – let’s find out together.
G I V I N G ~ B A C K
A Special Thank You to Our Veterans
This month holds special meaning, as we honor Veterans Day and celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Marine Corps. At Method Mortgage, we are grateful for the courage, commitment, and sacrifices made by those who have served.
Through our Community Cares Homebuying Program, we offer a $500 Lender Credit toward closing costs or pre-paid items for veterans and community helpers. And as a small token of appreciation if they use Method Mortgage for their VA loan, we present each veteran homeowner with an American-made flag and flagpole at closing. It’s our way of saying thank you for your service and dedication. If you know someone who may qualify, we’d be honored to help them on their homebuying journey.
Holiday Toy Drive – Help Us Spread Joy
This holiday season, Method Mortgage is once again sponsoring The Circle of Love and their toy drive. We’re collecting new, unwrapped toys (without batteries) to help children in our area have the Christmas they deserve.
How You Can Help:
- Drop off a new, unwrapped toy at our office lobby by December 9th.
- Order through our Amazon wish list – toys ship directly to Circle of Love.
- Share this with friends and help us spread the word.
Let’s make this holiday season unforgettable for these children!
Community Referral Program: Making a Real Impact
We’re committed to supporting local charities through our Community Referral Program. With each referral we receive, we donate $25 to our quarterly partner. Since starting this program in early 2020, we’ve contributed over $68,000 to local organizations like the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama, Heart Gallery Alabama, Brother Bryan Mission, the Red Barn, and more.
3rd Quarter Impact: O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center
Thanks to your referrals during the 3rd quarter of 2025, we donated $1,950 to the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB. Our Loan Officer, Lizzie Bonhaus, accepted the donation on behalf of the organization as a member of the Young Supporters Board. Your support helps fund groundbreaking research, innovative cancer care, and prevention programs through the work of more than 400 scientists and physicians. Thank you for making this impact possible.
Click HERE to read more about the impressive O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center right here in Birmingham, Alabama.
4th Quarter Partner: Unless U
With your continued help and support, we are looking forward to helping Unless U for the 4th quarter of 2025. Unless U is a local non-profit organization committed to fostering the growth of adults with disabilities academically, spiritually, physically, socially, and vocationally. Their services create an environment that promotes independence. For each referral we receive in the 4th quarter, we’ll donate $25 to Unless U. Keep those referrals coming and together, we’re changing lives right here in our community.
Method Around Town
We’re proud to be active members of the Birmingham Homebuilders Association, Birmingham Association of REALTORS®, and local Chambers of Commerce. These partnerships keep us connected to the professionals and organizations that make Birmingham thrive.
Throughout the year, our loan officers host complimentary “Brunch & Learn” seminars at real estate and financial planner offices, covering topics like navigating today’s rates and projections, credit fundamentals, homeowner’s insurance topics and home appraisal essentials.
Need a speaker at your office? Schedule HERE.
Helpful Articles and Resources
Our team has been busy creating content to help you navigate today’s market:
- Why October is the Best Time to Buy a Home in 2025 by Jeff Henderson
- What a Fed Rate Cut Could Mean for Mortgage Rates by Alva Caine
- Mortgage Rate Just Saw Thier Biggest Drop in a Year by Lizzie Bonhaus Henry
Use our mortgage calculator to compare financing options and estimate monthly payments or reach out to our loan officers for personalized guidance on any scenario.
Special Announcement: New Loan Origination System
Big things ahead! Our Method Mortgage team is training on our new loan origination system so we can serve you even better and help you find The Smartest Way Home.
Let’s Talk
Whether you’re considering buying, selling, building, or refinancing, we’re here to help. With rates at their most attractive levels in two years, now is the time to explore your options.
Contact Method Mortgage Today
Phone: 205.705.1655
Website: methodmortgage.com
We can be your biggest asset when figuring out your home buying budget. Let’s make your homeownership goals a reality.
We’re here to guide you to The Smartest Way Home!
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