2026 Mortgage Rates & Lending Update for Real Estate Investors with Caeli Ridge

In this quarterly lending update for real estate investors, Kathy Fetke and guest Chaley Ridge of Ridge Lending break down the current mortgage landscape in 2026, emphasizing that interest rates for investment properties are actually quite favorable—especially when compared to misleading owner-occupied rate comparisons found online. Chaley stresses the importance of understanding loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs), underwriting nuances, and doing the full financial math before making lending decisions. She highlights growing activity in cash-out refinances, HELOCs (including first-lien all-in-one HELOCs), and 1031 exchanges, all driven by investors leveraging equity despite higher rates. The episode underscores that the real estate market is shifting toward a buyer’s market with increased seller concessions and strong investor demand, while underwriting has become more streamlined. Chaley advises investors to get pre-qualified, focus on long-term cash flow, and avoid waiting for hypothetical rate drops, as rates are unlikely to fall meaningfully in the near term. The key message: act now, do the math, and don’t let psychological attachment to low rates paralyze decision-making.