Strategic positioning for 2026

December 17, 2025 | 2 min read | GuardHill News
New York City view of the Empire State Building in winter.

As 2025 comes to a close, the mortgage market is finally feeling more stable after a long stretch of ups and downs. Slow inflation and steadier Treasury markets are reducing volatility, helping buyers and homeowners plan with more confidence. With conditions becoming more predictable, sentiment is improving as we head into the new year.

Mortgage activity is also beginning to pick up as rates stabilize, and the market regains traction. On December 10th, the Federal Reserve announced another interest rate cut, its third of the year. While mortgage rates don’t move directly with Fed decisions, this shift in monetary policy can ease broader financial conditions over time, supporting affordability and encouraging renewed interest in both refinancing and purchasing. As momentum builds, many buyers and homeowners are positioning themselves strategically for opportunities in 2026.

We’re Here to Help

At GuardHill, mortgages are our sole focus, and we pride ourselves on making the experience simple, transparent, and fast. Whether you’re planning your next move or exploring refinancing, GuardHill is here to make the process smooth and stress-free. What sets us apart is our commitment to tailoring solutions to your unique needs, combining personalized service with flexible lending options and approvals. This holiday season, let us help you with the right mortgage solutions while keeping the process simple, clear, and designed specifically for you.     

     


Some Samples of our Recent Closings:

  • $2,500,000 – Southampton, NY. Purchase of a 2nd home at 80% LTV vested in an LLC.
  • $2,400,000 – Dutchess, NY. Cash-out refinance of an investment property on a 10+ acre property
  • $2,200,000 – New York, NY. Cash-out refinance of a new construction condo, using assets to qualify instead of income/tax returns
  • $1,700,000 – Brooklyn, NY. Purchase of a 2-family investment property using proposed rental income to qualify instead of tax returns.
  • $1,500,000 – Bergen, NJ. Cash-out refinance to 80% LTV closed as interest-only

Recent Testimonials

“D’Laine did a fantastic job shepherding us through the financing process and coordinating among all the players in our recent purchase of a co-op unit. Very responsive, prompt, and knowledgeable.”
-D.O.

“What can I say? Jimmy is absolutely incredible. He is detail-oriented, highly responsive day or night, and brings exceptional knowledge and insight when it comes to timing and rates. Jimmy goes above and beyond, not just by delivering on commitments, but by acting as a true partner and consultant, helping me determine what works best for me and my family. This is the second time I have worked with Jimmy for mortgage services, and I cannot recommend him highly enough. Whether you are securing your first mortgage or looking to refinance, Jimmy and his team will exceed your expectations every step of the way.”
-G.A.

“June was helpful in making my NY homeowners dream come true. This was my first experience with Co-op financing. The process can be daunting, but June walked me through every step. She has excellent communication skills, and she answered all my questions. I will recommend June to all my friends and coworkers. Thank you for the wonderful service that GuardHill Financial provided me.”
-B.W.

Absolutely incredible experience! Suzanne from GuardHill was a lifesaver. I was on a tight timeline and needed to close my mortgage fast — and she got it done in just two weeks, which is almost unheard of. Not only was she incredibly efficient, but she also found me the best possible deal with great terms. Throughout the entire process, Suzanne was professional, responsive, and genuinely invested in making sure everything went smoothly. I couldn’t have asked for a better mortgage broker. Highly, highly recommend working with her!
-L.K.

“Valerie and her team were a pleasure to work with. She made the entire process easy and understandable. From start to finish she answered all our questions and guided us the entire time.”
-D.L.