Boost Your Buying Power With Income Stacking

In today’s market, many qualified buyers are getting turned away — not because they don’t have the income, but because that income doesn’t come in a "traditional" package.
That’s where Income Stacking comes in.
Whether your clients are self-employed, have multiple 1099s, run a side business, or earn rental income — we combine and verify all their income sources to help them qualify for more.
✅ More purchasing power
✅ Smarter financing options
✅ Better results for agents and buyers
If you’ve got clients hitting income roadblocks, let’s talk. We specialize in turning complex income into qualified approvals.
📩 DM Joe Costa or reach out to learn how Income Stacking can help your next buyer cross the finish line.
Park Place Collective
619-990-7552

www.parkplacecollective.com

3 Reasons Home Affordability Is Improving This Fall

 

Affordability is finally improving this fall thanks to lower average 30-year fixed mortgage rates, slower home price growth, and rising wages. Learn why now could be the right time to buy.

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For much of the past two years, buyers faced the double challenge of high mortgage rates and rising home prices. But this fall, the market is shifting in ways that make homeownership more affordable than it has been in months.

Here are three reasons why:

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1. Average 30-Year Fixed Rates Have Eased

Back in May, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was near 7%. Today, it’s closer to 6.3%.

That drop translates to real savings. On a typical $400,000 loan, it means nearly $190 less per month—just from rates moving lower.

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2. Home Price Growth Is Cooling

After years of steep increases, national home price growth is now in the low single digits year-over-year. Some markets are even seeing small price dips.

This cooling trend gives buyers more breathing room, and in certain areas, even opens up opportunities to negotiate.

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3. Wages Are Rising Faster Than Prices

Wages have been growing at around 4% annually, and for many households, that’s finally outpacing the rate of home price growth.

When paychecks stretch further than rising costs, it makes qualifying for a home loan and keeping up with monthly payments more manageable.

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What This Means for Buyers

Put these three shifts together—lower rates, slower price growth, and stronger wages—and the impact is clear:

The typical monthly mortgage payment is about $290 less today than it was just a few months ago.

For buyers who put their search on hold earlier this year, this fall could be the right time to take another look.

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Bottom Line

Housing affordability is still a challenge, but the tide is turning in buyers’ favor. If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this fall may offer the best opportunity in months to secure a home at a lower cost.

Have questions or want to talk through your options?
Just fill out the contact form on this page or give me a call—I’m here to help.

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#homeaffordability
#fallhousing
#mortgageopportunity
#buyahome
#marketupdate

Source: Keeping Current Matters

We’re Excited to Announce: Joe & Marni Costa Join THE REAL Mental Health Foundation as Ambassadors!

 

As the founders of Park Place Collective and our foundation arm, Park Place Foundation Group, our mission has always been about more than helping families secure a mortgage, real estate, or life insurance protection. It’s about building a foundation for wellness and creating stronger, healthier communities.

That’s why we’re proud to share an exciting new chapter: we have joined THE REAL Mental Health Foundation as ambassadors.

Why Mental Health Matters to Us

Mental health and wellness affect every part of life—how we show up for our families, how we thrive in our careers, and how we connect with our communities.

Through Park Place Collective and the Park Place Foundation Group, we’ve seen firsthand that financial stability, homeownership, and long-term security are deeply connected to mental well-being. This partnership with THE REAL Mental Health Foundation allows us to extend that mission even further.

About THE REAL Mental Health Foundation

Founded by Shawn Lesser, THE REAL Mental Health Foundation is dedicated to advancing mental health awareness by fostering conversation, community, and innovation.

Shawn’s journey is both inspiring and courageous. With more than 30 years in finance, he pioneered impact investing and helped grow what is now a $1.5 trillion industry. Yet despite professional success, Shawn faced his own struggles with mental health. That turning point led him to prioritize well-being and create THE REAL.

Through grassroots initiatives like REAL Walks and REAL Hats, and large-scale gatherings such as THE REAL Summit, Shawn and the foundation are creating spaces where business leaders, investors, and changemakers come together to address global mental health challenges.

Our Role as Ambassadors

As ambassadors for THE REAL, and as founders of both Park Place Collective and the Park Place Foundation Group, our mission is to bring these vital conversations into the communities we serve every day.

Whether through our professional work in real estate, mortgage, and life protection—or through our foundation’s community-focused initiatives—we’re committed to:

• Breaking down stigma around mental health
• Creating meaningful connections
• Inspiring proactive support for wellness

For us, this is not just about advocacy—it’s about action. We believe in showing up authentically for our clients, colleagues, and neighbors, and now we can align that passion with a movement creating lasting impact.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to share more in the months ahead, including opportunities to get involved with THE REAL Mental Health Foundation’s events and initiatives. Together, we can ensure mental health remains part of the larger conversation about building thriving, resilient communities.

If this resonates with you, we’d love to connect, collaborate, and continue sparking conversations that truly matter.

Joe & Marni Costa Founders, Park Place Collective & Park Place Foundation Group

Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Lows—Then Jump After the Fed Cut. Here’s What Happened (and Why Applications Just Surged)

After touching yearly lows early in the week, the average 30-year fixed rose following the Fed’s rate cut—thanks to the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Still, mortgage applications just saw their biggest weekly jump since 2021 as homeowners reacted to earlier rate declines. Here’s what it means for buyers and homeowners.

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This Week at a Glance

• Early week: The average 30-year fixed drifted to new 11–12 month lows, tracking a steady four-month slide in bond yields.

• Wednesday (Fed Day): The Fed cut the policy rate by 0.25%, but the average 30-year fixed moved higher afterward. The reason wasn’t the cut itself—it was the Fed’s “dot plot” and Chair Powell’s message to keep decisions data-dependent.

• Thursday: Stronger-than-expected economic data reinforced the move, leaving rates higher than earlier in the week (but still lower than most of the past year).

• Applications response: The MBA weekly survey showed the biggest jump in total mortgage applications since 2021—driven mostly by refinances reacting to the prior drop in the average 30-year fixed.

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Why Did Rates Rise After a Rate Cut?

The Fed Funds Rate (what the Fed controls) isn’t the same as mortgage rates. Mortgage pricing tracks the bond market (especially mortgage-backed securities and Treasuries), which responds in real time to economic data, inflation trends, and Fed guidance about the future.

• The cut itself was already expected and priced in.

• The dot plot suggested a cautious path—less urgency to cut aggressively—so bonds sold off and the average 30-year fixed increased from the week’s lows.

• Powell emphasized meeting-to-meeting decisions. Translation: incoming data will drive where rates go next.

Important note about headlines: Some weekly surveys can show “lower” rates because they average several days—including earlier, lower readings—while today’s live pricing may already be higher after the Fed events.

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The Applications Surge: A Lagged Reaction to Falling Rates

Even as rates rose late in the week, the MBA report captured a huge jump in activity from borrowers who moved when the average 30-year fixed was testing yearly lows:

• Refinance applications spiked sharply (best levels since 2022 and far above last year’s pace).

• Purchase applications also improved, nearing their best levels since early 2023.

• Overall applications posted the largest weekly increase since 2021.

Bottom line: When the average 30-year fixed dipped, many homeowners and buyers didn’t wait—they acted. That surge showed up in this week’s application data, even though rates later bounced.

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What This Means for You

• Buyers: The window created by the recent drop in the average 30-year fixed triggered real activity. Even with a mid-week bounce, rates remain lower than most of the past year. Inventory, negotiations, and payment targets matter more now than guessing the exact bottom.

• Refinancers: If your current rate is well above today’s average 30-year fixed, it’s worth a fresh look. Many homeowners with larger loans led the move, and refi math can work even when the market is volatile—especially if you can trim rate, shorten term, or consolidate higher-interest debt.

• Everyone: Expect volatility around upcoming economic reports (jobs, inflation). Markets will take cues from data—not from the last Fed headline.

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Quick Timeline Recap

• Mon–Tue: Bonds firmed and the average 30-year fixed touched yearly lows.

• Wed (Fed Day): Fed cuts policy rate by 0.25%. Dot plot + Powell push bonds weaker; average 30-year fixed rises from the lows.

• Thu: Stronger data extends the move.

• All week: Applications jump—a lagged reaction to earlier rate declines.

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Action Steps

1. Get a personalized scenario: Your credit profile, loan type, down payment, and points all shape your real rate—not the headlines.

2. Price a lock-and-shop plan: If you’re home-shopping, consider strategies that allow you to lock with flexibility.

3. Refi checkup: Run a quick savings analysis (rate, payment, term, and breakeven).

4. Stay data-driven: The next few reports (jobs, inflation) can swing pricing. Being pre-approved and rate-ready helps you move first when the window opens.

Joe Costa

Park Place Collective Group

619.990.7552

www.parkplacecollective.com

#mortgagerates, #average30yearfixed, #fedratecut, #mortgageapplications, #refinance, #homebuying, #housingmarket, #bondyields, #dotplot, #mortgagenews 

 

Cold Plunge + Community Vibes: Join Us at Little Italy Core Power Yoga This Saturday!

When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 • 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Where: Little Italy Core Power Yoga (San Diego)

Hosted by: Joe & Marni Costa and the Park Place Collective team

San Diego friends—come chill with us (literally). We’re teaming up with Little Italy Core Power Yoga for a pop-up cold plunge experience plus exclusive membership specials this Saturday morning. Whether you’re a yogi, a weekend warrior, or just curious about the cold-plunge craze, this is the perfect drop-in event to reset, recharge, and connect with the neighborhood.

What’s Happening

• Guided Cold Plunge Rotations (9:15 AM – 12:15 PM): Short, structured immersions with breath tips and a coach on standby.

• Membership Specials: Event-only offers from Core Power Yoga—great time to commit to your practice.

• Wellness Lounge: Light refreshments, community networking, and Q&A with our Park Place Collective team on financial wellness (mortgage, real estate, and protection solutions).

• Giveaways: Enter our on-site raffle for studio swag and Park Place Collective perks.

What to Bring

• Small towel + sandals

• Comfortable clothes or a swimsuit for the plunge

• Water bottle (we’ll have hydration on hand, too)

First-Time to Cold Plunge?

We’ve got you. Expect 1–3 minutes in cool water with guided breathing. It’s optional, scalable, and you can stop anytime. Please skip the plunge if you’re feeling unwell or have health concerns—always listen to your body and consult a medical professional if needed.

Why We’re Hosting

At Park Place Collective, we believe financial health and physical wellness go hand-in-hand. Our events are designed to build community, share positive energy, and offer practical resources—whether that’s a yoga membership special or a smarter plan for your next purchase or refinance.

Drop In—No RSVP Needed

Swing by anytime between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Bring a friend, meet the neighborhood, and leave feeling refreshed.

Questions?

Email: jcosta@parkplacefg.com • Office: 619-990-7552
Park Place Collective • 402 West Broadway, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92101
Joe Costa NMLS: 113396 • Park Place Collective NMLS: 2571108

Unlock Affordability with Our Permanent Mortgage Rate Buydown Program

 

At Park Place Collective, we’re always looking for innovative ways to help our clients, partners, and future homeowners achieve their real estate goals with confidence. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our Permanent Mortgage Rate Buydown Program—a strategy designed to create long-term affordability and make today’s market more accessible.

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What Is a Buydown Program?

Traditionally, many buyers and agents are familiar with temporary rate buydowns like the 3-2-1 program. In that structure, the seller uses concessions to lower the interest rate for the first few years of the loan—3% the first year, 2% the second, 1% the third—before the rate returns to the original market rate. While effective in the short term, temporary buydowns don’t provide a lasting solution.

How the Permanent Buydown Works

Our Permanent Buydown Program flips this idea into a long-term advantage. Instead of applying seller concessions to just the first few years, we use those concessions to permanently lower your interest rate for the life of the loan.

For example:

• If today’s market rate is 6%, and the seller offers a 2% concession, we apply that directly to the loan.

• Your new rate becomes 4%—not just for a few years, but for the entire term of your mortgage.

This means lower monthly payments, stronger buying power, and peace of mind knowing your financing is structured for the long haul.

Why This Matters for Buyers and Sellers

• For Buyers: A permanently lower interest rate can mean significant savings over the life of the loan, making homeownership more affordable and sustainable.

• For Sellers: Offering this strategy makes your listing stand out in a competitive market, creating a strong incentive for motivated buyers.

• For Agents & Partners: This is another tool to bring creative solutions to your clients, positioning you as a trusted advisor who understands the market.

A Smarter Way to Use Seller Concessions

Instead of focusing only on short-term benefits, the Permanent Buydown Program gives buyers a true financial edge and sellers an effective way to make deals happen. It’s a win-win strategy in today’s evolving real estate market.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate professional interested in how our Permanent Rate Buydown Program can work for you, let’s connect. Our team at Park Place Collective is here to walk you through the numbers and show you how this strategy can open the door to long-term savings and stronger negotiations.

info@parkplacecollective.com (619) 990-7552

Joe Costa NMLS: 113396

646-245-7856

 

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced the new conforming loan limits for 2026, and they’ve once again increased, giving buyers and homeowners more flexibility and opportunity in today’s housing market.

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2026 Conforming Loan Limits Are Here – What It Means for You

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has announced the new conforming loan limits for 2026, and they’ve once again increased, giving buyers and homeowners more flexibility and opportunity in today’s housing market.

📈 What Changed in 2026

The baseline conforming loan limit for one-unit Conventional and VA loans* is now:

• $819,000 (up from $806,500)

This means more buyers can access homes with a conforming loan instead of moving into jumbo territory — often resulting in more favorable terms, easier qualification, and lower down payment requirements.

Updated Conforming Loan Limits for 2–4 Unit Properties:

• Two-unit: $1,048,500 (up from $1,032,650)

• Three-unit: $1,268,000 (up from $1,248,150)

• Four-unit: $1,575,000 (up from $1,551,250)

These increases open doors for multi-family buyers and investors looking to qualify under conforming guidelines.

🏡 Why This Matters

• More Buying Power: You can purchase a higher-priced home while still taking advantage of conforming rates and guidelines.

• Easier Qualification: Conforming loans typically offer more streamlined underwriting compared to jumbo loans.

• Investor Advantage: Multi-unit properties now have higher limits, making it easier to expand your portfolio.

💡 Take Action in 2026

With higher loan limits, now is the time to:

• Explore new purchase opportunities

• Revisit your refinance strategy

• Consider multi-family investments

At Park Place Collective, we’re here to guide you through every option — from conventional and VA loans to jumbo and specialty portfolio products.

✨ Start qualifying more borrowers now — or see what opportunities these new limits unlock for you.

📞 Contact Joe Costa and the team at Park Place Collective today to get started.