The Bukowski Banter - January 2026 
Each month, we will fill you in on the latest action with our team, the real estate/mortgage market, a whiskey review and giveaway, and local events. 

KAPOW!  Mortgage rates near the lowest levels since early 2023.
 
Why Did Rates Drop Recently?
A big reason: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced they’ll buy $200 billion of mortgage bonds.
 
Why Are Rates Trying to Rise Again?
Even though mortgage rates have been helped by those bond purchases, the rest of the market has been pushing rates upward.
 
In Other Words:
The bond market is saying: “Rates should be higher.”
But Fannie/Freddie bond buying is saying: “Not so fast.”
That tug-of-war recently looked something like this:
 
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So, What Does That Mean for 2026 Phil?

Big Picture: 
We may see continued improvement, but 2020–2022 low-rate territory isn’t realistic with today’s government borrowing and deficits.
 
Bottom Line: 
Don’t wait for a unicorn rate. If the numbers work today, that’s your green light to refinance.
Thinking of Refinancing?
Shoot Me an Email!

What's new with the buki's
The holidays, duh!  Christmas was rad as we got lots of time spent with family.  Elsewhere, Levi had his first Dentist appointment and he knocked it out of the park!  Finally, little Rosie got her ears pierced and it's adorable!

WHISKEY OF THE MONTH
Dark arts - toasted amburana rye
Nose: Gingerbread & honey
 
Palate: Spicy French toast
 
Finish: Warm sweet cinnamon
 
Rating: 

free whiskey raffle
Giveaway Time!
Congrats to last month's winner of the Green River Single Barrel Select, Andrew W!
 
This month, we are offering a free raffle for a bottle of George Dickel 15 Year Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey.

LOCAL EVENTS
 
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“Bad” Dad Joke of the Month
What did the French chef give his wife for Valentine's Day?
 
A hug and a quiche!

 
Brought to You by Your Friends:
 
The Bukowski Team
Philip Bukowski | Branch Sales Manager @ The Money Store | NMLS ID# 1403277 | Co. NMLS ID # 1019
405 Illinois Ave | Suite #2C | St. Charles, IL 60174 
M: 630-254-3752 | E: phil@themoneystore.com
 
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Any statements or opinions presented here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MLD Mortgage, Inc. dba The Money Store. Any predictions or forecasts presented here are not guaranteed outcomes and should not be relied on as such. Any mortgage programs, interest rates, payments, or mortgage scenarios presented here are provided for informational purposes only and are not quotes, offers of financing, or commitments to lend.
 
MLD Mortgage, Inc. dba The Money Store, NMLS ID # 1019 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org). Located at: 30B Vreeland Rd, Ste 200, Florham Park, NJ 07932. Phone: 973-805-2000. Licensed by the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance, license # 99117842. View our licensing at: www.themoneystore.com/state-licensing. View our privacy policy at: www.themoneystore.com/privacy. © 2025 MLD Mortgage, Inc. dba The Money Store. All Rights Reserved.
 
405 Illinois Ave, Suite 2C
St. Charles, IL 60174, United States

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