🏡 Navigating Today’s Mortgage Market: Expert Insights from Justin Allen of Union Home Mortgage
By Laura Connock | Robinson’s International Realty
💬 Introduction
In today’s ever changing Cincinnati real estate market, understanding the mortgage landscape is essential, especially for first time buyers and move up homeowners. To help buyers and sellers navigate the current lending environment, I sat down with Justin Allen of Union Home Mortgage to discuss what’s really happening with mortgage rates, buyer demand, and how to make confident financial decisions in any market.
🏠 Understanding the Cincinnati Mortgage Market
For Justin, lending isn’t just about interest rates, it’s about long term stability.
“Owning a home can be one of the most powerful financial decisions someone makes,” he shared. “It builds net worth, creates generational wealth, and represents life’s milestones, from your first home to your forever home.”
Union Home Mortgage stands apart because they service 100% of their own loans, meaning you stay with the same lender even after closing.
“That long term relationship allows us to help clients well beyond closing,” Justin explained. “We want to be your lender for life.”
📊 What’s Really Happening in the Cincinnati Market
Navigating the Cincinnati Mortgage Market can feel overwhelming. With the right guidance and homeownership tips, buyers can confidently take the next step toward their dream home.
Many buyers expected mortgage rates to fall in 2025, but so far, rates remain steady. That’s creating opportunities for serious buyers.
“Higher rates mean less competition,” Justin said. “With inventory increasing, buyers finally have more choices without facing dozens of competing offers.”
Homes priced between $200,000 and $350,000 are still moving quickly, while higher priced listings are seeing longer market times.
“Don’t wait for the perfect rate,” Justin advised. “If you find the right home, buy it now. You can refinance later, but waiting could mean paying more when prices climb again.”
⏳ The True Cost of Waiting
Some buyers are holding off, hoping rates or prices will drop. Justin warns that could be a costly mistake.
“There’s too much demand and too little supply,” he said. “If rates drop, buyers on the sidelines will flood back into the market and prices will rise.”
And he reminds clients that life events, not rates, often drive the decision to move.
“People buy because they’re getting married, growing their family, or starting a new chapter. Life doesn’t wait for the perfect mortgage rate.”
💡 How to Make Smart Financial Moves
Justin and his team focus on education and strategy.
“We don’t just look at your mortgage, we look at your entire financial picture,” he explained. “Income, debt, and long term goals all factor into the right home loan.”
💭 Mortgage Insights for Cincinnati Buyers
Justin's top advice for long term savings:
➡️ Make one extra mortgage payment per year. It can shorten your loan by several years and save tens of thousands in interest over the life of your loan.
And when getting pre approved, Justin recommends flipping the usual question:
“Don't just ask how much are you pre approved for, have the conversation about how much you’re comfortable paying each month. Then we’ll help you find the right loan, and the right home, to fit that number.”
🔑 Helping Buyers Win in Greater Cincinnati's Market
Even in a slower market, winning offers takes strategy. Justin’s team ensures buyers are fully pre approved, communicates directly with listing agents, and helps position offers to stand out.
“It’s about more than closing fast,” he said. “It’s about showing that our buyers are serious, qualified, and ready.”
🌟 Final Takeaway
Buying a home in today’s market isn’t about waiting for rates to fall, it’s about building a plan that fits your goals and your financial future.
“Start the conversation,” Justin encourages. “Once we understand your goals, we can create a mortgage strategy that makes sense. today and long term.”
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, upsizing, or downsizing, the right guidance can make all the difference.
💼 Connect with Laura Connock
📍 Global Real Estate Advisor, Robinson Sotheby's International Realty
As a Greater Cincinnati Realtor who values education, transparency, and strategy, I’m here to help you make confident real estate decisions, whether you’re buying your first home or your next one.
📧 Let's start the conversation
