Starting November 16, 2025, Fannie Mae is removing the long-standing 620 minimum credit score requirement for loans processed through its Desktop Underwriter (DU) system. What does this mean?
More flexibility. Instead of relying on a single credit score cutoff, DU will now assess a borrower’s full financial picture—credit history, income, debt, property type, and more.
Alternative credit welcomed. Rent, utility, and phone payment histories may now help demonstrate creditworthiness for those without traditional credit.
Expanded access. This change could help first-time buyers, long-time renters, and underserved communities qualify for conventional loans—not just FHA.
Potential savings. Conventional loans often come with lower long-term costs than FHA loans, especially when it comes to mortgage insurance.
Important: Lenders will still pull credit scores, and other underwriting standards remain in place. But this shift marks a major step toward inclusive, holistic lending.
If you’ve been told “you don’t qualify” because of your credit score—this could be your moment. Let’s talk about your options and what this means for your path to homeownership.
DM me or schedule a call to explore what’s possible under the new guidelines.
Sheree
If you’re selling an investment property, the IRS offers a little-known gift: the 1031 Exchange. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful—allowing you to defer capital gains taxes when you reinvest the proceeds into another “like-kind” property. Translation? You keep more of your money working for you.
Here’s how it works: instead of cashing out and paying taxes on your profit, you roll that equity into another investment property. The key is timing and structure. You’ll need a qualified intermediary to hold the funds, and you must identify your next property within 45 days and close within 180. Miss those deadlines, and the tax bill lands in your lap.
Why bother? Because deferring taxes means more buying power. Let’s say you sell a rental for $500K with $200K in gains. A traditional sale might cost you $40K+ in taxes. With a 1031 Exchange, that $40K stays in play—fueling your next purchase, whether it’s a bigger building, a better location, or a property with stronger cash flow.
It’s not just for big investors. Even mom-and-pop landlords or vacation rental owners can use it to upgrade, diversify, or reposition their portfolio. Just remember: this strategy is for investment properties, not your personal residence.
Bottom line? The 1031 Exchange is a savvy tool for sellers who want to grow wealth, not just cash out. Talk to your tax advisor early, plan ahead, and make every dollar count.
Had the pleasure of meeting one of the most forward-thinking and successful real estate agents of the modern time, Ryan Serhant, this week at a next-level training with his team.
https://www.carolinajournal.com/nc-moves-toward-cryptocurrency-adoption-with-new-bill-for-state-investments-in-digital-assets/
North Carolina Speaker of the House Destin Hall, R-Cladwell, introduced cryptocurrency legislation on Monday that would enable the state to invest in digital assets like Bitcoin, potentially making North Carolina a leader in aligning with the latest finance technology.
The NC Digital Assets Investments Act would diversify the state’s investments by allowing the state treasurer to include digital assets in the state’s investment portfolio. Reps. Stephen Ross, R-Alamance, Mark Brody, R-Union, and Mike Schietzelt, R-Wake, signed on as sponsors to HB92 .
“We are seeing a rapid shift towards embracing blockchain technology and digital assets across the United States,” said Hall. “Investing in digital assets like Bitcoin not only has the potential to generate positive yields for our state investment fund but also positions North Carolina as a leader in technological adoption & innovation. I am proud to sponsor this bill, and I thank my colleagues Representatives Ross and Brody for their work in previous sessions to set the stage for this bill now in 2025.”
According to a press release, key provisions of the bill include:
Notably, at just under $2 trillion in total market capitalization, Bitcoin is the only cryptocurrency that meets the requirements spelled out in the bill. The next largest crypto-asset, Ethereum, clocks in at approximately $317 billion.
Legislators pointed to a variety of reasons to invest in digital assets, such as the U.S. dollar facing periods of inflation and devaluation, as well as enhance the potential returns of our portfolio.
“Blockchain technology, decentralized finance, and other innovations in the crypto space will shape our future in many new ways. North Carolina is poised to capitalize on these emerging opportunities,” said Schietzelt.
Dan Spuller, Head of Industry Affairs at the Washington-based Blockchain Association and co-chair of the North Carolina Blockchain Initiative task force applauded House leaders for pushing the bill forward, noting previous legislation that aligned with the latest effort.
“North Carolina has led on digital asset policy, from the updated Money Transmitters Act of 2016 to the bipartisan Regulatory Sandbox Act of 2021 and last year’s HB 690, which prohibited Central Bank Digital Currencies,” said Spuller. “Passing HB 92 will further cement the state’s leadership in financial and technological innovation.”