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The Cleveland Real Estate Report

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03/22/2026

Buying a condo with financing just changed.

If you’re working with condo buyers, Freddie Mac just made updates to guidelines that can make or break a deal:

👉 1. HOA Insurance Matters More Than Ever

If the HOA cut corners on insurance to save money? That unit may not be financeable.

👉 2. Reserves & Budget Health Are Under the Microscope

It’s not just “does the HOA have reserves?” anymore.

Now it’s:
• Increased minimum reserves of 15% of budget (instead of 10%)
• Is the building planning ahead for repairs?
• Are there signs of deferred maintenance or future assessments?

Low reserves = higher risk = potential loan issues.

💡 What this means for you and your buyers:

✔️ Limited Review process being eliminated (full review or waiver only)
✔️ Plan closing dates with enough time to process full condo approval
✔️ Not all condos are created equal
✔️ A “great deal” could fall apart during condo review
✔️ Strong HOAs = smoother closings

🏁 Pro Tip:
Before you fall in love with a condo, have your lender review the HOA early.

It can save you weeks of frustration - and keep your deal on track.

Fortunately, we offer many non-warrantable condo loan options that banks do not offer.

Even if the condo doesn't meet Freddie Mac or Conventional loan guidelines for a warrantable condo, we can still get your deal closed!

If you want, I can help you pre-screen a condo before you write the offer 👍

03/01/2026

March is for catching the small issues winter quietly left behind.

Before spring storms and warmer temps arrive, work your way down this checklist.

✔️ Replace HVAC filter
✔️ Test your sump pump
✔️ Check for winter wear on siding, trim, and paint
✔️ Clear gutters + confirm downspouts drain properly
✔️ Inspect window screens
✔️ Look for cracks in driveways + walkways
✔️ Check attic for moisture or musty smells
✔️ Confirm outdoor spigots aren’t leaking
✔️ Tighten loose handles, hinges, and latches
✔️ Clean out one “junk zone”

Small fixes now help avoid big repairs later.

02/28/2026

If you're downsizing and asking yourself, "sell first or buy first", here's the TWO HOME Risk Test we use so you don't get stuck with two homes or nowhere to live.

There isn't just one right answer. The "right" order depends on your answers to these 5 easy questions.

If you need your equity to qualify, buying first often creates pressure and rushed decisions.

If you don't need your equity to qualify, buying first can work, but only if you can carry the overlap without resentment.

Downsizing isn't just a sale; it's a handoff to give you the lifestyle you want.

The best rightsizing plan is one that protects your timeline AND your nervous system!

02/04/2026

Doctor Loans - The perfect RX for Homebuyers.

I recently helped a young surgeon in California burdened by student loans and a small down payment break into the housing market with our specialized medical professional loans!

This isn't some rare exception. This is what Physician Loans are designed to do.

Here are the basics:
- Up to $2 million purchase price with 100% financing
- No private mortgage insurance (saves you hundreds monthly)
- Deferred student loans don't count against you
- Employment contracts count as income verification
- Generous qualifying guidelines
- Not just for first time homebuyers
- Available to MDs, DOs, DDSs, DVMs, and many other licensed medical professionals

I've watched too many doctors put their lives on hold because they think traditional lending rules apply to them.

They don't.

We can help nationwide, so give me a call to learn more about our exciting Doctor Loan Program.

David Goldberg Mortgage Team
Physician Lending Specialist
Based in Beachwood, Ohio; Lending Nationwide
NMLS 728872

02/03/2026

February is for quick wins that prevent bigger headaches later.

Work top to bottom and check these off your list.

01/13/2026

Does just thinking about a down payment give you a headache? 🤔

I promise there's light at the end of this home-buying tunnel for you, especially if you're a first-time home buyer in Northeast Ohio.

In 2026, Cleveland area homebuyers might qualify for our incredible down payment assistance programs designed to ease your expenses.

From options covering FHA, VA, and Conventional loans, including those with liberal credit score and income limits—I've got you covered.

Curious if you meet the requirements to buy without a huge down payment?

Get in touch with the David Goldberg Mortgage Team, and together, we will uncover the path leading you straight to affordable home ownership and peace of mind.

Let's find out which program is perfect for you!

11/27/2025

Just closed a deal yesterday that proves you don't need a pile of cash to buy your first home.

My clients? First-time buyers who thought homeownership was years away.

Their situation:
- Good income
- Decent credit
- Zero saved for down payment

Most lenders would've said "come back when you have $10k."

Not me.

Here's what we made happen:

First, we found a down payment assistance program they actually qualified for. Not the watered-down version. The real deal.

Second, we negotiated seller concessions to cover closing costs. Every penny paid by the seller.

Third - and this is where it gets good - we structured the deal to include an enhanced home warranty. That's peace of mind for the first two years when every repair feels like a major crisis.

Fourth - we were able to refund their credit card for the appraisal fee they had already paid.

But here's the kicker: We also secured a principal reduction.

That means they started with instant equity. Day one.

Total out of pocket for my client? Zero dollars.

They went from "maybe in five years" to "here are your keys" in 45 days.

This isn't magic. It's knowing which programs exist, which ones actually work, and how to stack them.

Most buyers don't know these options exist because most loan officers don't dig deep enough to find them.

The market's tough. But if you're sitting on the sidelines because you think you need 20% down...heck, even 3%....

You might be wrong.

The question is: Are you working with someone who knows how to find these opportunities?

Or someone who just knows how to fill out applications?

If you're tired of hearing "no" or "not yet," let's talk.

I'll tell you what's actually possible.

11/15/2025

💡 Most homebuyers focus on one thing — rates.

And while that matters, it’s not what truly determines how smooth (or stressful) your homebuying journey will be.

The real key? 👉 The loan officer you choose.

It’s about communication, problem-solving, and strategy.

Because when things get tough — and they always do — you need someone who stays two steps ahead.

That’s how one of my clients recently beat out multiple offers and closed stress-free.

✅ They had a proactive and experienced lender on their team.

Looking for someone who can do the same for you? Let’s talk.
https://myoc.io/davidgoldberg

David Goldberg Mortgage Team
Powered by Mutual of Omaha Mortgage
Based in Beachwood, Lending Nationwide
NMLS 728872

06/26/2025

Curious if now is the right time to buy?

The housing market is shifting.

See if this is good news if you've been thinking about buying a home.

Let's chat and explore your options! Drop a comment or send me a DM, and let's get started on turning those home dreams into reality.

04/21/2025

Boost Your Credit Score with These Simple Tips!

1️⃣ Pay Your Bills on Time 🗓️ – Set reminders to never miss a due date.
2️⃣ Pay Down Outstanding Debt 💰 – Every little bit helps!
3️⃣ Avoid Applying for Too Much Credit💳 – Less is more when it comes to new credit.

Small steps today can make a big difference tomorrow.

Ready to take control of your financial future? DM us for more tips! 🏡

04/18/2025

Empower Your Homebuying Journey with Pre-Approval! 🏠💪

Pre-approval isn’t just a financial step—it’s a mindset shift.

It’s the first step toward turning your dream of homeownership into reality. As your mortgage partner,

I’m here to guide you every step of the way with confidence and positivity.

Let’s make it happen, one pre-approval at a time! 💥✅

04/17/2025

Over the past 30 years, home prices have appreciated by an average of more than 320% nationally.

That means a homeowner who bought their house 30 years ago likely saw their home triple in value! 🤯

This is one of the many reasons homeownership is a powerful tool for building long-term wealth.

While today’s market might seem challenging, buying now means you could start reaping the benefits of appreciation over time.

Throw instant gratification out the window and think long term!

Connect to explore your options and create a plan that works for you. Your future self will thank you!

Address

6751 Engle Road
Cleveland, OH
44130

Website

https://goldbergmortgage.com/

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