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ssumable mortgages have been overlooked by the lending industry, despite offering a significant advantage in today's high-rate environment. This oversight is particularly striking given that millions of buyers could secure low-rate loans on existing homes, saving them thousands of dollars per year.

    Key statistics highlight the potential benefits: up to 25% of existing mortgages are assumable, translating to an estimated 16-20 million homes with potential for low-rate financing. Moreover, over 80% of U.S. mortgages carry interest rates below 6%, and nearly a quarter are under 3%. This represents a massive affordability advantage.

    However, the mortgage industry's current machinery makes it difficult to promote assumable mortgages. Lenders often view them as unprofitable due to lower origination volumes, lack of commission incentives, and longer closing timelines. As a result, many consumers, agents, and lenders are unfamiliar with or misunderstand assumable mortgages.

    Industry experts argue that this oversight could diminish the mortgage industry's long-term relevance. A few real estate startups have already stepped in to help buyers secure assumable mortgages while the lending industry lags behind.

    Despite challenges such as equity gaps, qualification processes, and limited government loan options, savvy lenders can add value by identifying assumable opportunities, calculating savings, and coordinating with parties involved. This level of strategic guidance builds loyalty and drives referrals, yet most real estate professionals don't know where to start.

    Lenders who prioritize assumable mortgages may reap long-term dividends, including becoming a go-to for referrals, originating second loans for buyers, and collecting valuable data. In a market where lender margins are razor-thin, assuming mortgages isn't about volume this quarter but about relevance next quarter and year.

    To capitalize on this opportunity, lenders should educate the market, support assumptions with expertise and creative solutions, capture future business from buyer clients, build brand trust, and leverage insights to identify new opportunities. By doing so, they can lead with strategy and articulate value beyond a commoditized interest rate.