Welcome to the Mortgage Beat podcast. Brought to you by Police Mortgage: For First Responders Who Are Second To None!
Mortgage Beat gives insight into the home-loan process specifically for police officers, firefighters, and other public-safety professionals. The podcast is hosted by Police Mortgage CEO, John Aretos - NMLS #268165
Police Mortgage specializes in Conventional Mortgages, Purchase Money Transactions, FHA Loans, and VA Loans. To learn more about Police Mortgage go to policemortgage.com or call 312-499-8878.
Episode 084 of Mortgage Beat
Police Mortgage Loan Officer, Angel Saldana (NMLS #2767126) talks about the strategy of using an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) in today’s rate environment in the 4th quarter of 2026. He also stresses the need to look at the cap on the ARM that can provide some peace of mind in a rising-rate environment.
Rates mentioned during the episode are as of the date of recording on 10/8/26.
Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to www.policemortgage.com (http://www.policemortgage.com/) or call 312-499-8878.
NMLS #268165
Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Angel Saldana
I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago in a proud police family, with both of my parents serving in the Chicago Police Department. That upbringing gave me a deep appreciation for the commitment and sacrifice of law enforcement families.
I began my career at The National Police Federal Credit Union as a Branch Representative, where I spent two years assisting members with their financial needs. Prior to joining Police Mortgage, I worked as a realtor. During that time, I experienced a challenging transaction that was made difficult by a lack of communication from the loan officer involved. That experience opened my eyes to the impact a loan officer can have on a family’s homebuying journey — and it motivated me to enter this profession myself.
I wanted to ensure that the families we work with feel supported, informed, and cared for every step of the way.
I joined Police Mortgage and am proud to serve the police community in a personal and meaningful way. My goal is always to make the loan process as smooth and stress-free as possible, while providing clear guidance and dependable service.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and daughter, staying active in the gym, and leading youth ministry at my church.
These values of family, community, and service continue to guide both my work and my life.
28 Jul 2026
The Dream of Home Ownership Isn’t Dead
Episode 083 of Mortgage Beat
Police Mortgage Loan Officers, Vivian Abraham (NMLS #2451439) and Patrick Doah (NMLS #2025761), stress that while it may be more difficult to buy a property in some cases, the dream of home ownership is still alive and well.
Whether you read financial news or watch business channels, you'll often hear discussions about whether the dream of homeownership is fading. Some say it’s harder to buy a home, others believe renting has become more popular, and there are various reasons for these views. So, is the dream of owning a home dying? Police Mortgage says, “Absolutely not!”
However, buying your first home is definitely more challenging. Reasons include large investment firms purchasing single-family homes to rent out, high prices compared to previous years, and rising monthly lifestyle costs which make saving for a down payment tougher than it was a decade ago.
It all comes back to planning. The earlier you reach out to Police Mortgage, the better. We’ll help you position yourself where you want to be, whether that's six months or a year from now. Early planning makes things much easier when buying your first home.
Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to www.policemortgage.com (http://www.policemortgage.com/) or call 312-499-8878.
NMLS #268165
Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Vivian Abraham
“I have my bachelor’s in business administration and have been involved in the banking industry for over 10 years. During this time, I managed two of the National Police Federal Credit Union locations prior to transitioning to Police Mortgage. I have family members who are police officers with the Chicago Police Department. My work has been very rewarding, and I take pride in having assisted countless members and their families with their financial needs and financial wellness. My hobbies include exploring new restaurants in the city and running for marathons that support pediatric cancer foundations and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Run To Remember. I come from a large family primarily from the south side of Chicago and love to share all the diversity and beauty the city has to offer with my two children.”
Patrick Doah
“I am honored to grow up in a multi-generational family of Chicago Police Officers. I joined Police Mortgage in the summer of 2020 and love the opportunity to help both first-time buyers and repeat clients alike achieve their dreams of purchasing a home. Having been born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, I happily live in the Lakeview neighborhood today. Along with my two younger sisters, I am a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. I have a strong passion for food and love exploring the vast array of restaurants throughout our city. Nothing makes me happier than spending a summer afternoon on a golf course with family and friends!”
21 Jul 2026
Gifts from Family Members
Episode 082 of Mortgage Beat
Police Mortgage Loan Officers, Vivian Abraham (NMLS #2451439) and Patrick Doah (NMLS #2025761), talk about gift letters from family members.
Buying a home is more challenging now than it was decades ago, as house prices have outpaced wage growth. Many families want to help their children or relatives by giving gifts while they're still alive, allowing them to enjoy seeing those resources put to use.
Gifts from family members can be used for a mortgage down payment, but some rules apply based on loan type—typically, part of the investment must come directly from the borrower. Proper documentation, such as a gift letter and source statement, is necessary to track funds, and these are commonly used in home purchases. If you have a supportive relative willing to give, it can definitely work to your advantage in buying a home.
Mortgage Beat is brought to you by Police Mortgage, a full-service mortgage company dedicated to serving Police Officers and First Responders. Founded in 2008, Police Mortgage offers a variety of mortgage products tailored to meet the needs of those who serve and protect. To learn more or to apply for a home loan go to www.policemortgage.com (http://www.policemortgage.com/) or call 312-499-8878.
NMLS #268165
Police Mortgage – For First Responders Who Are Second To None.
ABOUT THE HOSTS:
Vivian Abraham
“I have my bachelor’s in business administration and have been involved in the banking industry for over 10 years. During this time, I managed two of the National Police Federal Credit Union locations prior to transitioning to Police Mortgage. I have family members who are police officers with the Chicago Police Department. My work has been very rewarding, and I take pride in having assisted countless members and their families with their financial needs and financial wellness. My hobbies include exploring new restaurants in the city and running for marathons that support pediatric cancer foundations and Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s Run To Remember. I come from a large family primarily from the south side of Chicago and love to share all the diversity and beauty the city has to offer with my two children.”
Patrick Doah
“I am honored to grow up in a multi-generational family of Chicago Police Officers. I joined Police Mortgage in the summer of 2020 and love the opportunity to help both first-time buyers and repeat clients alike achieve their dreams of purchasing a home. Having been born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, I happily live in the Lakeview neighborhood today. Along with my two younger sisters, I am a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a lifelong Chicago Bears fan. I have a strong passion for food and love exploring the vast array of restaurants throughout our city. Nothing makes me happier than spending a summer afternoon on a golf course with family and friends!”
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