Los Angeles, CA – February 2026 – The new year is already off to a running start for LBC Mortgage. With two new industry awards, a packed webinar for homebuyers in January, and an upcoming training for real estate agents in February, the company is staying focused on what matters: helping people move forward.
“January felt like a reset button for a lot of people,” said Alex Shekhtman, CEO and founder of LBC Mortgage. “Rates have started to settle. Buyers are getting curious again. Agents want direction. And our job is to show up, cut through the noise, and be useful.”
300+ Buyers Joined January’s Free Webinar with Alex Shekhtman
The year started off with a live online event for renters and first-time buyers, led by CEO of LBC Mortgage himself. Over 300 people registered – most of them hoping to finally break out of the rent cycle and become homeowners in 2026.
“There’s a lot of pressure on people right now,” Shekhtman said. “Every article says something different. Every friend has advice. But no one’s explaining how this actually works – how to start, what to expect, what’s real and what’s just marketing. That’s what this webinar was about.”
The session covered everything from credit tips and down payment myths to the return of programs like California Dream For All, which is expected to reopen from February 24 through March 16 – and why now is the time to get ready.
“The program reopens between February 24 and March 16 and if you’re not prepared by then, it’ll be too late. You can’t wake up on February 24 and say, ‘I want in,’” Alex explained. “You need your strategy, your pre-approval, your paperwork – all lined up.”
Up Next: A Webinar for Real Estate Agents
Following the success of January’s homebuyer webinar, LBC is now turning its focus to the people on the front lines: real estate agents
“I talk to agents every single day. Some of them are doing great – but a lot of them stuck,” Alex said.“And it’s not because they don’t have the skills, but because the market changed, the buyers changed, and no one gave them the tools to keep up.”
In 2025, over 70% of agents in the U.S. didn’t close a single transaction because of a lack of information. The clients they used to work with – W‑2 buyers with big down payments – aren’t the only ones walking through the door anymore.
“Today’s clients are self-employed, first-gens, gig workers, immigrants. They’re asking about programs, creative financing, down payment help – and most agents don’t feel equipped to answer that. That’s where we come in,” Alex said.
LBC’s February webinar is designed to close that gap: it’ll focus on how to structure smarter deals, how to talk to today’s hesitant buyer, and how to use loan programs as a competitive edge.
“We’re going to talk about what’s really working right now – not just how to write a clean offer, but how to educate your buyer before you even get to that offer,” LBC Mortgage CEO said. “Because if your client doesn’t trust the process, they’ll never pull the trigger. And that’s what we’re seeing everywhere.”
Agents who join the session will also get early access to new tools and content from LBC – including a breakdown of 2026 loan programs, financing cheat sheets, and updated buyer education templates.
“The strongest agents in 2026 will be the ones who understand financing just as well as they understand real estate,” said Alex. “You don’t need to be a mortgage expert – you just need a partner who’s already done the homework. That’s us.”
Two More Awards
In January, LBC Mortgage was honored with two national recognitions:
• The Global Recognition Award for cross-state leadership and client experience
• And the Five Star Mortgage Professional Award, earned four years in a row
“It’s nice, of course,” Alex Shecktman said, “These aren’t just participation trophies but they reflect the fact that people across the country are noticing how we work and that means something.”
But, as always, he turned the spotlight toward his team.
“It’s never just about one person. It’s about the whole team. My people who pick up phones at 8 p.m., catching details before they turn into problems and keeping things moving. I’m sure that that’s what gets you awards like this”
He added, “Every department of this company earned that recognition. And I’m really, really proud of them.”
Looking Ahead
As winter winds down, LBC is already preparing for what’s next. And while no one has a crystal ball, Alex Shekhtman says the signs are clear enough: more listings, more buyers quietly circling, and a market that’s starting to move again.
“Spring always brings a shift,” he said.“People get tax refunds, school years are winding down, rates tend to settle a little. We’re already seeing more activity.”
Still, he’s quick to remind buyers and agents that the smartest moves happen before the headlines catch up.
“The people who win this year are the ones getting ready now,” he said. “Not waiting for some magic rate drop, not waiting for the news to say it’s safe. They’re tightening credit, getting docs in order and running numbers so when the right house pops up, they’ll be ready.”
For real estate agents, it’s the same mindset.
“We’re not in 2021 anymore. You have to be sharp and you have to know what your buyer qualifies for. You also have to have a lender who answers their phone. If you’re still winging it – this market most likely will eat your business alive.”
And as always, Alex ends with reassurance.
“We’re not here to push anyone into a deal,” he said.“We want to walk with people until the time is right. Whether that’s next week or next year, we want to qbe here when they’re ready.”
2026: Prepare, Don’t Panic
Heading into 2026, Shekhtman is optimistic – but realistic. Mortgage rates are still in the 6s, though slightly softer than they were at mid-year. The California Dream for All program is expected to return – and LBC is already prepping clients to move fast.
“The mistake is waiting until the program is announced,” he said. “If it’s anything like last time, it’ll get snapped up in days. Now is the time to get your credit pulled, get pre-approved, and get organized. Then when the green light comes – you’re ready.”
His advice to renters or buyers who felt stuck this year?
“Start with a conversation. That’s it,” he said. “ Just talk to someone who’ll help you understand what’s possible. The rest? We’ll walk you through it.”
About LBC Mortgage
LBC Mortgage is a national mortgage brokerage licensed in California, Florida, Illinois, Washington, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Colorado, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. With a people-first philosophy, LBC offers FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, and self‑employed loan programs – providing clarity, flexible solutions, and support for a wide range of borrowers.
Media Contact:
Sofiia Kovalchuk
Head of PR, LBC Mortgage
sofiia@lbcmortgage.com
(818) 217 0138
lbcmortgage.com