Lykken on Lending

As the mortgage industry navigates another week of market uncertainty, one message is becoming increasingly clear: strong economic fundamentals are keeping interest rates elevated even as optimism returns to the housing market. In this week's commentary, our panel examines what a stronger-than-expected jobs report means for Federal Reserve policy, why geopolitical tensions continue to fuel market...

This podcast segment explores how mortgage professionals can safely harness the growing power of AI by choosing the right platforms, maintaining strong governance, and using artificial intelligence to augment—not replace—human expertise and decision-making.  ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services...

This podcast segment highlights new VA loss mitigation options that give veteran homeowners more opportunities to avoid foreclosure while encouraging borrowers to contact their mortgage servicer early and urging lenders to weigh in on pending FinCEN AML policy changes. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Alice Alvey , Master CMB Vice President Partner Education and T...

6.8.26 Is Elon Musk The "Starman"  -------------------- Elon’s Starman waiting in the sky He'd like to come and meet us But he thinks he'd blow our minds. The trillion-dollar man, Elon Musk, has missions to Mars and moon colonies. He collects data on human behavior via Tesla. He antagonizes governments with tweets despite his wealth exceeding the GDP of 125 countries. Meanwhile, the...

This podcast segment explores FHA's review of its Minimum Property Requirements and how modernizing these standards could streamline appraisals, reduce lending delays, and improve access to FHA financing. ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam DeSanctis , VP of Communications at Mortgage Bankers Association As a strategic public affairs and communications executive with...

In today's fast-moving mortgage market, uncertainty has become the new normal. Geopolitical events, fluctuating interest rates, and nonstop news cycles can create daily swings that challenge both lenders and borrowers. Yet amid the volatility, one thing remains constant: the importance of sound guidance and disciplined decision-making. In this discussion, our panel explores how mortgage profession...

This podcast segment explores how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming mortgage lending, from underwriting and valuations to compliance and operations, while highlighting the importance of responsible adoption and governance. ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services Technology Advisor, is a s...

This podcast segment explores why purchase mortgage demand remains resilient despite elevated interest rates, while rising homeowner's insurance costs and property taxes create new affordability challenges for borrowers. ----------------------------------------- David G. Kittle, CMB is a highly respected leader in the mortgage industry, with over 45 years of experience. He is the Co-Founder and Ch...

This podcast segment captures growing industry frustration as lenders and experts question the execution, costs, and real impact of FHFA’s credit scoring rollout despite years of development. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Alice Alvey , Master CMB Vice President Partner Education and Training at Union Home Mortgage She handles development of their World Class Tr...

This podcast segment explains how ongoing Iran peace negotiations and geopolitical headlines are driving bond market volatility, often overshadowing economic data and influencing mortgage rate movements. ----------------------------------------------------- Matt began as an originator in 2002. He fell in love with the idea of following MBS in real-time but felt that existing products were only scr...

06-02-2026 The "Mad World" of Oil ----------------- All around us are familiar prices Worn out paces, worn out peace deals Scrimmages contrast the anticipation of Oil flows resuming. Sluggish growth and stubborn inflation result in narrow trading. July Crude Oil is following our script, reaching the mid-80s. As a result, the 10-year yield is building value below 4.50. When Oil reach...

This podcast segment explores FHA's review of its Minimum Property Requirements and how modernizing these standards could streamline appraisals, reduce lending delays, and improve access to FHA financing. ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam DeSanctis , VP of Communications at Mortgage Bankers Association As a strategic public affairs and communications executive with...

Artificial intelligence is transforming far more than productivity—it is fundamentally changing how consumers discover and evaluate mortgage professionals. In this Hot Topic, David Lykken sits down with marketing expert John Seroka to discuss why AI has become the new gatekeeper between consumer intent and lender discovery. Together, they explore how brand clarity, message consistency, original co...

The Lykken on Lending Weekly Mortgage Update delivers expert commentary and timely insights from across the mortgage industry. Each episode features a curated lineup of respected thought leaders and analysts: Adam DeSanctis with the MBA Mortgage Minute , providing key updates from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Les Parker’s TMSpotlight offers a macroeconomic perspective with his signature music...

Artificial intelligence is transforming mortgage lending, but one critical challenge remains: uncertainty. In this week's Weekly AI Update , David Lykken welcomes leading scientist Professor Arin Brahma to explore a groundbreaking innovation in uncertainty-aware machine learning that is changing how AI makes high-stakes decisions. Together, they discuss why traditional AI models can create hidden...

As Bitcoin and blockchain continue to gain momentum across global financial markets, mortgage professionals can no longer afford to view digital assets as a niche technology. In this Hot Topics, David Lykken sits down with attorney and blockchain advisor Manny Alicandro to separate fact from fiction and explain why Bitcoin is about much more than investing. Together, they explore how blockchain ca...

The Lykken on Lending Weekly Mortgage Update delivers expert commentary and timely insights from across the mortgage industry. Each episode features a curated lineup of respected thought leaders and analysts: Adam DeSanctis with the MBA Mortgage Minute , providing key updates from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Les Parker’s TMSpotlight offers a macroeconomic perspective with his signature music...

05.26.26 "War of Change" or Peace ----------------------- It's a truth that in every war Worlds collide, and deals get brokered. Oil producers shut in wells when they run out of storage, and analysts say Iran will hit its limit in May. So, expect Iran to strike a peace deal. Consequently, assume oil stays below $100, then drifts below $80 by late May. Meanwhile, look for fireworks in Ukraine to en...

This podcast segment highlights the MBA's successful advocacy efforts that helped secure overwhelming bipartisan House passage of key housing reforms designed to improve affordability and strengthen the mortgage industry. ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam DeSanctis , VP of Communications at Mortgage Bankers Association As a strategic public affairs and communicatio...

Artificial intelligence has rapidly become a cornerstone of innovation across industries, but one fundamental challenge remains: trust. Most AI systems operate on probabilities, offering predictions that often come with disclaimers and uncertainty. In this episode, we explore a newly granted patent that introduces the concept of "warranted intelligence"—an AI framework designed to provide determin...

Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the American dream, but understanding the solutions requires looking beyond the headlines and into the data. In this insightful episode, David Lykken sits down with renowned housing finance expert Laurie Goodman of the Urban Institute to explore the trends, policies, and innovations shaping the future of homeownership. From t...

The Lykken on Lending Weekly Mortgage Update delivers expert commentary and timely insights from across the mortgage industry. Each episode features a curated lineup of respected thought leaders and analysts: Adam DeSanctis with the MBA Mortgage Minute , providing key updates from the Mortgage Bankers Association. Les Parker’s TMSpotlight offers a macroeconomic perspective with his signature music...

This podcast segment explores how mortgage lenders are adopting AI and automation to improve workflows, borrower engagement, and operational efficiency while highlighting the risks of scaling flawed processes without proper training and strategy. ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services Technology Advis...

This podcast segment examines the remaining legislative obstacles to housing reform, including proposed HUD counseling mandates for delinquent borrowers and expanded FinCEN compliance requirements that could significantly increase operational burdens for mortgage lenders and servicers. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Alice Alvey , Master CMB Vice President Partne...

This podcast segment examines how escalating tensions in the Iran war, rising oil prices, and hotter-than-expected inflation data are driving Treasury yields higher and keeping upward pressure on mortgage rates. ----------------------------------------------------- Matt began as an originator in 2002. He fell in love with the idea of following MBS in real-time but felt that existing products were...