Market Shares With Tony Blodgett

When will mortgage rates drop? That's the question everyone is asking - and in this episode of Market Shares, I break down the economic signals that could determine the answer. From oil prices and inflation to the latest jobs report, Federal Reserve policy, and mortgage spreads, I explain why mortgage rates haven't fallen as quickly as many expected - and why I still believe lower rates are coming...

No market update this week - just a quick message. As we celebrate the 4th of July, let's take a minute to appreciate what makes this country so special. This year is an especially meaningful one as we celebrate 250 years! Whether you're grilling with family, watching fireworks, or just enjoying a long weekend, I hope you get the chance to reflect on the freedoms we have and the opportunities that...

The loan officers who are winning right now aren’t necessarily doing more… they’re just doing the right things. So what are they actually focused on? In this episode of Market Shares, I break down the 3 mortgage strategies top producers are using right now to consistently grow production in today’s market. And here’s the key - none of these are new. But the way they’re being used right now is comp...

Is the housing market about to shift faster than most people expect? In this episode of Market Shares, I break down the key forces moving mortgage rates, housing demand, and the broader economy right now - from falling oil prices and geopolitical developments to Kevin Warsh’s first Fed meeting and fresh housing demand data. We’re already seeing signs of what happens when buyers step back into the...

Could loan officer compensation rules finally be changing? I break down the MBA's proposed changes to LO compensation rules - including pricing flexibility, affordable housing and bond loan compensation, and potential clawbacks for errors and compliance violations. I explain what the CFPB may do next, how these changes could impact loan officers, lenders, and borrowers, and why implementation coul...

What actually separates top mortgage professionals from everyone else? In this episode of Market Shares, Sales Manager Stacey Chevalier and I break down the real drivers of long-term success in today’s mortgage industry - from live events and masterminds to mentorship, coaching, and leadership development. We also dive into what it really takes to move from loan officer to branch manager or region...

The AI Mortgage Revolution is here. Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming every aspect of mortgage lending - from income calculations and document analysis to underwriting, workflow automation, and customer experience. In this episode of Market Shares, I explore how AI is changing the mortgage industry - what it means for loan officers, processors, underwriters, and mortgage companies, a...

The housing market may finally be shifting in a GOOD direction. 👀 In this episode of Market Shares, I break down why rising inventory, slowing home price growth, and improving affordability could signal a healthier housing market heading into 2026. While most headlines obsess over mortgage rates, this episode explains why inventory may actually be the biggest story in real estate right now. Buyer...

The mortgage market is sending mixed signals - rates holding under 7%, credit tightening in key areas, AI reshaping operations, and major policy conversations that could impact housing supply and affordability. In this episode of Market Shares, I deliver a full headline breakdown of what’s really happening across the mortgage and housing industry right now - from inflation and MBS volatility to HE...

A major shift could be coming to the Federal Reserve - and the impact on mortgage rates, inflation, housing, and the economy could be massive. In this episode of Market Shares, I break down Jerome Powell’s departure, incoming Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, and how this new era at the Fed could completely change monetary policy moving forward. From quantitative easing and the Fed’s massive balance sheet...

The 2026 housing market isn’t slowing down - it’s shifting. In this episode of Market Shares, I break down what’s really driving today’s market - from mortgage rate volatility and new credit scoring changes to where investors are still finding opportunities. I dig into the rollout of VantageScore and FICO 10-T, and why the idea of using rent to qualify may not help as many buyers as expected. Plus...

Where are the real opportunities in today’s housing market? In this episode of Market Shares, I sit down with real estate expert Anton Stetner to break down exactly where smart investors are putting money in 2026 - and what’s changing across housing, multifamily, and commercial real estate. From ADUs and house hacking to fix-and-flip shifts, middle housing challenges, and emerging opportunities li...

What happens when two market experts sit down with no agenda? A real, unfiltered breakdown of what’s actually happening in today’s housing market. In this episode of Market Shares, Anton Stetner and I connect the dots between interest rates, housing trends, tax policy, and migration patterns - and how it’s all impacting real estate right now. From a transaction slowdown nationwide to major policy...

Mortgage rates don’t move in a straight line - and the reasons why are more complex than most headlines suggest. In this episode of Market Shares, I break down why rates remain elevated even when parts of the market improve. From volatility in mortgage-backed securities (MBS) to inflation, oil prices, jobs data, and lender risk, I unpack what’s really driving today’s rate environment. You’ll also...

First-time homebuyers aren’t just waiting longer… they’re thinking differently. In this episode of Market Shares, I sit down with FirstHome IQ's Kristin Messerli to unpack the massive shift happening with Millennials and Gen Z - and what it means for loan officers and real estate professionals. From financial literacy gaps and outdated assumptions to a shocking rise in AI-driven research, today’s...

Mortgage rates just made a major move - and it’s not just about the Fed anymore. In this episode of Market Shares, I break down what’s really driving today’s volatility - from a hawkish Federal Reserve to rising oil prices and escalating tensions involving Iran. 💡 The big shift: Mortgage rates are no longer reacting to just economic data - they’re reacting to global headlines in real time. From J...

Two major housing executive orders just dropped - and they could shake up mortgages, home construction, and the real estate market like never before. In this full episode of Market Shares, I break down all the latest housing-focused executive orders from President Trump. From increasing inventory to expanding credit, I explain what these policies really mean for lenders, homebuyers, and the overal...

Think the housing shortage is over? Not so fast. Headlines are shouting about rising inventory, but the real story is much more complicated. In this episode of Market Shares, I break down surprising data from HousingWire and explain why so many markets are still facing shortages. From the pandemic-era Great Migration to today’s “Great Stay”, we look at why some states are overflowing with inventor...

Global events are shaking up mortgage rates and the spring housing market. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, disruptions in oil supply, and rising inflation could reverse the recent downward trend in rates - fast. In this episode of Market Shares, I explain why the Strait of Hormuz matters, how oil prices drive inflation and rates, and why the next 72 hours are critical for markets. I also...

Are you really getting the best mortgage rate — or just the lowest number you see online? In this full episode of Market Shares, I expose the truth about par rates, adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs), and online rate quotes. With so much information available today, it’s easy to assume you’re getting the best deal — but the reality is often more complicated. I break down strategies for borrowers and...

You set your 2026 mortgage goals. You built the business plan. You said this was your year.... so why isn’t production happening? In this episode of Market Shares, Dan Keller and I break down exactly what top-producing loan officers do to get back on track fast. We talk about how to turn your big income goals into daily, weekly, and monthly actions, how to generate leads from your database and sph...

A lot is moving in the mortgage industry right now — and this episode breaks down the biggest stories you need to know. From rising credit report costs and potential underwriting changes, to major federal housing reform, rate forecasts that could trigger pent-up buyer demand, a spike in refinance activity, and the growing senior housing conversation — this is your quick monthly pulse check on what...

Social media isn’t just content—it’s your reputation. In this episode, I break down how posts, comments, likes, and even “neutral” engagement can quietly cost professionals clients, credibility, or their job—especially in mortgage and real estate. From permanent digital footprints and algorithm amplification to compliance risk, AI-driven research, and context collapse, this episode explains why so...

What does it really take to succeed as a loan officer in the next five years? I sit down with Dustin Owen, founder of The Loan Officer Podcast (TLOP), to break down the fundamentals that matter most: sales skills, relationships, mindset, money, AI, and career strategy. Dustin shares lessons from his CMB journey, how content opened doors beyond production, and why fundamentals beat tech hype. We al...

Is 2026 shaping up for lower mortgage rates… or major unintended consequences? In this episode, I break down the biggest policy moves and market signals shaping the next housing cycle — from the Trump administration’s proposed $200B purchase of mortgage-backed securities to the investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell, new ideas around using 401(k) and 529 funds for homebuying, and the controver...