Josh Lewis & Jeb Smith | Real Estate, Mortgage & Housing Market Experts

The Educated HomeBuyer | First Time Home Buyer Tips, Mortgage Rates & Housing Market Updates

Buying a home is the biggest financial decision of your life — and most buyers do it without a real guide. Certified Mortgage Consultant Josh Lewis (NMLS 234220) and Licensed Real Estate Broker Jeb Smith break down mortgage rates, FHA & conventional loans, down payment strategies, credit scores, pre-approval, affordability, and housing market trends — in plain English, with no fluff and no agenda. Whether you're a first-time home buyer or making your next move, this show gives you the education, strategies, and frameworks to buy right, borrow smart, and build wealth through homeownership.

Author

Josh Lewis & Jeb Smith | Real Estate, Mortgage & Housing Market Experts

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jul 9, 2026

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Episodes

LIVE 06_18_25 - The Housing Market Is SHIFTING More and More In Favor Of Buyers 20.06.2025

Inventory is growing and the housing market is slowing causing 40% of sellers to cut their home prices. How long will this continue? Should you buy now or wait? In this episode, we will dicuss the current real estate market, update you on the economy and answer your questions about mortgage and real estate, LIVE. Start your stress-free loan journey today Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you...

EP174 - REDFIN Warning: Home Prices Likely to Fall 16.06.2025

Redfin's headlines about a collapsing housing market are grabbing attention, but the full story is more nuanced. Jeb and Josh break down what the data really shows and explain why it doesn’t signal a crash in most markets. They walk through local trends, pricing behavior, and smart strategies for today’s buyers. Watch to understand how to navigate a confusing market with confidence.. Start your st...

LIVE 06_11_25 - Fannie Mae Predicts LOWER Mortgage Rates By December 2025 13.06.2025

Mortgage rates are expected to drop, but not as quickly as many hope. Fannie Mae projects 30-year rates will fall to 6.1% by the end of 2025 and 5.8% in 2026, while others warn a market correction may be coming. In this live episode, we are going to discuss the latest regarding inflation, the Federal Reserve, as well the latest employment and economic data while helping you understand how that aff...

EP173 - Mortgage Interest Rates Will DECLINE In 2025 09.06.2025

Fannie Mae's latest mortgage forecast suggests a potential shift, forecasting lower rates for 2025 and 2026. This adjustment, though modest, could lead to a major refi boom, according to experts. Stay informed on how mortgage rates and the housing market are evolving to make the best financial decisions for your future and consider if you should refinance now or wait. Start your stress-free loan j...

LIVE 06_04_25 - Where Are House Prices Headed With Higher Mortgage Interest Rates? 06.06.2025

Will the Housing Market become more affordable with higher interest rates or will house prices continue to rise? Should you BUY NOW or WAIT for Lower House Prices? Will we continue to see house prices climb or will we see the Housing Market slow down as housing affordability remains a problem? Will it be easier as a first time home buyer? In this live episode, we are going to discuss the latest re...

EP172 - TRUMP’s 2025 Budget Will Have A HUGE Impact On Housing Affordability 02.06.2025

Curious about how Trump's 2025 budget could impact the housing market? In this video, we break down how proposed policies might affect your ability to buy or own a home, from potential tax cuts and deregulation to changes in mortgage rates and housing demand. Forget the headlines—this is a practical analysis of what it all means for your path to homeownership.. Start your stress-free loan journey...

LIVE 05_28_25 - The Housing Market Is Shifting Fast in 2025 30.05.2025

Home-price appreciation is still rising in 2025, though the pace is starting to cool. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Index shows a 3.37% annual increase in March, with Midwest and Northeast cities leading gains. Rising inventory is giving buyers more leverage, but recent tariff-driven rate hikes may slow momentum. In this live, we break down what's happening in the housing market to make you a...

EP171 - Self-Employed 101 - How To Buy A House Being Self Employed 26.05.2025

You can earn $200K a year and still be denied for a mortgage, that’s the harsh reality for self-employed borrowers. This episode unpacks why lenders don’t care what you make, only what you can prove, and how your tax return is the real deciding factor. Josh Lewis breaks down exactly what underwriters look for and why having the right loan officer makes all the difference. Start your stress-free lo...

LIVE 05_21_25 - Housing Market CHAOS: Mortgage Rates Are CLIMBING 23.05.2025

Mortgage Rates have been climbing since March even in the face of better than expected inflation. Will will we see mortgage rates decline? How long can this continue? In this live, we break down what's happening in the housing market to make you a better first time home buyer or seller. Start your stress-free loan journey today Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you Email: info@theeducatedhom...

EP170 - Housing Market vs Stock Market - Which Builds More Wealth? 19.05.2025

Most people think real estate is about timing, but the real win is staying in the game. Over the last 30 years, homeowners have survived crashes, inflation, and uncertainty while building massive equity. In this episode, Jeb and Josh break down why a 30-year mindset beats market timing every time. Learn how fixing your housing cost today can lead to long-term financial freedom. Start your stress-f...

LIVE 05_14_25 - Mortgage Delinquencies Are RISING - Is The Housing Market In TROUBLE? 16.05.2025

Foreclosures are rising—and one loan type just hit its highest rate since 2019. The national mortgage delinquency rate climbed to 4.04% in Q1 2025, and while overall foreclosure rates remain below historical norms, VA loans saw a surge. In this live, we break down what's happening with mortgage delinquencies, the economy, The FED, inflation, mortgage rates, inventory and demand to help you determi...

First Time Home Buyer Guide To Buying A House In 2025 - EP169 12.05.2025

Buying your first home is easy when you understand what the process looks like. In this episode, we go through the entire home buying process from A to Z for first time home buyers. If you are a first time home buyer, watch this before you buy! Start your stress-free loan journey today Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you Email: info@theeducatedhomebuyer.com Connect with Us 👇 Jeb Smith Hun...

LIVE 05_07_25 - Interest Rates Will Stay HIGHER For LONGER 09.05.2025

The FED Just left the Federal Funds rate unchanged signaling that mortgage rates will likely stay higher for longer. The Federal Reserve sees uncertainty withinflation and employment leading them to due exactly as the market was expecting, nothing. In this live, we break down what's happening with the economy, The FED, inflation, mortgage rates, inventory and demand to help you determine whether y...

EP168 - The UNCERTAINTY Of Mortgage Interest Rates Is Getting WORSE 05.05.2025

Mortgage rates are reacting more volatile than ever before, creating an environment full of uncertainty. In this video, we break down what’s driving rate volatility and why even positive news can push rates higher fast. With Fannie Mae projecting a gradual decline, the reality is that short-term rate moves remain unpredictable. If you’re in the market, understanding this landscape is critical to m...

LIVE 04_30_25 - Sellers Are CUTTING Prices At The Highest Rate In 10 Years 02.05.2025

The Housing Market is FINALLY Moving In Favor of Buyers But Is Now The Right Time To Buy? In this live, we break down what's happening with the economy, The FED, inflation, mortgage rates, inventory and demand to help you determine whether you should buy now or wait. ✅ Ready to take the next step? Start your stress-free loan journey today Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you Email: info@th...

EP167 - Mortgage Interest Rates Will Have a HUGE IMPACT On Home Prices 28.04.2025

Home prices, interest rates, and affordability are colliding in 2025 and the housing market’s shifting fast. In this episode, we break down how mortgage rates are impacting supply, demand, competition, and long-term wealth-building. We show you why affordability isn't just about monthly payments, and how smart buyers are navigating today's uncertainty. Start your stress-free loan journey today Joi...

LIVE 04_23_25 - House Prices Are Expected To DECLINE Through 2026 26.04.2025

Home prices are now projected to decline nationally, with Zillow forecasting a drop in house prices through March 2026. Inventory is climbing, buyer options are growing, and sellers are losing some of their leverage. While mortgage rates remain volatile, this shift could create opportunity for buyers who are prepared. In this live, we break down what's driving mortgage rates higher and what you sh...

EP166 - The TRUTH About FHA Loans - FHA Loans 101 21.04.2025

FHA loans offer low down payments and flexible credit requirements, BUT most buyers don’t understand how they really work. In this episode, we break down the facts, from qualification myths to hidden costs like mortgage insurance and lender overlays. You’ll learn how FHA compares to conventional loans, when it makes sense to use, and the surprising truths most lenders won’t tell you. Start your st...

LIVE 04_16_25 - The Housing Market Is SHIFTING In Favor of Buyers 18.04.2025

Mortgage interest rates just hit the highest levels we've seen in months while inventory continues to grow. Is this the new normal or just a temporary blip on the radar? Should you buy now or wait? In this live, we break down what's driving mortgage rates higher and what you should expect moving forward as a buyer or seller in 2025 so that you can become The Educated HomeBuyer. ✅ Ready to take th...

EP165 - Tariffs Just Threw the Housing Market Into Chaos 14.04.2025

Tariffs are back and they’re shaking up the housing market fast. In this episode, we break down how rising mortgage rate volatility is impacting buyers, sellers, and affordability. If you're in the market or just watching from the sidelines, here's what you need to know now before things shift again. Start your stress-free loan journey today Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you Email: info@...

LIVE 04_09_25 - Mortgage Interest Rates Just Had a Major Spike! 11.04.2025

Mortgage interest rates just saw one of the biggest single-day jumps since 2022—up nearly 0.30% in just 24 hours. In this video, we break down what caused the spike, why volatility like this matters, and what it could mean for homebuyers and the housing market moving forward. ✅ Ready to take the next step? Start your stress-free loan journey today Join Rate Watch – we’ll watch rates for you Email...

EP164 - Waiting For Lower Mortgage Interest Rates WILL COST YOU! 07.04.2025

Mortgage rates are high, affordability feels impossible, and many buyers are frozen by fear and misinformation. In this episode, Jeb and Josh break down what’s really holding people back from buying even when they're financially ready. We dig into buyer psychology, survey data, and why waiting for a “perfect” rate like 5.5% might actually cost you more in the long run. If you're serious about buyi...

LIVE 04_04_25 - Mortgage Delinquencies Are RISING - Should You Be Worried? 04.04.2025

Delinquency rates are rising but is it time to panic? In this video, we break down the real story behind recent headlines and viral posts claiming homeowners are in trouble. In this episode we discuss what's currently happening the 2025 housing market while answering your mortgage and real estate questions LIVE!Article related to this post - https://www.housingwire.com/articles/no-homeowner-delinq...

EP163 - A RECESSION Will Have A HUGE Impact On First Time Home Buyers 31.03.2025

A recession changes the game for first-time homebuyers, and not always in the way you’d expect. As the economy slows, we’re seeing early signs of softening interest rates, flattening home prices, and tighter lending standards. While that can open doors for some buyers, it could slam them shut for others. In this episode, Jeb and Josh break down what a potential recession means for affordability, j...

LIVE 03_26_27 - Inventory Is CLIMBING Nationwide But Who Cares 28.03.2025

Housing supply is up 30% from last year, with 30% of that inventory located in Florida and Texas. So if you’re located in Maine, do you really care what the housing market is doing in Florida? In this episode, we discuss what’s currently happening in the 2025 housing market while answering your mortgage and real estate questions LIVE ! ✅ Ready to take the next step? Start your stress-free loan jo...

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