Today in Mortgages

A new executive order promises to tackle mortgage affordability, but can government policy really lower housing costs? Trusted mortgage advisor Rich Jefferson joins Michael to unpack the latest proposals and what the Federal Reserve's rate decisions mean for borrowers. **What we cover:** • Inside the new executive order targeting VA refinances, appraisals, title insurance, and PMI • Why the F...

Fannie Mae just sharply increased its 2027 mortgage rate forecast to 7.5%, shattering hopes for a near-term dip in borrowing costs. In this episode, Michael and industry guru Rich Jefferson dive into the latest inflation numbers, upcoming Fed decisions, and how buyers and real estate pros can still win. **What we cover:** - Why higher CPI at 0.6% and core PPI spikes signal more Fed rate hikes ahea...

The housing market power struggle is here, and buyers are finding themselves with more leverage than they've had in years. Rich and Michael break down the latest news, from the Fed's continuing battle with inflation to the cooling of buyer demand. While sellers are hesitant to drop prices, they are becoming more willing to offer concessions that can save buyers thousands. What we cover:...

A brand-new home appraisal process is here, and it's causing chaos for lenders and appraisers. Rich and Michael break down exactly what buyers and sellers need to know about the new Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD 3.6) requirements that just went into effect. What we cover: * The Fed's latest PCE report and what it means for inflation. * Why the 10-year Treasury is rising despite other ea...

A 4% mortgage rate sounds like a dream in today's market, but some home builders are making it a reality. On this episode, Rich and Michael pull back the curtain on the counterintuitive strategies unfolding in the real estate world following the Fed's latest rate hike. They explain how builder buydowns and forward commitments are allowing new construction homes to be sold with surprising...

Negotiating a lower home price might seem like the obvious move, but you could be leaving serious money on the table. In a volatile market, understanding how to leverage every tool available is crucial, and seller concessions are a powerful one that many buyers overlook. Rich and Michael explain why this strategy is often far more beneficial than a simple price reduction. **What we cover:** * Why...

Is paying off your mortgage early always the right move? While it might seem like a clear path to financial freedom, Rich and Michael break down why it's a nuanced decision. What we cover: * The surprising number of homeowners making extra payments. * How one extra payment a year can shave years and thousands of dollars off your loan. * When it makes more sense to invest your cash instead of...

Will mortgage interest rates finally see some relief in September? It's the question on every homebuyer's mind, but the answer isn't as simple as we'd hope. Rich and Michael tackle the uncertainty head-on, breaking down a recent CBS News article that explores the key factors influencing the market. **What we cover:** * The three primary forces that will dictate whether rates go...

Fannie Mae just revamped its mortgage rate forecast, and the predictions for 2026-2027 are not what we expected. With the national debt crossing the $40 trillion mark and continued market volatility, what does this mean for homebuyers and real estate professionals navigating the current landscape? In this episode, Rich Jefferson and Michael discuss the factors driving the new forecast and what it...

The balance of power in real estate is tilting dramatically. For the first time in years, buyers are gaining the upper hand, with more sellers than active buyers in many markets. In this episode, Rich and Michael dive into what this power shift means for you. **What we cover:** * Why the market is shifting and what a 'buyer's market' really means. * How sellers need to adjust their...

Googling 'current mortgage rates' is often the first step for aspiring homeowners, but what you see isn't always what you get. In this episode, Rich and Michael pull back the curtain on the most common online mortgage searches and explain why the results can be dangerously misleading. They reveal the hidden costs and missing information in online calculators and rate aggregators, sh...

The Fed didn't move rates, but the market reaction was dramatic. Rich and Michael explain why the ten-year treasury jumped and what Fed Chair Warsh's new data-driven approach—using private sector CEOs for intel—means for long-term stability and inflation. Plus, a massive overhaul to condo financing rules is here. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are eliminating limited reviews and increasing r...

The markets are flashing warning signs, with climbing rates and global conflict spooking investors. But the housing market is telling a completely different story of resilience. In this episode, Rich and Michael break down the complex economic signals and explain why, despite the headwinds, people are still determined to buy homes. **What we cover:** * Why jobless claims are lower than expected an...

Despite confusing headlines and volatile markets, real estate has been voted America's best long-term investment for 14 years running. In this episode, Rich and Michael unpack the surprising economic signals and market sentiments that prove homeownership is still the smartest path to building wealth. What we cover: * The latest inflation report and what it really means for your wallet. * Why...

Blend just launched an AI-powered pre-underwriting tool — and it's only one of several vying for a spot in your originator's toolkit. Rich breaks down how AI pre-underwriting actually works, why it won't replace a licensed loan officer, and what a new CFPB executive order could mean for regulation. - Blend's new "Autopilot" AI pre-underwriting tool — and why NFLP is t...

Another week, another rollercoaster in mortgages—and this time, it’s all about rates, global conflict, and housing supply pressure. In today’s episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down why home prices are still climbing, even while rates remain stubbornly high, and what April’s brief rate dip tells us about pent-up demand in today’s market. They also dive into the Road to Housing...

Affordability continues to be a major hurdle for buyers—but it’s not the full story. Michael and Rich break down the latest from the Fed, including the updated dot plot and what “higher for longer” really means for interest rates. They also dive into how global events, inflation, and rising costs—like taxes and insurance—are impacting monthly housing payments. Then, they unpack a new Redfin report...

It’s getting tougher than ever for the next generation to buy a home—but there are powerful ways families can step in and help. In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down a recent AARP article on helping kids buy their first home and explore real-world strategies that go beyond the basics. From down payment struggles to creative financing options, they explain how families...

2030 may feel far away—but in housing, it’s closer than you think. In this episode of Today in Mortgages , we break down a bold prediction from Fannie Mae and what it means for home prices, affordability, and the next generation of buyers. As the market normalizes, what should loan officers and real estate professionals be doing right now to stay ahead? This episode is packed with insights to help...

There’s a quiet battle happening behind the scenes in real estate and mortgages—and it all comes down to who controls the lead. In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down the growing tension between platforms like Zillow and Compass, and what their fight reveals about the future of mortgage lead distribution, MLS access, and vertical integration. Rich Jefferson joins us in the studio to...

One in 10 mortgages today is non‑qualified — and if that headline made you think of 2008, you’re not alone. In this episode of Today in Mortgages , Michael David sits down with industry veteran Rich Jefferson to break down what non‑QM loans actually are, why they’re growing, and why today’s non‑qualified mortgages are very different from the risky loans of the past. We cover: ✅ What “non‑qualifie...

How do you stand out in a tough mortgage market when everyone has access to the same tools, CRMs, and AI? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich Jefferson break down what actually separates top-performing loan officers and real estate professionals from everyone else. Rich shares eye-opening insights about client retention, why 80% satisfaction doesn’t translate into repeat...

Is fear or finances really what’s keeping buyers on the sidelines? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich Jefferson break down how fear, anxiety, and misinformation are shaping buyer and loan officer behavior in today’s market — and what professionals can do to replace fear with confidence. Key topics discussed: Why 64% of first-time buyers feel intimidated by the homebuying...

How much should you really put down when buying a home in today’s mortgage rate environment? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich Jefferson break down what’s real and what’s hype when it comes to down payments, interest rates, and buyer strategy in 2026. Using insights from a recent CBS News article and real‑world borrower experience, we discuss: Why over half of buyers ar...

Mortgage rates have been on a wild ride lately — but could relief finally be on the way this May? In this episode of Today in Mortgages , Michael and Rich break down what’s really driving mortgage rates right now, why the Fed isn’t the only factor, and how investor confidence, inflation data, and global events can move rates even when there’s no Fed meeting on the calendar. They also talk about:...