Today in Mortgages

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:...

Building just got $20,000 cheaper — at least that’s the headline. In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down a major HUD and USDA announcement rescinding energy efficiency building code requirements tied to FHA and USDA loans. The big question: Does this actually make homes more affordable… or is it just hype? We cover: What the rollback of the IECC (International Energy Co...

People have been “locked in” to ultra-low mortgage rates for years — but that’s finally starting to change. In this episode of Today in Mortgages , Michael and Rich break down the lock-in effect , why it’s easing, and what falling rates mean for home buyers, sellers, and loan officers right now. With rates inching lower and inventory improving, movement is returning to the market — and opportunity...

Are we finally seeing a true buyer’s market in real estate? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich break down a new Realtor.com® | Homes for Sale, Apartments & Houses for Rent  article revealing that 83% of sellers still expect full asking price or more — even as more sellers are preparing to make concessions. So what does that mean for buyers, sellers, and loan officers...

A ceasefire in Iran jolts the markets—but what does it really mean for mortgage rates, buyers, and refinances? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down how global conflict and sudden market certainty impact interest rates, why mortgage applications stalled, and what borrowers and loan officers should actually be doing right now. In this episode, we cover: • Why uncertaint...

Will conflict in the Middle East push inflation higher and keep mortgage rates elevated in the U.S.? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down how geopolitical uncertainty — specifically tensions involving Iran — is impacting oil prices, inflation expectations, the 10-year Treasury, and what that means for mortgage rates and housing affordability. In this episode, we cover...

Nearly 1 in 7 home sales fell apart last month — here's why. In this episode, Michael and Rich break down fresh data from Redfin showing a record-high 14% of home purchase agreements falling through in February. They dig into what's driving buyer jitters, how volatile rates are shaking up contracts, why concessions are exploding, and what loan pros absolutely must do right now to keep cl...

Is Build-to-Rent still hot… or cooling off? In this episode of Today in Mortgages , Michael and Rich break down the future of build-to-rent communities — who they serve, why they surged, and whether new political pressure could slow them down. From affordability challenges to institutional investor debates, we’re unpacking what this trend means for homebuyers, renters, and mortgage pros. 🔍 What w...

Pending home sales tick up — but will March’s economic and global volatility kill the momentum? In today’s episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down February’s surprisingly positive pending home sales numbers, why March could reverse the trend, and what loan officers should be paying close attention to as buying season kicks off. We cover: February’s 1.8% national increase in pend...

Today on Today in Mortgages , we break down the White House’s newly announced executive orders aimed at boosting homebuilding and reducing construction costs. Rich Jefferson joins Michael to unpack what’s real, what’s political, and what could actually move the needle for affordability in 2026 and beyond. In this episode: What the new executive orders really direct agencies to do Impact on builder...

Buyers are outpacing listings — again. In this episode, we break down why demand is suddenly surging, how lower interest rates are pushing more buyers back into the market, and why inventory continues to be the biggest hurdle in 2026. Rich digs into new HousingWire data, the impact of global conflict on rates, and what loan officers should be telling buyers right now. In this episode: Why buyers a...

Will conflict in the Middle East spill over into U.S. housing and interest rates? In today’s episode, Michael and Rich break down how the Iran conflict, oil price spikes, inflation pressure, and central bank uncertainty are creating fresh volatility in the mortgage market. They cover: Why oil at $120 → volatility → inflation → rate pressure How geopolitical instability unsettles investors and Trea...

Trigger leads are finally being limited — and the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act goes into effect today . In this episode, Rich breaks down what the new law actually does, which trigger leads are banned, and how this impacts lenders, servicers, and consumers. Plus, we recap major affordability initiatives coming from the MBA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac — including LLPA changes, FHA MIP adjustm...

What can we learn about housing from the State of the Union? Today, we're breaking down the key takeaways for the mortgage and real estate world — from affordability measures, to first‑time homebuyer support, to what falling interest rates might actually mean for demand and home prices. Rich unpacks the administration’s proposals, explains how the economy’s “K‑shape” is shaping consumer confi...

Houston… we’ve got a five handle ! Today on Today in Mortgages , Michael and Rich break down what it means now that rates have dipped to 5.99% , whether it will stick, how market volatility is playing into rate movement, and what buyers, refinancers, and mortgage pros should actually do right now. Rich explains how economic jitters, tariff news, and AI-market reactions are pushing long-term mortga...