Today in Mortgages

Are your buyers accidentally sabotaging their own homebuying journey? In this episode of Today in Mortgages , we break down the three biggest mistakes Grant Cardone says are derailing homebuyers — and how loan officers can coach clients toward smarter decisions. Rich and Michael dig into: ❗ Myth-busting : “I’m priced out of the market” 💡 Creative financing strategies that beat waiting for rates...

oday on Today in Mortgages , Michael and Rich break down the surprising nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next potential Fed Chair — and why the industry did not see this coming. They unpack his hawkish history, what this means for mortgage rates, how politics may influence the confirmation process, and why independent monetary policy still matters. Plus, Rich and Michael recap an incredible weeken...

Credit report fees have skyrocketed—from around $0.50 to a proposed $10 per bureau in recent years! Why is this happening, and what does it mean for lenders and borrowers? In this episode of Today in Mortgages , we break down: How FICO royalties went from pennies to dollars Why credit report costs have surged nearly 500% in five years The role of trigger leads and lost revenue for bureaus VantageS...

Another CPI report is in, and it’s hotter than expected in key areas like housing. Plus, Trump’s proposal to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes—will it make a real difference for first-time buyers? We break it all down in this episode of Today in Mortgages. What you’ll learn in this episode: - Why the latest CPI report matters for mortgage professionals - How housing infla...

Welcome back, Dreammakers! Our first episode of 2026 dives into some jaw-dropping headlines: criminal indictments at the Fed, rumors of fraud, and what all this means for mortgage rates and the housing market. Plus, we break down Trump’s $200B mortgage bond buy request and why the Fed’s independence matters more than ever. In this episode: DOJ investigations into Fed Chair Powell Why Fed independe...

We’re wrapping up 2025 with one big question: Is now the time to lock your mortgage rate? In this episode, Michael and Rich break down what rate locks really mean, the pros and cons, and why timing matters more than ever. From Fed rate confusion to real-world examples, we’ll help you understand how locking today could save you from surprises tomorrow. Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan offi...

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are quietly adding billions to their mortgage bond portfolios. What does this mean for the housing market, interest rates, and your business as a loan officer? In this episode, Michael and Rich break down: Why Fannie and Freddie are holding more mortgage bonds The potential exit from government conservatorship How this could impact mortgage rates and housing affordabilit...

What’s in store for housing and mortgage rates in 2026? In this episode of Today in Mortgages , we break down: The Fed’s latest rate cut and what it means for mortgage rates Why home prices are expected to rise only 1.4% next year Predictions for interest rates staying in the 6% range through 2026 How affordability might improve (slowly!) and what that means for buyers Why mindset matters more tha...

Let’s talk about what’s real, what’s hype, and what you should actually pay attention to in mortgage and real estate news. In this episode: Key Discussion Points: Why the Road to Housing Act is now pushed to 2026 How bundling with the defense bill caused delays What the bill aims to fix: affordability, zoning, and new loan products Pressure on Congress and the White House to act Positive signs for...

We’re closing out the year and looking ahead to 2026! What’s real, what’s hype, and what should you actually pay attention to in the housing market? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down Redfin’s six big predictions for the coming year, including: - Will mortgage rates finally dip into the low 6% range? - How wage growth could improve home affordability - Why existing home sales are...

We’re back after Thanksgiving to talk about one of the biggest stories in the mortgage world: the upcoming change in Fed leadership and what it could mean for rates, affordability, and your business. Here’s what we cover in this episode: Why the Fed Chair matters for mortgage rates (and why it’s not a direct link) Trump’s push for a dovish Fed and lower interest rates Kevin Hassett as the rumored...

Crystal Ball Time: What’s Coming in 2026 for Mortgages? We’re diving into predictions for the housing market and mortgage industry in 2026. Will home sales finally rebound? What’s hype, and what’s real? Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Key Discussion Points: Lawrence Yun’s forecast: 14% increase in existing home sales New home builds and inventory trends Why Fed rate cuts could shape mort...

Foreclosures are making headlines again—but what’s real and what’s hype? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down the latest MarketWatch report claiming foreclosures are up 20%, and put it all into context. Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why foreclosure numbers are rising (and what’s really driving it) - How today compares to pre-COVID levels - The hidden costs of homeownership you might...

In this episode of Today in Mortgages , we dive into two innovative loan ideas that could shake up the housing market: assumable and portable mortgages. Hosts break down what these terms mean, how they work, and whether they could be the key to unlocking home sales in a high-rate environment. 🔑 Key Topics: What are assumable mortgages and who qualifies? The pros and cons of assuming a loan Portab...

Is the government finally working again? And could a 50-year mortgage be the next big thing? We break down the latest headlines and what they mean for loan officers, homebuyers, and the mortgage industry. In this episode: Government shutdown updates and how it affects flood insurance and mortgage operations Donald Trump's 50-year mortgage proposal: what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s spar...

Are adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) making a risky comeback—or is the media just stirring the pot? In this episode, Rich Jefferson joins Michael to break down the truth behind ARMs, their history in the subprime crisis, and how they’re used today. 🔑 Key Topics: What ARMs really are and how they work Why ARMs were risky during the subprime era How today’s underwriting standards protect borrowers...

Rates dipping and refis are jumping— up 111% from last year, according to MarketWatch. But is it the right time for you or your clients to refinance? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down: - Why some Network Funding branches just had their biggest month in two years - What types of refinances are trending (rate & term vs. cash-out) - How to calculate real savings—e...

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich discuss the latest good news in terms of rate cuts and policy. Fed chair Powell announced a .25 point basis cut in the Fed funds rates! But they also said "we are far from a decision to cut more in December" leaving everyone guessing. With the government shut down, Powell wants to be certain before he makes a decision. Currently we...

In this episode of Today in Mortgages , Michael and Rich break down the latest In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down the latest economic headlines and what they mean for the mortgage and housing markets. From record-breaking stock market highs to cooling inflation and the Fed’s next move, we’re diving into the data and decoding the impact for loan officers and homebuye...

Refinance demand is up 81% compared to last year—are we finally seeing the comeback we've been waiting for? In this episode, we dive into the latest CNBC article and discuss what falling mortgage rates mean for loan officers, homeowners, and the broader housing market. In this episode: Why refinance activity is surging What falling rates mean for buyers and homeowners How loan officers can ca...

Is the housing market really stalling — or is it just the headlines? In this episode, Michael and Rich dive into the impact of the ongoing government shutdown on mortgage lending, USDA loans, flood insurance, and buyer confidence. Despite the noise, there’s good news: listings are up, rates are dipping, and builders are offering end-of-year deals that first-time buyers shouldn’t miss. 🎯 Plus, we...

Welcome back, Dreammakers, to Today in Mortgages! In this episode, hosts Michael and Richard discuss the new bill that Congress passed! Today's article is from MortgageProfessional.com "Senate passes ROAD to housing act." This bill still needs to pass the house, but it is the administrations attempt to address affordable housing challenges. And, it's bipartisan!  So what is in...

Welcome back, Dreammakers, to Today in Mortgages! In this episode, hosts Michael and Richard discuss why the market has strong demand but weak sales numbers. Today's article from CNN.com says "Here's why the housing slowdown isn't lowering sales prices." Buyers know they hold the cards right now, but sellers are stubborn. Unless you really have to sell, sellers won't...

Welcome back, Dreammakers, to Today in Mortgages! In this episode, hosts Michael and Richard discuss the government shut down and how it will impact the housing market. Obviously, there's a debate going on between the left and right on how to solve this, but we are focusing only on the mortgage industry. Specifically, what essential services will continue to happen, and what will be more diff...

Welcome back, Dreammakers, to Today in Mortgages! In this episode, hosts Michael and Richard discuss that there has been a bump in new home sales. Today's article is from CNBC.com: "New home sales soar 20% in August to a three-year high." This giant bump was a lot more than expected! Looking at the data we are not surprised. Interest rates, we went from high 6's to low 6's...