More Than Mortgage

Hosted by The Mortgage Gallery

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Feb 2026

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About the show

More Than Mortgage is your go-to podcast for real estate pros who want to stay sharp, close more deals, and think beyond the basics. Hosted by Corey Freels and Lisa Wiles of The Mortgage Gallery, each episode brings you practical tips, market insights, and outside-the-box strategies—minus the jargon. Whether you're navigating a tricky market or just want fresh ideas to serve your clients better, we've got your back. Real talk. Smart strategy. And yes—more than mortgage. 📍 Serving TN · NC · SC · FL · AL 📞 865-263-6727 📧 TMG@TheMortgageGallery.com 🌐 www.TheMortgageGallery.com 🏡 NMLS #2289 | License #10911 | Equal Housing Lender

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50 recent

November 14, 20258 min

Mortgage Market Update: Shutdown Aftermath, Rate Squeeze, USDA Delays, and the Truth About 50-Year Loans

This week on Take Ten, Corey Freels and Lisa Wiles break down everything shaping the mortgage world right now in a fast, Realtor-friendly 10-minute update.Here’s what they cover:• Rates holding around 6.18% and why lenders are feeling the squeeze • What the government shutdown actually means for mortgage data • USDA fully stalled. Why files can’t even be uploaded yet and what that backlog will look like • Real 100% financing alternatives you can promote on your listings • The viral 50-year mortgage conversation and why the math just doesn’t math • When interest-only loans actually help clients (and when they don’t) • How other countries structure mortgages (yes, including that 100-year loan story) • Business planning for 2026: work life balance, consistent income, and scaling without chaosIf you want straight answers, tactical tips, and real talk without the fluff, you’re in the right place. Email us at AfterHours@theMortgageGallery.comOr call us at 865-263-6727

February 5, 202611 min

Mortgage Rates Drop to 6.07% | Fed Does Nothing + New Fed Chair Pick | What Realtors Need to Know

Mortgage rates improved slightly this week, with the 30-year fixed averaging 6.07% — and the Fed meeting brought… absolutely nothing. 👀In this episode of Take Ten, Corey and Lisa break down:• Why the Fed “doing nothing” is actually good • Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as next Fed Chair • Why the bond market really controls mortgage rates • Why independent mortgage banks now originate 84% of loans • Hybrid eClosings that save your clients time • What happens AFTER closing (this is the part no one else is doing)If you're a Realtor who wants to sound smarter in the room and add real value to your clients — this is your 10-minute cheat sheet.📲 We work nights and weekends. 🏡 We believe your mortgage should be a long-term strategy, not just a transaction.

January 28, 202610 min

Rates Are Back Over 6%… Should You Use Your 401(k) to Buy a House? + FHA Traps to Avoid

Mortgage rates dipped below 6% for one day… and now they’re back over 6%.So what’s actually happening?In this episode of Take Ten, Corey and Lisa break down:• Why rates briefly fell below 6% • Why paying points is suddenly a strong strategy • Builder incentives that are creating “slick” deals • The proposed 401(k) down payment rule change • Should you tap retirement savings to buy a home? • What CrossMod homes are (and why they’re a powerful affordability solution) • A little-known FHA rule about wells and public water that can kill a deal • How listing agents can avoid financing surprisesIf you’re a Realtor, buyer, investor, or homeowner trying to understand today’s mortgage market, this episode gives you real strategy, not headlines.We explain what matters, what doesn’t, and how to structure deals creatively in this 6% rate environment.📊 Data source: Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Index 🏡 Topics: mortgage rates 2026, paying discount points, 401k for down payment, CrossMod homes, FHA appraisal rules, well water requirements, builder incentivesReal conversations. Real strategy. Ten minutes.

January 23, 202610 min

$200 Billion in Mortgage Bonds… Will Rates Actually Drop? + The Refinance Strategy Saving Clients $2,000/Month

Recently, the Trump administration instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to invest $200 billion into mortgage-backed securities... and the internet exploded.Did rates crash? Is this the beginning of 5% mortgages again? Or is the headline bigger than the impact?In this episode of Take Ten, Corey and Lisa break down:• What the $200B mortgage bond investment really means • Why rates didn’t drop as much as social media claimed • Where economists expect mortgage rates to trend in 2026 • Why rate stabilization matters more than dramatic drops • The truth behind the “foreclosures up 14%” headlines • A powerful cash-out refinance strategy saving clients $300–$2,000 per month • When to use a HELOC vs. a cash-out refinanceIf you’re a Realtor, homeowner, investor, or buyer waiting on rates to “crash,” this episode gives you the clarity you actually need.We cut through headlines and explain what’s really happening in the mortgage market — in under 10 minutes.📍 Hosted by The Mortgage Gallery 📊 Real data. Clear strategy. No doom scrolling.

November 26, 20256 min

Mortgage Rates Dip Ahead of Thanksgiving: What the Fed Just Signaled

This week’s Take Ten comes with a turkey costume and a major shift in the mortgage market. Mortgage rates dipped again, now averaging 6.18 percent, and the odds of a December rate cut jumped from under 40 percent to more than 80 percent after a single comment from New York Fed President John Williams.Corey and Lisa break down what changed, why the markets reacted so quickly, and what this means for buyers and sellers heading into December.They also share details about the Mortgage Gallery’s upcoming Quest for Success business-planning experience at Ancient Lore Village on December 11, featuring two powerhouse speakers and practical tools Realtors can use to set up a strong 2026.Perfect for Realtors, lenders, and anyone who wants a fast, friendly, and no-nonsense weekly snapshot of the mortgage world.

November 24, 202510 min

Why Rates Won’t Drop in December + The Bank Statement Loan Everyone’s Sleeping On

In this episode of Take Ten, Corey Freels and Lisa Wiles from The Mortgage Gallery break down the latest market data and give Realtors the insights they need to win one more deal as we head into the holidays.We cover: • Why the December Fed meeting is unlikely to bring a rate cut • How to use the CME FedWatch Tool to sound like a market expert • Why mortgage rates ticked slightly higher this week • The truth about USDA delays and alternative 100 percent financing options • Why buyers are quietly popping up in December • Real stories from the field: — How a bank-statement loan boosted income from $3,800 to $27,500/month — An eight-day FHA close with a holiday in the middle • What Realtors should do right now to get listings in front of buyers who don’t even know they’re looking • The Half-Point Kickoff extension and how it helps buyers start with a a rate .5% lower for their first yearWhether your buyers are waiting on rates, confused by the headlines, or unsure about their options, this episode arms you with clear talking points and real solutions to keep deals moving.👉 We work weekends, nights, eight days a week. Send us your people. We’ll take care of them.AfterHours@TheMortgageGallery.com865-263-6727

October 30, 202510 min

Fed Cuts Rates... But Mortgage Rates Go UP?! | Bridge Loans, Recasts & Q4 Game Plan | Take 10 Podcast

The Fed finally cut rates, but mortgage rates went up?! In this week’s Take 10, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels from The Mortgage Gallery unpack why that happened, what it really means for buyers and Realtors, and how to turn this tricky market into an opportunity.Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why mortgage rates don’t always follow Fed rate cuts - How to help buyers purchase before they sell with Fairway’s Bridge Loan - The genius pairing of Bridge Loans + Recasting for lower payments - How to plan now in Q4 to crush your 2026 goals - Fresh perspective on keeping your cup full, and your pipeline flowingIt’s 10 minutes of clarity, creativity, and real-world tips you can use right now.www.TheMortgageGallery.com865-263-6727AfterHours@TheMortgageGallery.com#MortgageRates #FedRateCut #RealEstatePodcast #Take10Podcast #MortgageGallery #BridgeLoan #Recast #MortgageTips #RealtorEducation #MarketUpdate #LoanOfficerLife #HomeLoans #BusinessPlanning #MortgagePodcast #HousingMarket

October 24, 202512 min

Rates Near 2-Year Lows, 20-Year Loan Savings & Smart Negotiation Wins

Mortgage rates are sitting near their lowest point in two years — and that means big opportunities for buyers and Realtors alike.In this week’s Take 10, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels from The Mortgage Gallery cover: ✅ Why the 20-year fixed loan is a hidden savings powerhouse ✅ How to use seller credits to buy down rates instead of lowering price ✅ What the latest MBA forecast means for long-term rate trends ✅ How the government shutdown is impacting USDA loans ✅ New 2026 conforming loan limits — and what they mean for buyers ✅ A few fun updates from our team, including Becca’s panel and Fall FestQuick, real, and Realtor-focused — your 10-minute edge in today’s market.#MortgageTips #RealEstatePodcast #Take10Podcast #MortgageGallery #HousingMarketUpdate #RealtorTools #MortgageRates #HomeLoans #LoanOfficerLife #MarketUpdate #RealEstateEducation #MortgageBuydown

October 17, 202510 min

Rates Hit Yearly Lows: Smart Realtor Strategies for Saving Deals, Renovation Loans & Half-Point Buydowns

Mortgage rates are near their lowest point of the year — but that’s not the only good news. In this episode of Take 10 from The Mortgage Gallery, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels break down what Realtors need to know right now:How the ongoing government shutdown is impacting rates and USDA loans Creative ways to save deals that fall apart after home inspections Why renovation financing is a hidden opportunity for agents Real-life stories of loans other lenders turned down (and how our team got them closed!) The power of our .5% lender-paid rate buydown and 20-year fixed optionsIf you’re a Realtor looking for fresh ideas to help clients close, even in a tricky market, this is your ten-minute edge.

September 26, 20259 min

What's Happening With Rates & How To WIN Regardless

Mortgage rates are climbing again, even after the Fed’s recent rate cut, and it’s leaving a lot of people confused. In this episode of Take Ten, we give you both the why behind rising rates and the how to keep winning in this market. Here’s what you’ll learn:Why mortgage rates spiked even after a Fed rate cut Creative strategies like Lock & List and Payment Abatement to help sellers move inventory and buyers feel confident Practical tips to keep your business thriving even with rising rates Want insider more insider updates like this? Join our private Facebook group here: facebook.com/share/g/1JJGxYRLcB/