Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton

Hosted by Bill Litton

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100

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Oct 2026

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About the show

If you have questions about the mortgage process of buying a home or the ins and outs of refinancing then this is the show for you. Join CrossCountry Mortgage Regional President Bill Litton as he breaks down key lending terms, answers listener questions, and provides you tons of tips and education about the mortgage world. You could save thousands of dollars on your next mortgage decision just by tapping into some of the great information on the Smart Mortgage Show. Schedule a time to meet with Bill and learn more and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions. 484-352-4151. NMLS3029 Equal Housing Opportunity.

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60 recent

October 15, 202611 min

ARM vs. Temporary Buydown: Which Makes More Sense?

High mortgage rates don't have to leave homebuyers feeling stuck. In this episode, Bill explores mortgage options that may offer relief in today's market. He shares how the right approach depends on your goals, finances, and comfort with risk. Wondering what could work for you? Tune in to explore your options and potential trade-offs. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 ARM Basics: Understand how adjustable rates work 📉 Rate Relief: Lower initial housing costs 🔒 Buydowns : Add short-term payment certainty 💰 Flexibility: Compare different mortgage strategies ⚠️ Risk: Prepare for future payment increases 📊 Planning : Match financing to your goals CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

October 8, 20269 min

One-Star Mortgage Review: Payment Jumped at Closing

As part of our One-Star Mortgage Review series, we're looking at a bad experience from another mortgage company where a buyer reached settlement and needed significantly more money than expected. Bill explains why upfront preparation and clear communication can make such a big difference before you ever reach the closing table. Buying a home is stressful enough without a last-minute surprise attached to the price tag, so choose a lending partner who can help you understand the full financial picture. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💸 Closing Costs: Identifying what may be missing 📍 Local Knowledge : Accounting for market-specific expenses 🔎 Lender Vetting: Asking the right questions early 📄 Loan Summary: Reviewing every dollar before committing 🗣️ Direct Questions : Getting clarity before settlement day 🤝 Trusted Partner: Choosing someone who knows your market CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

October 1, 202610 min

Market Update: Mortgage Rates Are Climbing Again

📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text "LEND" to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Mortgage rates have climbed quickly, but does that mean homebuyers should automatically hit pause? In this market update, Bill breaks down what's pushing rates higher, why the headlines don't always tell the whole story, and what buyers should consider before deciding to wait. From the potential cost of delaying a purchase to strategies that could make today's payments more manageable, this episode offers perspective for anyone trying to make a smart move in a challenging rate environment. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Rates Are Rising — What's driving the recent jump 🏠 The Cost of Waiting — Why lower rates aren't everything 🔎 Focus on the Payment — Look beyond headline rates ⏳ How Long Could This Last? — What could keep rates elevated 🛠️ Strategies Still Exist — Options for today's buyers 🧮 Run Your Numbers — Make decisions based on your situation CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

September 24, 202611 min

Condo Financing Is Changing—Here's What to Expect

Buying a condo? Getting approved for a mortgage isn't the whole story. Bill breaks down Fannie Mae's new condo rules and how tighter reviews of a building's finances and condition could impact buyers, sellers, and realtors, without scaring you away from great opportunities. Understanding the rules upfront can help prevent an unexpected financing problem after you're already under contract. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏢 Condo Approvals: What's changing with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac 🛡️ Insurance Changes: Adjustments to coverage requirements 📚 Full Reviews : A much more detailed approval process 🏠 Buyer Impact: Why personal approval isn't the whole story ⚠️ Potential Delays: Why identifying issues early matters Fannie Mae Letter: https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/media/44986/display CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

September 17, 202618 min

Wealth Builder Mortgage Explained: A Flexible Loan for High-Cash-Flow Borrowers

What if your mortgage gave you more control over how you manage your money each month? Bill introduces the Wealth Builder Mortgage, a specialized loan option designed for financially disciplined borrowers who want more flexibility while potentially reducing the interest they pay over time. If you have strong cash flow and want your mortgage to play a more active role in your overall financial strategy, this may be an option worth considering. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Wealth Builder Mortgage: How this specialized loan works 🔓 Flexible Access: Reusing available funds when needed 📉 Interest Savings: Potential benefits of reducing principal sooner 📆 Loan Structure: How payments change after the first 10 years 🔄 Refinancing : Options if rates or circumstances change 🎯 Ideal Borrower : Who may be a strong fit for this strategy CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

September 10, 202611 min

One Star Mortgage Review: The Closing Cost Ambush

📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text "LEND" to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation A surprise at the closing table is one of the last things any home buyer wants. Bill breaks down another one-star review—left for an unnamed lender—involving a sudden $4,200 increase in closing costs. He explains what may have gone wrong behind the scenes and what buyers should expect from a transparent lending process like the one offered by the Litton Team at CrossCountry Mortgage. The goal is simple: no buyer should be scrambling for thousands of extra dollars the morning they're supposed to get the keys. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📄 Early Estimates: When buyers should know the numbers ⚠️ Warning Signs: How inexperience or omission can create problems 🔍 Comparing Estimates: Spotting gaps before they become surprises 🚨 Last-Minute Changes: What options buyers may still have 📅 Closing Delays: When extending settlement may be possible 🏠 Protecting the Deal: What happens if you can't bring the extra cash CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

September 3, 20268 min

Mortgage Rate Update: What Buyers Should Know Right Now

Waiting for the "perfect" mortgage rate can feel like the smart move, but the market rarely cooperates with anyone's timeline. Bill breaks down the current rate environment, what's happening with the Fed, and why changes in Washington don't always translate immediately into cheaper mortgages. Before you put your plans on hold for a rate that may or may not arrive, make sure you understand what you're really waiting for. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Market Update: Where rates and conditions stand today 🏦 The Fed: Understanding its influence on borrowing costs 👤 Kevin Warsh: What new leadership could mean for policy ⏱️ Timing Rates: Why predicting the perfect moment is difficult 🏠 Buyer Decisions: Looking beyond rates when deciding when to move CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

August 27, 202612 min

Should You Buy Down Your Mortgage Rate at Closing?

Unlocking a lower mortgage payment isn't always as simple as it sounds, especially when "buying down" your rate enters the conversation. Bill explains how permanent rate buydowns work and when they may or may not fit your long-term plans. Before you lock in a loan, make sure you know whether paying points actually pays off for you. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Mortgage Buydowns: Paying points can permanently lower your rate ⚙️ How It Works: Upfront costs create smaller monthly payments 📐 Break-Even Math: Compare total cost against monthly savings 🔄 Refinancing Plans: Future rate changes can erase the benefit 🧮 Real Scenarios: Time horizon often determines the best choice CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

August 20, 202610 min

What "Financially Ready"' Really Means (Beyond Income and Credit)

A pre-approval can confirm that you qualify for a mortgage, but it cannot answer every question that comes with buying a home. Bill looks beyond the approval letter to explore what it takes to make a home purchase that supports your broader financial picture. He explains why qualifying for a loan and being truly prepared for homeownership are not always the same thing. Listen in for a more thoughtful approach to making one of life's biggest financial decisions. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Financial Readiness: Credit and income are only starting points 🧠 Emotional Readiness: Buyers should understand possible value fluctuations 💵 Budget Confidence: Payments must fit today and tomorrow 🛠️ Stress Tolerance: Maintenance costs should be expected and planned ✅ Final Decision : Being approved differs from being prepared CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF

August 13, 20269 min

1-Star Mortgage Review: The Vanishing Loan Officer

Discover what really goes wrong when a mortgage experience earns just one star. As part of Bill's One-Star Review series, he unpacks a real complaint and explores the hidden pitfalls behind it. You'll hear how a disappearing loan officer can derail confidence and clarity in the process. Stay tuned to learn what true five-star service should feel like in this special One-Star Review breakdown. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ⭐ One-Star Review: Poor communication can derail borrower confidence 👻 Vanishing Officer: Loan officers should remain actively involved 🧭 Holistic Planning: Mortgage advice should consider the full picture 📞 Clear Communication: Updates should match each client's preferences 📝 Continuity Matters : Detailed notes prevent repeated explanations CONTACT: Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/ Call: 484-352-4151. Check us out on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3KbUxAF