Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton

Hosted by Bill Litton

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100

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Aug 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

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

August 6, 20268 min

Market Update: Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed Next?

Mortgage rates have shown some stability, but buyers are still wondering when meaningful relief might arrive. Bill breaks down the forces currently shaping rates and explains why waiting for lower rates does not always lead to a better buying opportunity. Could buying now and refinancing later make more sense than trying to time the market? Tune in to find out. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Market Update : Mortgage rates remain within a stable range 🏠 Current Rates: Buyers are adjusting to recent trends 🌍 Global Conflict: Geopolitical events can quickly shift rates 🏦 Federal Reserve: Inflation remains central to future decisions 🔮 Buyer Outlook: Waiting may come with higher home prices 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

July 30, 202611 min

"Escrow Shock" — The Hidden Homeownership Crisis

Your interest rate may be fixed, but that doesn't mean your monthly housing payment is safe from a major increase. Homeowners across the country are experiencing "escrow shock" as rising insurance premiums, property taxes, and account shortages drive their payments higher. Bill explains why these increases happen and how both buyers and current homeowners can prepare for them. A little planning today could prevent a painful budget surprise tomorrow. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Escrow Shock: The payment increase homeowners didn't expect 📈 Rising Expenses: Taxes and insurance keep climbing 💰 Budgeting Wisely: Leave room for ownership costs 🛡️ Protect Your Payment: Shop policies and verify estimates 📞 Expert Guidance : Build your budget with accurate numbers 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

July 23, 202615 min

Crushing The Biggest Mortgage Myths Holding You Back

Discover the mortgage myths that might be quietly holding you back from homeownership. Bill unpacks common misconceptions that may be holding you back from attaining your dreams of home ownership. You'll also hear how strategic planning with the right lender can open more doors than you might expect. Tune in to rethink what's possible and stop letting myths make your decisions. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Down Payments: 20% is not always required 📊 Credit Scores : Perfect credit is not necessary 🎓 Student Loans: Debt does not automatically disqualify you ⏳ Rate Timing: Waiting can carry tradeoffs 🔑 Renting vs Buying: Understand the bigger picture 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

July 16, 202612 min

How to Make Homebuying Work Right Now

📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text "LEND" to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Homebuyers are facing higher rates, rising prices, and a market that looks very different than it did just a few years ago. In this episode of The Smart Mortgage Show , Bill explains how buyers are adapting by focusing less on purchase price and more on monthly payment, exploring refinance options, considering rate buydowns, using family gifts, expanding search criteria, and staying flexible. The key message: today's market still has opportunities when buyers approach it strategically. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Payment First: Focus on monthly affordability. 📉 Refi Strategy: Plan for future opportunities. 💰 Rate Buydowns: Weigh short-term savings carefully. 🤝 Creative Buying: Friends, siblings, and family gifts. 📍 Flexible Search: Consider location, taxes, and townhomes. 🧩 Smart Planning: Get the full financial picture. 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

July 9, 202610 min

July Market Update: Why Rates Are Stuck Right Now

📞 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 may not be where buyers want them, but stability in the market is creating a clearer path for smart decision-making. In this July market update, Bill breaks down where 30-year fixed rates stand, why inflation and the 10-year Treasury continue to drive mortgage pricing, and what buyers should understand before sitting on the sidelines. He also explains why trying to perfectly time the market can backfire, and why buying when the payment works may still be the better long-term move. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Rate Reality: Stability is the current story. 📉 Market Drivers: Inflation and Treasuries matter. ⏳ Timing Risk: Waiting may cost more. 🔁 Refi Potential: Buy now, refinance later. 📊 Buyer Strategy: Focus on payment fit. 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

June 25, 202611 min

Why Gen Z & Millennials Can't Save and How to Fix It

Saving for a home has never felt more challenging. Between rising home prices, higher living costs, and endless opportunities to spend money with just a few taps on your phone, many aspiring homeowners feel stuck. In this episode, Bill discusses why saving has become so difficult for younger generations and shares practical strategies to regain control of your finances. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Homeownership Goals: Overcoming today's saving challenges 📱 Invisible Spending: The dangers of frictionless finance ✂️ Create Friction : Practical ways to spend less 👀 Face Reality: Stop avoiding your finances ⚙️ Automate Savings: Pay yourself first 💡 Creative Strategies: Finding new ways to save 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