Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton

Hosted by Bill Litton

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100

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Jun 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

June 11, 20269 min

One Star Review - The Pre-Approval Meant Nothing

Getting pre-approved should give homebuyers confidence. Unfortunately, not all pre-approvals are created equal. Bill breaks down a real one-star mortgage review from a buyer who was pre-approved, found a home, made an offer, and then was denied just two days before closing. Bill explains what likely went wrong and shares the warning signs of a weak approval process and what options may still be available if a deal begins to fall apart. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📋 Due Diligence: Why thorough reviews matter ⚠️ Loan Officer Mistakes: Communication and process failures ✅ Strong Pre-Approvals: What buyers should expect 🏠 Saving the Deal: Options when problems arise 🤝 Trusted Guidance: Finding the right lending partner 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 4, 20269 min

The Summer Housing Market Reality Check (June Market Update)

📞 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 moved higher again, inflation remains a concern, and buyers are wondering whether they should lock in now or continue waiting for better opportunities. In this June market update, Bill breaks down what's driving mortgage rates and why trying to perfectly time interest rates can be risky. If you're thinking about buying, refinancing, or simply trying to make sense of today's mortgage market, this episode provides a practical update on where things stand today. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📈 Rate Trends: Why mortgage rates moved higher 🌍 Market Factors: Inflation, oil prices, and global events 🏠 Homebuyer Questions: Where rates may go next 🔒 Locking Rates: Why waiting can be costly 🔄 Future Refinancing: Why today's rate may not be forever 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

May 28, 20269 min

Business Owners: Can't Qualify for a Mortgage? Use P&L Loans

📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text "LEND" to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Getting approved for a mortgage isn't always as simple as showing a W-2 and a tax return, especially for business owners. Bill explains why many self-employed borrowers run into problems qualifying, even when they make a high income. He breaks down how P&L loans work and why alternative documentation can sometimes open doors that traditional lending won't. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📄 Tax Returns Aren't Everything 🧾 P&L Loans Explained 🏢 Self-Employed Challenges 🔍 Documentation Still Matters 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

May 21, 20268 min

New Appraisal Form: What Homebuyers Need to Know

📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text "LEND" to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation A new, data-driven appraisal form is rolling out, and it could change how your home is valued. Bill breaks down what's changing, why appraisers may spend more time at your property, and what buyers and sellers should expect in this new era of home valuations, so you're not blindsided at the closing table. Tune in for a practical look at how these changes may impact future home transactions. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Appraisals Are Evolving: The process is becoming more modern and data-driven 📋 New Forms Incoming: Updated layouts and categories aim to improve consistency 📊 More Objective Data: Appraisers will rely less on subjective narratives 🔍 Accuracy Matters: Better data could help create more reliable valuations 🤝 Buyers & Sellers Affected: Changes may slightly impact timelines and expectations 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

May 14, 202611 min

1-Star Mortgage Nightmare: When the Rate You Saw Isn't the Rate You Get

A great rate shows up online, but by the time you move forward, the numbers look very different. It's a frustrating experience that many buyers run into, and one that often leads to confusion, delays, and unexpected costs. Bill looks at a real one-star review and explains what likely went wrong. It's about knowing the difference between a smooth process and one that leaves you second-guessing everything. Here's what we discuss in this episode: ⚠️ Common Issues: Where lenders go wrong 📊 Rate Transparency: Why numbers change 📄 Loan Estimate: Your most important document 🌐 Online Rates: Often assume perfection ⭐ Quality Lender: What to look for 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

May 7, 20268 min

May Market Update: Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Mortgage rates are always moving, but understanding why they move is what really matters. Today, Bill takes a closer look at what's driving today's mortgage market, where rates may be headed, and why trying to time the market could actually cost you more in the long run. Mortgage rates are always changing, but understanding why they move is what really matters. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📉 Mortgage Rates: Recent cooling and key drivers 🌎 Economic Factors: Inflation and global impact ⏳ Timing Myth: Waiting can cost more 🏡 Local Market: Strong demand continues 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

April 23, 20268 min

Why Does My Mortgage Lender Keep Requesting Documents?

If you've applied for a mortgage, you know the frustration… your lender keeps asking for the same documents over and over. Why is that? It turns out, there's a lot more to it than just a bureaucratic hassle. Lenders must follow strict guidelines to ensure everything is in order. Today, Bill breaks down the reasons behind the constant paperwork requests and what you can do to make the process smoother. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Understanding Appraisal Waivers: Why lenders need extensive documentation to ensure approval 📑 Document Expiration: Why documents like pay stubs and bank statements can't be older than 30 days 💰 Money Laundering Prevention: Verifying funds to make sure the money comes from a legitimate source 📉 Role of Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac: Lenders must meet the standards set by these organizations 🤝 The Underwriter's Role: The underwriter is the final authority 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

April 16, 20269 min

Lender is Letting Us Waive Appraisal. Is This a Good Thing?

📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/ 📲 Text "LEND" to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation When you're buying a home, one of the key parts of the process is the appraisal. But what if your lender says you can waive the appraisal? This option is becoming more common, but is it always a good idea? Bill discusses when and why lenders offer appraisal waivers, what they mean, and the potential risks involved. Tune in to understand the decision-making process behind appraisal waivers and whether it's the right move for you. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏠 Appraisal Waiver: Lenders may offer this option for convenience, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution 💸 Cost Savings: Waiving the appraisal can save you up to $800 on the process ⚖️ Risk of Overpaying: Without an appraisal, there's a risk that you could be overpaying for the home 📉 No Negotiation Leverage: Losing the ability to renegotiate the price based on the appraisal value 🧑‍💼 Professional Insight: An expert advisor's input can ensure this is done properly 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

April 2, 202610 min

Market Update: Rates Are Moving… Now What?

📞 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 are back in the spotlight as we head into the spring housing market, and recent movement has caught a lot of buyers off guard. Rates don't move in a straight line, and outside factors can shift things quickly. Bill sheds light on what's driving current rate changes, why locking in your rate matters more than ever, and how economic factors play a role. You'll also hear a realistic outlook for where rates could go next, and why waiting for the "perfect" rate can backfire. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 Spring Market Trends: Buyer activity remains strong despite rising rates 🔒 Locking Your Rate: Protects against increases while allowing potential float-down 📊 Economic Signals: Inflation, oil, and global events are driving rate movement 💼 Job Market Impact: Strong employment can keep rates higher longer 📉 Rate Outlook: Long-term trend may improve, but short-term uncertainty remains 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

March 26, 202610 min

The 12-Month Roadmap For Buying a Home

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make, yet many buyers start the process without a clear plan. Preparing ahead of time can make a major difference in the mortgage rate you qualify for, how much you can borrow, and how smoothly the entire process goes. Today, Bill walks us through a practical 12-month timeline for preparing to buy a home. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Credit Cleanup: Fix credit issues early to boost scores 💰 Savings Strategy: Build cash for down payment and costs 🚫 Debt Discipline: Avoid new loans before buying 📅 Timeline Planning: Break preparation into quarterly steps 🏡 Mortgage Pre-Approval: Talk to a lender before house hunting xx 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