Today in Mortgages

Hosted by Today in Mortgages

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Episodes

266

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

No-hype perspectives of today's news in the mortgage and real estate to help professionals communicate better with their clients and sell better.

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60 recent

September 11, 2026Episode 27411 min

Using Seller Concessions to Win | Today in Mortgages Ep. 274

Negotiating a lower home price might seem like the obvious move, but you could be leaving serious money on the table. In a volatile market, understanding how to leverage every tool available is crucial, and seller concessions are a powerful one that many buyers overlook. Rich and Michael explain why this strategy is often far more beneficial than a simple price reduction. **What we cover:** * Why seller concessions are often better for buyers than a lower sale price. * How to use concessions to permanently buy down your interest rate. * A practical example of how an $18,000 concession can save you $300 a month. * The current state of the market, including recent PPI data and its impact on rates. * The importance of working with an experienced loan officer who understands these strategies. What are your biggest questions about buying a home in today's market? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights! Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

September 4, 2026Episode 2739 min

Paying Your Mortgage Off Early | Today in Mortgages Ep. 273

Is paying off your mortgage early always the right move? While it might seem like a clear path to financial freedom, Rich and Michael break down why it's a nuanced decision. What we cover: * The surprising number of homeowners making extra payments. * How one extra payment a year can shave years and thousands of dollars off your loan. * When it makes more sense to invest your cash instead of paying down a low-interest mortgage. * The current economic factors, from bond markets to oil prices, affecting interest rates. * Actionable advice for both homeowners and loan professionals on navigating this strategy. What are your thoughts on making extra mortgage payments? Share your strategy in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights! Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

August 28, 2026Episode 2729 min

Will Mortgage Rates Improve in September? | Today in Mortgages Ep. 272

Will mortgage interest rates finally see some relief in September? It's the question on every homebuyer's mind, but the answer isn't as simple as we'd hope. Rich and Michael tackle the uncertainty head-on, breaking down a recent CBS News article that explores the key factors influencing the market. **What we cover:** * The three primary forces that will dictate whether rates go up or down: the upcoming Fed meeting, ongoing global tensions, and critical inflation data. * A detailed breakdown of why waiting for lower rates could cost you more in the long run due to home price appreciation. * The real-world math: how a 'big' rate swing of a half-percent actually translates to your monthly payment and overall costs. * Actionable steps you can take now, like improving your credit score, to put yourself in a stronger financial position regardless of what the market does. If you're trying to time the market, this is a must-watch episode. What are your predictions for the fall? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more weekly insights! Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

August 21, 2026Episode 27112 min

Rates Keep Rising | Today in Mortgages Ep. 271

Fannie Mae just revamped its mortgage rate forecast, and the predictions for 2026-2027 are not what we expected. With the national debt crossing the $40 trillion mark and continued market volatility, what does this mean for homebuyers and real estate professionals navigating the current landscape? In this episode, Rich Jefferson and Michael discuss the factors driving the new forecast and what it takes to succeed in a high-interest-rate environment. **What we cover:** * How the staggering $40 trillion national debt is impacting interest rates. * Fannie Mae's revised mortgage rate predictions for the rest of the year and into 2027. * Why waiting for rates to drop can be a 'fool's game' and cost you more in the long run. * Strategic advice for using seller concessions to secure a permanent rate buydown. What's your strategy for advising clients in this market? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

August 14, 2026Episode 27011 min

Power Shifts to the Buyer's Market | Today in Mortgages Ep. 270

The balance of power in real estate is tilting dramatically. For the first time in years, buyers are gaining the upper hand, with more sellers than active buyers in many markets. In this episode, Rich and Michael dive into what this power shift means for you. **What we cover:** * Why the market is shifting and what a 'buyer's market' really means. * How sellers need to adjust their strategy to attract offers in this new environment. * The impact of recent economic reports on interest rates and affordability. * Crucial advice for real estate agents on how to guide their clients through this transition. What are you seeing in your local market? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more expert insights on navigating the real estate world. Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

August 7, 2026Episode 26917 min

Don't Trust Dr. Google | Today in Mortgages Ep. 269

Googling 'current mortgage rates' is often the first step for aspiring homeowners, but what you see isn't always what you get. In this episode, Rich and Michael pull back the curtain on the most common online mortgage searches and explain why the results can be dangerously misleading. They reveal the hidden costs and missing information in online calculators and rate aggregators, showing you how to become a smarter, more prepared home buyer. **What we cover:** * Why the 'lowest rate' you see online is rarely the one you'll qualify for and the importance of APR. * The crucial factors that online affordability calculators miss, like taxes, insurance, and your personal debt ratio. * The real story on down payment requirements, from 0% down VA loans to state-specific programs. * How to determine if refinancing makes sense for you, including cash-out refis and HELOCs. What's the biggest mortgage question you've tried to Google? Let us know in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights from our pros! Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

July 31, 2026Episode 26814 min

Condo Financing Gets an Overhaul | Today in Mortgages Ep. 268

The Fed didn't move rates, but the market reaction was dramatic. Rich and Michael explain why the ten-year treasury jumped and what Fed Chair Warsh's new data-driven approach—using private sector CEOs for intel—means for long-term stability and inflation. Plus, a massive overhaul to condo financing rules is here. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are eliminating limited reviews and increasing reserve requirements, but there's a silver lining for smaller complexes and communities with high investor concentration. What we cover: * Why the markets reacted negatively to the Fed holding rates steady. * How new Fed leadership is using private-sector data to guide policy. * Major changes to condo financing, including the elimination of limited reviews. * The surprising good news for small condo projects (10 units or less). * Why the removal of investor concentration limits is a game-changer for certain markets. Subscribe for the latest news and analysis to stay ahead in the mortgage and real estate game. Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

July 24, 2026Episode 26710 min

Rates Climb, But Housing Holds Strong | Today in Mortgages Ep. 267

The markets are flashing warning signs, with climbing rates and global conflict spooking investors. But the housing market is telling a completely different story of resilience. In this episode, Rich and Michael break down the complex economic signals and explain why, despite the headwinds, people are still determined to buy homes. **What we cover:** * Why jobless claims are lower than expected and what that really means. * The 10-year treasury is at its highest point all year, and how that impacts mortgage rates. * Home prices rose again in June, showing the housing market's surprising strength. * Rich's advice for homebuyers who are trying to navigate today's challenging market. If you're trying to make sense of the market, you don't want to miss this discussion. Subscribe and let us know your biggest questions in the comments! Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

July 17, 2026Episode 26613 min

Why Real Estate Still Wins | Today in Mortgages Ep. 266

Despite confusing headlines and volatile markets, real estate has been voted America's best long-term investment for 14 years running. In this episode, Rich and Michael unpack the surprising economic signals and market sentiments that prove homeownership is still the smartest path to building wealth. What we cover: * The latest inflation report and what it really means for your wallet. * Why consumer spending remains strong, even with wages lagging. * A recent Gallup poll reveals real estate is still the #1 investment choice for Americans. * For the first time since 2023, a majority of Americans believe it's better to buy than rent—we discuss why. * How mortgage professionals can coach clients through affordability concerns in today's market. Do you think real estate is the best long-term investment? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to subscribe for more insights! Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP | Equal Housing Opportunity Lender, NMLS ID #2297 | nflp.com/licenses See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

July 10, 2026Episode 16516 min

AI Autopilot Hits Underwriting

Blend just launched an AI-powered pre-underwriting tool — and it's only one of several vying for a spot in your originator's toolkit. Rich breaks down how AI pre-underwriting actually works, why it won't replace a licensed loan officer, and what a new CFPB executive order could mean for regulation. - Blend's new "Autopilot" AI pre-underwriting tool — and why NFLP is testing it against three competitors - How AI pre-underwriting flags trip wires before an underwriter ever sees the file, aiming for one-touch clear-to-close - Why Rich isn't worried about AI replacing loan officers — the one thing an AI can't get is a license - Inside Network Funding's "show and tell" peer-to-peer AI coaching calls for LOs nationwide - A new CFPB executive order invites mortgage professionals to help trim outdated regulations, plus June's home sales and pricing data 💬 Questions about AI in mortgage lending? Drop them in the comments. 🔔 Subscribe for the weekly mortgage news wrap-up. 🌐 Loan officers: you.nflp.com See more at TodayInMortgages.com Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here . Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.