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.

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 year

Whether 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.

[email protected]

865-263-6727

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 chaos

If you want straight answers, tactical tips, and real talk without the fluff, you’re in the right place. Email us at AfterHours@theMortgageGallery.com

Or call us at 865-263-6727

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 flowing

It’s 10 minutes of clarity, creativity, and real-world tips you can use right now.

www.TheMortgageGallery.com

865-263-6727

[email protected]

#MortgageRates #FedRateCut #RealEstatePodcast #Take10Podcast #MortgageGallery #BridgeLoan #Recast #MortgageTips #RealtorEducation #MarketUpdate #LoanOfficerLife #HomeLoans #BusinessPlanning #MortgagePodcast #HousingMarket

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 Fest

Quick, real, and Realtor-focused — your 10-minute edge in today’s market.

#MortgageTips #RealEstatePodcast #Take10Podcast #MortgageGallery #HousingMarketUpdate #RealtorTools #MortgageRates #HomeLoans #LoanOfficerLife #MarketUpdate #RealEstateEducation #MortgageBuydown

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 options

If you’re a Realtor looking for fresh ideas to help clients close, even in a tricky market, this is your ten-minute edge.

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/

The headlines say “rates dropped”, but is that what really happened? In this episode of Take 10, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels break down the Fed’s September rate cut, what it means (and doesn’t mean) for mortgage rates, and why your clients may be hearing a different story in the news.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between the Fed funds rate and mortgage rates (and why they don’t move the same way)
• How markets priced in rate cuts before the Fed announcement
• Why mortgage rates actually ticked up after the cut
• The opportunity Realtors have right now with the highest housing inventory since 2019
• How to use this knowledge to confidently guide buyers and sellers

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get clients off the fence, this is it. Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay one step ahead.

We’re back, and this episode is packed! Corey Freels and Lisa Wiles break down what’s happening with rates this fall, why the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, and how the bond market reacts before those Fed meetings. Plus, we dive into:

• How the Half Point Kickoff program can help your buyers save with a lender-paid 0.5% temporary buydown
• Smart VA loan tips and tricks you may not know about
• The Fan-e Shaker as our newest closing gift
• Real stories of how reverse mortgages are helping families stay in their homes or move closer to loved ones

If you’re a Realtor in the Nashville area, don’t miss our upcoming Silver & Sold 2-hour CE class at Pinewood Social on Wednesday, September 10th. This class is designed to equip you with tools and knowledge to better serve clients 62+ in today’s market.

Reserve your spot here: Silver & Sold Event Registration

We’re back—and we’ve got big news.

Lisa and Corey break down what’s really happening in the housing market (spoiler: Knoxville isn’t following the national trend), what Realtors need to know about inventory and appraisals, and why home prices likely aren’t going down anytime soon.

PLUS: We’re officially rolling out dynamic pre-approval letters—customizable, branded, and built for speed. And yes… it’s time to meet The Mortgage Gallery. We’re still your favorite humans, just with a fresh look and a bold new brand.

Get the market update, the marketing scoop, and the story behind our rebrand—all in ten minutes flat.