Mortgage Matters

Roland and Heidi welcome Josie Hatem from the Nevada Housing Division to talk about the Home Is Possible programs. From first-time buyers to teachers, veterans, and essential workers, Josie explains how these options make homeownership more attainable for Nevadans. Tune in and learn how these programs can help you move forward, and don’t miss our next online Home Is Possible class on Monday, October 13th.

Roland and Heidi discussed down payment assistance programs in Nevada, highlighting an upcoming online class on September 22 at 3:30 PM. They emphasized the importance of these programs in overcoming the barrier of saving for a down payment. They also talked about the Fed's recent decision to reduce short-term rates by 0.25%, but it may not immediately impact long-term mortgage rates.

Roland and Heidi discussed an upcoming Nevada Housing Division class on September 22, 2025, from 3:30 to 5:00 PM, which will cover down payment programs and first-time homebuyer assistance. They highlighted a $7,500 down payment program for K-12 public school teachers and a zero-down payment VA loan for veterans. Aprille Noble, a retired US Air Force Major and mortgage loan officer, emphasized the benefits of VA loans, including zero down payment and flexible credit requirements. They also discussed the importance of fair housing and resources for female veterans and homeless veterans.

Roland and Heidi discussed their upcoming events and services. They highlighted the "Path to Homeownership" class on September 6, covering home buying and living, including credit and budgeting. They also mentioned a session at the Center on September 13, focusing on homeownership for the LGBTQIA+ community. Additionally, they noted a packed online class with the Nevada Housing Division, which covered down payment assistance programs. Roland shared his background in serving veterans and underserved individuals, while Heidi discussed her experience in real estate and her role in helping clients during the 2008 housing crash and COVID-19. They emphasized their commitment to fair housing and encouraged listeners to volunteer as testers for the Silver State Fair Housing Council.

Roland and Heidi discussed the upcoming Path to Homeownership and Financial Literacy Workshop on September 6, 2025, covering budgeting, credit preparedness, and loan programs. They clarified that down payment assistance involves one lender and multiple mortgage options. They highlighted a client's success with a cash-out refinance, reducing monthly payments by $1,500. They also addressed the impact of corporate relocations to Nevada, such as Dropbox and TripAdvisor, on housing demand and affordability. Finally, they emphasized the importance of fair housing and the role of the Silver State Fair Housing Council in ensuring equal access to housing.

Roland and Heidi discussed the potential of using home equity to manage rising costs and debt. They highlighted the "Home is Possible" program, which offers down payment assistance and low-interest rates for first-time homebuyers and teachers. The program's maximum purchase price is $806,500, and income limits extend up to $165,000. They shared a case study of a client with a $220,000 mortgage at 3.25% and $3,307 in monthly payments, who opted for a cash-out refinance to save $1,500 monthly by eliminating $20,000 in credit card debt and other costs. They also emphasized the importance of fair housing and the Silver State Fair Housing Council's tester program.

Roland and Heidi discuss the shift from a balanced to a buyer's market in Las Vegas, noting that sellers are offering concessions, including covering closing costs and reducing prices. They highlight the upcoming Home is Possible online class on August 11, which covers down payment assistance programs, including up to 5% help and income limits of $165,000. They also discuss the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program, which provides a tax credit for mortgage interest, and emphasize the importance of fair housing, encouraging listeners to volunteer as testers to help uncover subtle forms of discrimination.

Roland and Heidi discussed their upcoming Path to Homeownership workshop on August 2nd. The workshop, held monthly, covers the home-buying process, down payment assistance, and closing costs. They emphasized the importance of accurate information, budgeting, and understanding the long-term implications of owning a home. They also highlighted the role of HUD-certified counselors and the Silver State Fair Housing Council in ensuring equal access to housing. The hosts emphasized the importance of preparing financially and making informed decisions to minimize financial strain after purchase.

Roland and Heidi break down the buzz around the newly approved VantageScore 4.0 and explain what it really means for mortgage lending. They offer practical guidance on understanding credit scores, navigating loan types, and why waiting for “perfect” conditions can delay your homeownership goals. With clear distinctions between pre-qualification and pre-approval, and a heartfelt invitation to their free Path to Homeownership workshop, this episode empowers listeners to stop guessing and start taking action, regardless of where they are on their journey.

Congresswoman Susie Lee discussed the impact of the Senate's reconciliation bill on Nevada, highlighting $7 billion in Medicaid cuts over a decade, affecting 115,000 residents. She emphasized the need for affordable housing, proposing the Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act to develop 25,000 acres over 50 years. Lee also addressed the ACE Act, which expedites land appraisals, and the importance of water conservation, noting Nevada's 3% draw from the Colorado River. She stressed the need for bipartisan efforts and community engagement to address housing and water challenges. Roland and Heidi end the show discussing the Silver State Fair Housing Council's efforts to combat housing discrimination.