In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Travis Hodges, Managing Director at VIU by HUB, about why homeowners insurance has become a growing part of housing affordability. Travis explains how climate-related losses, inflation, rising home values, supply-chain pressures, and higher rebuilding costs have made insurance risk more difficult to predict and premiums more expensive for many homeowners and buyers.

The conversation also explores how a property itself can affect insurance costs and availability. Travis explains why the age and condition of the roof can play such a major role, how proximity to coastal areas, waterways, and wildfire risk may affect pricing, and why buyers should investigate insurance costs before committing to a home. He also breaks down the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value, including how choosing a policy based primarily on price could leave a homeowner responsible for a substantial portion of a future repair.

Travis shares practical tips for comparing homeowners insurance, including working with a broker, requesting quotes from multiple carriers, reviewing available discounts, and considering whether bundling home and auto coverage provides better value. He also explains why insurance rates generally are not negotiable, what homeowners can do after a claim is denied, and why first-time homebuyers should give insurance shopping the same attention they give mortgage rates. The right policy is not necessarily the least expensive one, but the option that provides appropriate protection at a cost that fits the homeowner’s broader budget.

Subscribe for more mortgage news, housing news, homebuyer tips, and real estate market updates.

Comment below: Have rising homeowners insurance costs affected where you would consider buying a home?

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with Travis Hodges:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travis-hodges-b4700a11/

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect With a Lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

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0:00 – Intro

0:17 – How an Insurance Broker Helps Homebuyers

1:18 – Why Homeowners Insurance Costs Are Rising

3:48 – Are Some Homes Becoming Uninsurable?

4:53 – Can Insurance Affect Mortgage Approval?

6:20 – Property Features That Increase Insurance Costs

7:41 – How to Avoid Coverage Gaps

8:56 – Replacement Cost vs. Actual Cash Value

11:13 – How to Shop for Homeowners Insurance

12:53 – Can You Negotiate Insurance Rates?

14:02 – What to Do If a Claim Is Denied

15:28 – Travis’s Advice for First-Time Homebuyers

16:51 – Outro

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#homeownersinsurance #firsttimehomebuyer #homebuyingtips

Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and expensive, placing growing pressure on homeowners insurance costs. At the same time, higher rebuilding expenses, construction labor shortages, and rising material prices are making claims more costly for insurers and homeowners alike. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry examine why premiums continue to climb, how disaster-related losses are changing, and what homeowners may face in the years ahead.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you'll learn:

• How costly extreme weather has become: The United States experienced 23 billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2025, causing an estimated $115 billion in damage.
• Why the Los Angeles wildfires were especially significant: The fires became the costliest wildfire disaster in U.S. history and drove a sharp increase in fire- and lightning-related insurance losses.
• How disaster frequency has changed: Billion-dollar weather events now occur far more often than they did in previous decades, giving homeowners and insurers less time to recover between disasters.
• Why insurance claims are becoming more severe: Although overall loss costs declined slightly in 2025, the average severity of homeowners insurance losses reached a seven-year high.
• How homeowners are feeling the impact: Most homeowners surveyed said their premiums had increased in recent years, with many reporting substantial increases.
• Why rebuilding costs remain elevated: Repair and reconstruction expenses are roughly 50% higher than in 2019, even though their rate of growth moderated during 2025.
• How tariffs could increase insurance costs: Higher tariffs on Canadian lumber and wood products may make construction materials more expensive, raising the cost of repairing or replacing damaged homes.
• Why labor shortages matter: A shortage of skilled construction workers can delay rebuilding projects and push labor costs higher after major disasters.
• Why insurance losses vary from year to year: Wind, hail, and water-related losses declined in 2025, while fire-related costs surged, illustrating how unpredictable insurance expenses can be.
• The big takeaway: Extreme weather is only one part of the homeowners insurance affordability problem. More severe disasters, expensive building materials, labor shortages, and higher reconstruction costs are combining to keep upward pressure on premiums.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/extreme-weather-pushes-homeowners-insurance-costs-higher/

Real estate cyber scams can turn a home purchase into a financial disaster with a single convincing email. By impersonating lenders, agents, or title professionals, criminals may try to redirect a buyer’s down payment or closing funds into an account they control. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain how these scams work, why homebuyers are especially vulnerable, and the steps consumers can take to protect their money.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you'll learn:

• How real estate cyber scams work: Criminals may gain access to emails or devices, monitor a transaction, and wait until a buyer is preparing to transfer a large amount of money.
• Why wire fraud can be so convincing: Scammers can imitate the language, timing, and communication style of a trusted loan officer, real estate agent, or closing professional.
• How one fake message can redirect your money: A fraudulent email may claim that wiring instructions have changed and direct the buyer to send closing funds to a criminal’s account.
• Why recovering stolen funds is difficult: Once money is transferred, it may be moved quickly through accounts or jurisdictions that are difficult for U.S. law enforcement to reach.
• How two-factor authentication can help: Requiring a one-time security code in addition to a password creates another barrier against unauthorized account access.
• Why stronger passwords matter: Password managers can generate and securely store unique passwords, reducing the risk that one compromised account will expose others.
• How to verify wiring instructions safely: Buyers should call a known and trusted phone number to confirm account details rather than relying on contact information provided in an email.
• Why clicking email links can be risky: Fake websites may closely resemble legitimate lender, title, or banking sites, making it safer to type known web addresses directly into a browser.
• How AI is making scams more sophisticated: Criminals can use AI to produce more believable messages, imitate communication styles, and operate scams on a larger scale.
• The big takeaway: Homebuyers do not need to become paranoid, but they should verify every request involving money. Strong passwords, two-factor authentication, security software, and a direct phone call before transferring funds can dramatically reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/cyber-scammers-target-home-buyers-sellers/

Inflation appeared to cool in June, but rising energy and supply costs could quickly change the picture. If inflation begins accelerating again, the Federal Reserve may face pressure to raise interest rates, potentially keeping mortgage rates elevated for longer. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry examine the economic warning signs, the uncertainty surrounding the Fed’s next decision, and what it could all mean for homebuyers.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why inflation may not be finished yet: June’s encouraging inflation report could prove temporary as rising gasoline, diesel, food, and transportation costs work their way through the economy.
• How energy prices affect overall inflation: Higher fuel costs increase expenses for businesses that transport goods, potentially leading to higher consumer prices throughout the economy.
• Why geopolitical tensions matter: Conflict in the Middle East has disrupted energy and fertilizer supplies, creating additional risks for fuel and food prices.
• What markets expect from the Fed: Investors see relatively low odds of an immediate rate hike, but expectations rise considerably for a possible increase at a later meeting.
• Why the Fed has become harder to predict: Under Chair Kevin Warsh, the central bank has moved away from providing clear forward guidance about its future interest-rate decisions.
• How Fed officials are divided: Inflation hawks may favor acting before prices accelerate further, while more cautious policymakers could prefer waiting for additional economic data.
• Why the Fed may hold rates steady for now: With Warsh still early in his tenure and recent inflation data showing improvement, policymakers may be reluctant to raise rates immediately.
• How inflation influences mortgage rates: Mortgage rates can remain elevated even without a Fed rate hike because inflation reduces the appeal of mortgage-backed securities and other fixed-income investments.
• Why another rate hike could create volatility: An unexpected Fed decision could quickly affect financial markets, bond yields, borrowing costs, and consumer confidence.
• The big takeaway: The Fed may not raise interest rates at its next meeting, but renewed inflation pressures could put future hikes back on the table. For homebuyers, that uncertainty means mortgage rates may remain higher and more volatile than many had hoped.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/fed-rate-hike-next-week/

In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Ashley Harris (NMLS # 1106948), Director of Homebuyer Education at Neighbors Bank (NMLS # 491986), about how USDA loans can help eligible buyers purchase a home without a down payment. Ashley explains who may qualify, how USDA property eligibility works, why the program is not limited to isolated rural areas, and how household income limits can affect approval.

The conversation also covers how USDA loans compare with FHA and conventional financing, including debt-to-income limits, guarantee fees, closing timelines, and the potential impact on a homebuyer’s offer. Ashley explains why lender experience matters, how buyers can strengthen an offer through faster timelines, and why a property’s exact address should be checked on the USDA eligibility map rather than relying only on the ZIP code.

Ashley also clarifies that a loan requiring no down payment does not mean a buyer will have no upfront expenses. Earnest money, inspections, appraisals, closing costs, prepaid expenses, and other fees may still apply. However, she explains that strategies such as negotiating seller credits and using down payment assistance programs may help reduce some of those costs. She closes by encouraging first-time homebuyers to compare all available mortgage options before deciding which financing structure best fits their budget and goals.

Subscribe for more mortgage news, housing news, homebuyer tips, and real estate market updates.

Comment below: Had you heard of USDA home loans before this episode, and would you consider using one if you were eligible?

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connected with Ashley Harris:

Website: https://www.neighborsbank.com/authors/ashley-harris/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyharrisnb/

NeighborsBank.com | 800-220-0600 | 3621 Discovery Parkway, Suite 115, Columbia, MO 65201. Member FDIC. NMLS # 491986 (nmlsconsumeraccess.org) Equal Housing Lender.

Neighbors Bank (NMLS #491986) is a Columbia, Missouri-based national lender. Equal Housing Opportunity. Neighbors Bank is an affiliate of Three Creeks Media, which operates this channel.

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect With a Lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

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0:00 – Intro

0:50 – How USDA Loans Work

3:13 – USDA Income Limits Explained

3:51 – USDA Loans vs. FHA Loans

5:26 – Can a USDA Loan Weaken Your Offer?

6:25 – How to Make a USDA Offer More Competitive

7:09 – Checking Property and Income Eligibility

8:21 – Credit Requirements and Lender Overlays

9:08 – Why Keeping Savings May Matter

11:05 – How to Choose a USDA Lender

12:47 – Upfront Costs Beyond the Down Payment

14:22 – Ashley’s Advice for First-Time Homebuyers

16:17 – Other Programs That May Help With Closing Costs

16:40 – Outro

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#usdaloans #firsttimehomebuyer #homebuyingtips

Millions of homes sit empty across the United States, yet affordable housing remains out of reach for many Americans. This week's Housing & Finance Roundup explores the surprising forces shaping today's housing market, from vacant homes and the shrinking boomer wealth transfer to the growing affordability crisis facing renters. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry examine what these trends reveal about the challenges—and contradictions—within the U.S. housing market.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why 14.5 million homes are sitting vacant: Most empty homes aren't abandoned—they include vacation properties, homes between tenants, properties awaiting sale, and other homes temporarily out of use.
• How vacancy rates vary across the country: States with large numbers of seasonal homes have some of the nation's highest vacancy rates, while many high-demand western states have very few homes sitting empty.
• Why vacant homes don't automatically solve the housing shortage: Many empty properties aren't located where housing demand is strongest or aren't readily available for full-time occupancy.
• What's really happening with the $93 trillion boomer wealth transfer: Much of the projected wealth will be consumed by retirement expenses, healthcare costs, taxes, and debt before it ever reaches heirs.
• Why inheritances may widen the wealth gap: Most inherited wealth is expected to flow to households that are already financially well off, reinforcing existing wealth inequality.
• How unaffordable renting has become: A single minimum-wage worker cannot afford a modest one-bedroom apartment in any of America's 50 largest metropolitan areas while following standard affordability guidelines.
• Why housing costs create long-term financial challenges: When households spend an outsized share of their income on rent, they have less money available for savings, education, healthcare, and other essentials.
• How these housing stories are connected: Vacant homes, concentrated wealth, and rising housing costs all highlight broader structural challenges affecting affordability and economic opportunity.
• Why housing policy remains a balancing act: Policymakers continue searching for ways to increase housing availability without creating unintended consequences for homeowners, local economies, or tourism.
• The big takeaway: America's housing challenges extend far beyond a simple shortage of homes. Vacancy patterns, wealth distribution, and affordability all play interconnected roles, making meaningful solutions far more complex than they first appear.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/housing-finance-news-roundup-july-17-2026

Congress has passed the biggest housing reform package in decades—but don't expect overnight changes. Will the new law meaningfully improve affordability, or is it simply the first step toward broader housing reform? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry examine what the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act actually does, where it could help, and why many experts believe its impact may be more gradual than dramatic.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why this housing law is historically significant: The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act represents the most comprehensive federal housing reform package in decades, passing with rare bipartisan support.
• How this law differs from past housing legislation: Unlike the landmark Housing Act of 1965, the new law focuses on regulatory reforms and reallocating existing resources rather than major new federal spending.
• Why federal housing reform has limits: Most zoning, permitting, and land-use decisions remain under state and local control, limiting how much Congress can directly influence housing supply.
• How construction could become more efficient: Reforms to environmental reviews for certain projects aim to reduce delays and lower development costs without eliminating key protections.
• Why manufactured housing received a boost: The law modernizes manufactured housing rules and expands financing options, potentially making one of the nation's most affordable housing types more accessible.
• How accessory dwelling units could benefit: Updated FHA financing rules make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs, creating more housing opportunities and potential rental income.
• Where affordable housing funding is changing: The legislation gives banks and local governments greater flexibility to invest existing funds in affordable housing and new construction projects.
• Why experts are tempering expectations: Housing economists say the reforms are meaningful but largely incremental, with affordability improvements likely to emerge gradually rather than immediately.
• How the law could shape future reforms: Many of the provisions establish a framework that lawmakers can build upon with additional housing legislation in the years ahead.
• The big takeaway: The new housing law won't solve the affordability crisis overnight, but it marks an important shift in federal housing policy. While its individual reforms are modest, together they could help reduce barriers to building more housing and lay the foundation for larger improvements over time.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/road-to-housing-act-becomes-law/

Conflicting forecasts are making it harder than ever to know where the housing market is headed. Will home prices continue climbing, barely keep pace with inflation, or lose ground in real terms? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry examine why leading economists disagree so sharply, what mortgage rates and inflation could mean for buyers and homeowners, and how to make smart decisions in an uncertain market.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why economists disagree on home prices: Leading housing organizations are forecasting very different levels of home price growth, reflecting contrasting assumptions about inflation, mortgage rates, inventory, and buyer demand.

• How inflation affects real home values: Even if your home's value increases, homeowners can lose purchasing power if appreciation fails to keep up with inflation.

• Why mortgage rates remain the biggest obstacle: With 30-year mortgage rates expected to stay in the mid-6% range, affordability continues to limit buyer activity.

• How growing inventory is reshaping the market: More existing homes and new construction are giving buyers additional choices while creating more competition among sellers.

• Why investors are becoming more cautious: Higher borrowing costs and slowing rent growth are reducing the appeal of residential real estate for many investors.

• How today's market compares to recent years: The rapid home price appreciation of the past decade has given way to a slower, more balanced market driven by affordability constraints.

• The dilemma facing today's homebuyers: Buyers must decide whether to purchase now at higher mortgage rates or wait and risk paying more if home prices continue rising.

• Why housing remains a local story: National forecasts provide useful perspective, but local job markets, inventory, and demand ultimately determine home values in individual communities.

• How global events influence housing: Inflation, energy prices, and broader economic uncertainty continue to shape mortgage rates and housing affordability.

• The big takeaway: Housing forecasts provide valuable guidance, but no one can predict the market with certainty. Understanding the forces driving prices—including inflation, mortgage rates, and local market conditions—can help buyers and homeowners make more informed long-term decisions.

  
  

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/housing-forecasts-all-over-the-map/

In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Bernie Frascarelli, Head of Realtor Relations at Best Interest Financial, to break down how mortgage rates, annual percentage rates, and discount points affect the true cost of buying a home. Bernie explains why the interest rate shown on a loan estimate is only part of the picture, what causes the APR to be higher, and how closing costs, credit, down payment, and loan structure can influence the mortgage options available to each borrower.

The conversation also explores how mortgage payments are divided between principal and interest, why so much of an early payment goes toward interest, and strategies that may help homeowners pay off their loans faster. Bernie discusses biweekly payments, when purchasing discount points may make financial sense, how to calculate the break-even period, and why borrowers should compare the upfront cost of a lower rate against the amount they expect to save over time.

Bernie also shares what homebuyers should provide when requesting an accurate mortgage rate quote and why generic online estimates may not reflect the rate or loan program they could actually qualify for. He closes with his perspective on waiting for lower mortgage rates, explaining why buyers should consider potential home-price growth alongside the monthly savings from a modest rate decline. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or preparing for another purchase, this episode offers practical mortgage education to help you compare offers, understand borrowing costs, and make a more informed decision.

Subscribe for more mortgage news, housing news, homebuyer tips, and real estate market updates.

Comment below: Would you rather buy now and refinance later, or wait for mortgage rates to fall? Tell us what factors are shaping your decision.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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0:00 – Intro

0:47 – The True Cost of a 30-Year Mortgage

1:24 – Is Waiting for a Lower Rate Worth It?

3:19 – Mortgage Rate vs. APR

4:00 – Can You Negotiate Closing Costs?

4:30 – How Principal and Interest Divide Your Payment

5:08 – Can Biweekly Payments Shorten Your Mortgage?

5:31 – What You Need for an Accurate Rate Quote

6:08 – What Determines Your Mortgage Rate?

6:25 – When Buying Discount Points Makes Sense

7:04 – How Discount Point Pricing Works

7:36 – What Homebuyers Often Misunderstand About Mortgages

8:34 – Bernie’s Advice for First-Time Homebuyers

9:09 – Outro

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#mortgagerates #firsttimehomebuyer #mortgagetips

Foreclosures are rising again—but today's market looks very different from the housing crash of 2008. While bank-owned homes can offer significant discounts for buyers, they also come with unique risks, hidden repair costs, and important considerations that every prospective homeowner should understand before making an offer. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain why foreclosure activity is increasing, who is most at risk, and how buyers can determine whether a foreclosed property is truly a bargain.

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why foreclosure activity is increasing: Foreclosure rates have reached a seven-year high as pandemic-era financial protections have ended and homeowners face higher housing costs.
• Why newer homeowners are especially vulnerable: Buyers who purchased recently have had less time to build equity, leaving them with fewer financial options if hardship strikes.
• How natural disasters can contribute to foreclosures: Communities affected by hurricanes and other disasters often experience prolonged financial hardship due to insurance delays, repair costs, and rebuilding challenges.
• Why foreclosed homes can offer substantial discounts: Bank-owned properties often sell below market value, creating opportunities for buyers willing to take on additional risk.
• The hidden repair costs buyers should expect: Deferred maintenance, vacant homes, and undisclosed damage can quickly erase the savings from a discounted purchase.
• Why thorough inspections are essential: A professional home inspection can identify expensive structural, mechanical, or environmental issues before you commit to buying.
• How buying a foreclosed home differs from a traditional purchase: REO listings often include limited property information, requiring buyers to perform much more due diligence.
• Why investors often dominate the foreclosure market: Experienced investors are typically better equipped to evaluate renovation costs and manage the risks associated with distressed properties.
• How rising foreclosures could affect local housing markets: An increase in bank-owned inventory may create buying opportunities while also placing downward pressure on home prices in some areas.
• What buyers should consider before purchasing an REO: Understanding repair costs, financing options, and the property's overall condition is critical before deciding whether the discount is truly worthwhile.
• The big takeaway: Foreclosed homes can offer excellent opportunities, but they're rarely easy bargains. Buyers who perform careful research, obtain thorough inspections, and realistically budget for repairs are far more likely to turn a discounted purchase into a successful investment.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/foreclosures-7-year-high-bargain-homebuyers/