The Real Mortgage Guru with Harrison Schwartz

Navigating Real Estate in a Low Inventory Market: Mortgage Strategy, VA Loans, FHA Options & More with Keller Williams Agent Lorie O’Neill

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In this episode of The Living Room, Harrison “The Real Mortgage Guru” Schwartz welcomes seasoned real estate agent Lorie O’Neill of Keller Williams to break down the current real estate landscape in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. From inventory shortages and interest rates to buyer’s agency agreements and VA/FHA lending options, this conversation is your crash course on navigating the chaos with confidence.


Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a real estate veteran, this discussion offers grounded insights into mortgage strategy, market psychology, and what it really takes to win in today’s competitive environment.


🎯 Major Themes & Concepts:
  • 🔄 Buyer fatigue & decision-making under pressure
  • 📉 The impact of falling interest rates on purchasing power
  • 📝 Buyer’s agency agreements & compensation updates
  • 💰 FHA, VA, and Non-QM loan breakdowns
  • 📊 How agents and lenders collaborate under contract pressure
  • 🏡 Navigating multiple offers with 0% down and DPA programs
  • 💼 Lorie’s background in pharma & how it shapes her real estate success
  • 🔄 How today’s market compares to 2008 (and why it’s not a repeat)
  • 🤝 Importance of buyer education, trust, and running toward problems, not away

    • ⏱️ Chapter Breakdown:

    00:11 – Intro & Welcome to Lorie O’Neill

    01:42 – What’s Happening in the Market Right Now

    05:30 – The Buyer Side: Fatigue, Low Inventory & High Competition

    09:10 – Seller Advantages & Shifting Market Trends

    12:00 – Importance of Pre-Approval & Client Coaching

    14:50 – New Buyer Agency Agreements & Compensation Shifts

    17:45 – Mortgage Collaboration: Winning in a Multi-Offer Environment

    21:20 – Lorie’s Real Estate Journey & Transition from Pharma

    26:55 – Lending Practices: Then vs. Now (2008 vs. 2024)

    31:00 – FHA, VA, DPA Programs, and Non-QM Options

    36:35 – Structuring Competitive Offers Without Big Down Payments

    40:05 – The Risk of Last-Minute Lender Changes & Contract Violations

    45:10 – What Cash Offers Look Like Post-COVID

    48:50 – Luxury Buyers: Loans vs. Cash in Today’s Market

    52:00 – Rate Drops, Client Communication & The Psychology of Homebuying

    58:05 – Areas Lorie Covers in PA & NJ + Shore Expansion

    59:55 – Wrap-Up, Art Credit to Peyton, and What’s Next


    🤝 Work with Harrison:

    📞 Mortgage Guidance – Book a call with Harrison, The Real Mortgage Guru


    🤝 Work with Lorie O’Neill:

    📍 Keller Williams Real Estate – Licensed in PA & NJ

    🧭 Luxury Concierge Real Estate Services

    📞 Contact Lorie – For buyer/seller consultations or referrals

    📍 Coverage: Bucks County, Philadelphia, Monmouth, Ocean, Avalon, Cape May & more


    🛠️ Resources & Recommendations:

    📘 HUD.gov – Info on FHA loans and down payment assistance

    💻 VA.gov – VA home loan benefits and eligibility

    📊 Mortgage Rate Tracker – Check daily trends on interest rates

    📈 Freddie Mac PMMS – Weekly average mortgage rates and data




    Production, Distribution, and Marketing

    By Massif Studio & Production & The Tallawah Group

    • Website: www.massifsp.com
    • LinkedIn: Massif Studio & Production
    • Website: www.TallawahWorldwide.com
    • LinkedIn: The Tallawah Group

      • For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, email [email protected].

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      The Real Mortgage Guru with Harrison SchwartzBy The Frequency Network: The Wave