The Brutally Honest Loan Officers

Derick and Stephen step away from market talk to share the financial advice they'd give their 20-year-old selves — protecting credit early, budgeting with intention, and not chasing appearances to impress others. They close with a reminder that wealth is built through small, consistent habits over time, not one big decision, and it's never too late to start.

Stephen and Derick sit down with Michelle Mendez of Arch MI to break down what mortgage insurance actually is, why the borrower pays for something that protects the lender, and the biggest myths buyers believe about PMI. The conversation covers FHA vs. conventional MI, whether waiting for 20% down is always smarter, and how buyers can eventually get PMI removed.

The Fed held interest rates steady, inflation moved in the right direction... yet mortgage rates are still changing. So what's really driving the market, and what could happen over the next six months?

Just a few years ago, buyers were competing for every home. Today, sellers are competing for buyers. So what changed... and what does it mean if you're buying or selling right now?

Most homebuyers spend weeks shopping for a house... but only minutes shopping for a lender. That mistake could cost you thousands.

Thinking about selling your home after only a year or two? Before you put that "For Sale" sign in the yard, there are a few costly mistakes every homeowner should know.

Would you rather save about $100 a month… or have an extra $20,000 sitting in your bank account?

The answer might completely change how you think about buying your next home.

The Fed spoke. A new Fed Chair made his first big statement. And a major peace deal in the Middle East just changed the conversation around inflation.

The question is: what does all of that mean for mortgage rates?

You’ve probably seen the ads:

“Access your home equity with no monthly payment.”

Sounds great… but what are they really getting in return?

Is Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) helping families budget… or quietly trapping people in debt?

At first glance, splitting a purchase into smaller payments feels responsible…

But are people budgeting better?

Or simply borrowing against tomorrow’s income?