The Fed just cut rates — again — but if you’re expecting mortgage rates to drop like a rock, think again.
In this Brutally Honest episode, Stephen and Derick break down the latest Federal Reserve meeting in plain English, and explain what it really means for mortgage rates, affordability, and the housing market going into 2026.
Inside:
<ul>
<li>
Why the Fed cut by 0.25% — and what drove the decision
</li>
<li>
Why mortgage rates don’t follow Fed rates directly
</li>
<li>
What to expect for the rest of 2025 (and beyond)
</li>
<li>
The real 2026 outlook — and why waiting might cost buyers more
</li>
<li>
Straightforward advice for buyers, homeowners, and agents right now
</li>
</ul>
Spoiler: The direction is finally looking better. But no, we’re not going back to 3%.
🎧 Tune in for truth, not clickbait — just the way you like it.

The Fed just cut rates — again — but if you’re expecting mortgage rates to drop like a rock, think again. In this Brutally Honest episode, Stephen and Derick break down the latest Federal Reserve meeting in plain English, and explain what it really means for mortgage rates, affordability, and the housing market going into 2026. Inside: Why the Fed cut by 0.25% — and what drove the decision Why mortgage rates don’t follow Fed rates directly What to expect for the rest of 2025 (and beyond) The real 2026 outlook — and why waiting might cost buyers more Straightforward advice for buyers, homeowners, and agents right now Spoiler: The direction is finally looking better. But no, we’re not going back to 3%. 🎧 Tune in for truth, not clickbait — just the way you like it.

The Fed, the Forecast, and Your Mortgage in 2026

”The Brutally Honest Loan Officers” is a refreshingly candid podcast hosted by two seasoned mortgage lenders, Stephen Brock NMLS 1926015 and Derick Brown NMLS 1640146, from The Mortgage Firm. This podcast cuts through the jargon and complexity of the mortgage industry, offering unfiltered insights and straightforward advice. Each episode delves into the often-overlooked aspects of mortgage lending, from navigating market trends to understanding credit scores. Our hosts bring their extensive experience and a touch of humor to demystify the mortgage process for consumers and realtors alike. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional seeking to enhance your knowledge, this podcast is your go-to source for honest, actionable mortgage wisdom. Join us as we break down the walls of the lending world, one truth at a time. The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 Equal Housing Lender NC License # I-219794 CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.

Business

”The Brutally Honest Loan Officers” is a refreshingly candid podcast hosted by two seasoned mortgage lenders, Stephen Brock NMLS 1926015 and Derick Brown NMLS 1640146, from The Mortgage Firm. This podcast cuts through the jargon and complexity of the mortgage industry, offering unfiltered insights and straightforward advice. Each episode delves into the often-overlooked aspects of mortgage lending, from navigating market trends to understanding credit scores. Our hosts bring their extensive experience and a touch of humor to demystify the mortgage process for consumers and realtors alike. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional seeking to enhance your knowledge, this podcast is your go-to source for honest, actionable mortgage wisdom. Join us as we break down the walls of the lending world, one truth at a time. The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 Equal Housing LenderNC License # I-219794CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.

”The Brutally Honest Loan Officers” is a refreshingly candid podcast hosted by two seasoned mortgage lenders, Stephen Brock NMLS 1926015 and Derick Brown NMLS 1640146, from The Mortgage Firm. This podcast cuts through the jargon and complexity of the mortgage industry, offering unfiltered insights and straightforward advice. Each episode delves into the often-overlooked aspects of mortgage lending, from navigating market trends to understanding credit scores. Our hosts bring their extensive experience and a touch of humor to demystify the mortgage process for consumers and realtors alike. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional seeking to enhance your knowledge, this podcast is your go-to source for honest, actionable mortgage wisdom. Join us as we break down the walls of the lending world, one truth at a time. The Mortgage Firm NMLS 189233 Equal Housing Lender NC License # I-219794 CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE BANKER OR A LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR SHOULD COMPLETE AND SEND A COMPLAINT FORM TO THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING, 2601 NORTH LAMAR, SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705. COMPLAINT FORMS AND INSTRUCTIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV. A TOLL-FREE CONSUMER HOTLINE IS AVAILABLE AT 1-877-276-5550. THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A RECOVERY FUND TO MAKE PAYMENTS OF CERTAIN ACTUAL OUT OF POCKET DAMAGES SUSTAINED BY BORROWERS CAUSED BY ACTS OF LICENSED MORTGAGE BANKER RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATORS. A WRITTEN APPLICATION FOR REIMBURSEMENT FROM THE RECOVERY FUND MUST BE FILED WITH AND INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE PAYMENT OF A CLAIM. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECOVERY FUND, PLEASE CONSULT THE DEPARTMENT’S WEBSITE AT WWW.SML.TEXAS.GOV.

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The Fed, the Forecast, and Your Mortgage in 2026

The Fed, the Forecast, and Your Mortgage in 2026

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