Today in Mortgages

Is fear or finances really what’s keeping buyers on the sidelines? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich Jefferson break down how fear, anxiety, and misinformation are shaping buyer and loan officer behavior in today’s market — and what professionals can do to replace fear with confidence.

Key topics discussed:

Why 64% of first-time buyers feel intimidated by the homebuying process

The confidence boost that comes from pre-qualification

How loan officers can coach themselves through uncertain markets

Why national headlines don’t reflect local market realities

Turning fear-based conversations into fact-based decisions

Legal Disclosure:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and/or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates. Any commentary on this show should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at Licenses - Network Funding  for all state licensing and other legal information.

#TodayInMortgages #MortgageMarket #LoanOfficers #HomeBuying #RealEstate

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

How much should you really put down when buying a home in today’s mortgage rate environment?

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich Jefferson break down what’s real and what’s hype when it comes to down payments, interest rates, and buyer strategy in 2026.

Using insights from a recent CBS News article and real‑world borrower experience, we discuss:

Why over half of buyers are putting less than 20% down

When a larger down payment does make sense — and when it doesn’t

The hidden “phantom costs” first‑time buyers almost always overlook

Why cash reserves can matter more than rate savings

How smart loan officers coach buyers through long‑term strategy

If you’re a homebuyer, real estate professional, or loan officer looking to better understand how deals should be structured today — this episode is for you.

👇 Want to work with loan professionals who actually coach instead of sell?
Visit https://you.nflp.com to see what makes Network Funding different.

👍 Like the video
🔔 Subscribe for twice‑weekly mortgage & housing insights
📤 Share with someone thinking about buying a home

Legal Disclaimer:
Mortgages are produced by Network Funding LP, which is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 2297. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news. Any discussion of rates and/or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates. This commentary should not be considered a commitment to lend. All applicants must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenario. Visit Licenses - Network Funding  for state licensing and legal information.

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

Mortgage rates have been on a wild ride lately — but could relief finally be on the way this May?

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down what’s really driving mortgage rates right now, why the Fed isn’t the only factor, and how investor confidence, inflation data, and global events can move rates even when there’s no Fed meeting on the calendar.

They also talk about: ✅ Why rates can fall without Fed cuts
✅ How geopolitical uncertainty impacts mortgage pricing
✅ What buyers should do when rates are swinging daily
✅ Why locking your rate at the right moment matters
✅ What’s happening at Network Funding for entrepreneurial loan officers

Whether you’re a homebuyer, real estate professional, or loan officer trying to stay ahead of the market, this episode cuts through the noise and tells you what actually matters.

👉 Loan professionals: Learn how to grow your brand with the support, products, and pricing you need at https://u.nflp.com

👍 Like | 🔔 Subscribe | 📤 Share with someone navigating today’s market

Legal Disclaimer:
Mortgages are produced by Network Funding LP, which is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 2297. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news. Any discussion of rates and/or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates. This commentary should not be considered a commitment to lend. All applicants must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenario. Visit Licenses - Network Funding  for state licensing and legal information.

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

Building just got $20,000 cheaper — at least that’s the headline.

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down a major HUD and USDA announcement rescinding energy efficiency building code requirements tied to FHA and USDA loans. The big question: Does this actually make homes more affordable… or is it just hype?

We cover:

What the rollback of the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) really means

Whether builders will actually lower home prices

Insider feedback from real builder partners

Why deregulation alone won’t solve the affordability crisis

What kind of regulatory changes would move the needle

If you’re a loan officer, real estate agent, builder, or homebuyer, this is one you need to hear.

👍 Like
🔔 Subscribe
📤 Share with someone in mortgages or real estate

⚖ Legal Disclaimer

Mortgage is produced by Network Funding LP, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 2297. The content of this program is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as mortgage or home buying advice. Any discussion of rates or products is not a commitment to lend. All applicants must qualify. Visit http://nflp.com/licenses  for state licensing and legal information.

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

People have been “locked in” to ultra-low mortgage rates for years — but that’s finally starting to change.

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down the lock-in effect, why it’s easing, and what falling rates mean for home buyers, sellers, and loan officers right now. With rates inching lower and inventory improving, movement is returning to the market — and opportunity is following.

In this episode, we cover:

• What the mortgage lock-in effect really is
• Why lower rates are finally pushing people to move
• How life events are overriding rate hesitation
• What current rate trends mean for buyers and sellers
• How loan officers should re-engage their database right now

Legal Disclosure
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and/or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates. Any commentary on this show should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit https://nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

#TodayInMortgages #MortgageRates #LoanOfficers #RealEstateMarket

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

Are we finally seeing a true buyer’s market in real estate?

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich break down a new Realtor.com® | Homes for Sale, Apartments & Houses for Rent  article revealing that 83% of sellers still expect full asking price or more — even as more sellers are preparing to make concessions.

So what does that mean for buyers, sellers, and loan officers right now?

🎯 In this episode, we cover:

Whether the market has officially shifted from sellers to buyers

Why pricing correctly matters more than ever

How seller concessions are actually getting deals done

Smart ways buyers can use concessions (rate buydowns, closing costs, and more)

How loan officers can differentiate themselves by educating buyers

Why a fast, fully underwritten 10‑day close can win deals

What sellers should do heading into spring and summer buying season

Rich also explains how Network Funding empowers loan officers with the tools, products, and flexibility to build their personal brand—instead of hiding behind a corporate logo.

If you’re a buyer, seller, real estate agent, or mortgage professional trying to navigate today’s market, this episode is a must‑listen.

👉 Learn more about joining Network Funding:
https://you.nflp.com

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if this helped you make sense of today’s market.

📌 Disclaimer
Network Funding, LP is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS 2297.
This content is for commentary and educational purposes only and should not be considered mortgage advice, a rate quote, or a commitment to lend. All borrowers must qualify. Consult a licensed mortgage professional for your specific financial situation.
Licensing info: Licenses - Network Funding

Legal Disclosure:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and/or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates. Any commentary on this show should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at Licenses - Network Funding  for all state licensing and other legal information.

#mortgagenews #housingmarket #loanofficer #realestate

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

A ceasefire in Iran jolts the markets—but what does it really mean for mortgage rates, buyers, and refinances?

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down how global conflict and sudden market certainty impact interest rates, why mortgage applications stalled, and what borrowers and loan officers should actually be doing right now.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why uncertainty is the enemy of low mortgage rates
• How the Iran ceasefire impacted stocks, bonds, and rates
• Why mortgage rates don’t move as fast as the stock market
• What buyers under contract should be doing right now
• Why locking matters more than hoping
• How loan officers can protect clients in volatile markets

LOAN OFFICERS – Looking to GROW your business?
Find out how we are making our best producers even better and how you can DO MORE YOU inside the best Network in mortgages by visiting:
👉 https://you.nflp.com

Legal Disclosure:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297.
The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and/or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates. Any commentary on this show should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation.
Visit our website at https://nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.
#TodayInMortgages #MortgageRates #InterestRates #LoanOfficers #RealEstateMarket

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

Will conflict in the Middle East push inflation higher and keep mortgage rates elevated in the U.S.?

In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down how geopolitical uncertainty — specifically tensions involving Iran — is impacting oil prices, inflation expectations, the 10-year Treasury, and what that means for mortgage rates and housing affordability.

In this episode, we cover:

How oil price volatility feeds inflation fears

Why global conflict creates uncertainty for interest rates

What central banks are watching right now

The impact of rising Treasury yields on mortgage pricing

What mortgage professionals can control in uncertain markets

If you’re a loan officer, real estate agent, or housing professional, this episode will help you separate the noise from what actually matters.

Legal Disclosure:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and/or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates. Any commentary on this show should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit Licenses - Network Funding  for all state licensing and other legal information.

#mortgagerates #realestatenews #loanofficers #housingmarket #todayinmortgages

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

Nearly 1 in 7 home sales fell apart last month — here's why.
In this episode, Michael and Rich break down fresh data from Redfin showing a record-high 14% of home purchase agreements falling through in February. They dig into what's driving buyer jitters, how volatile rates are shaking up contracts, why concessions are exploding, and what loan pros absolutely must do right now to keep clients confident.

🔥 What we cover:

Why February saw a spike in canceled home sale contracts

How rate volatility is freaking out buyers

Whether the trend started earlier or is brand new

What “lagging indicators” mean for March & April closings

Job market fears + AI headlines = more nervous first‑time buyers

What loan pros should do to stabilize client confidence

Why staying in constant contact is mission‑critical

Opportunities hiding inside today's chaos

LEGAL DISCLOSURE:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 2297. This content is commentary on mortgage and real estate news and should not be taken as individual mortgage advice or pricing. All applicants must qualify. Consult a professional regarding your personal loan scenario.
Licensing: Licenses - Network Funding

#TodayInMortgages #MortgageNews #HousingMarket #LoanOfficers #RealEstateInsights

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.

Is Build-to-Rent still hot… or cooling off?
In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down the future of build-to-rent communities — who they serve, why they surged, and whether new political pressure could slow them down. From affordability challenges to institutional investor debates, we’re unpacking what this trend means for homebuyers, renters, and mortgage pros.

🔍 What we cover:

• What “build-to-rent” really means
• Why these communities exploded in places like Houston, Phoenix, Dallas & the Sunbelt
• How affordability gaps are shaping demand
• The political fight over institutional homeownership
• Whether forcing sell-offs could hurt housing supply
• What this all means for buyers, renters & the mortgage market
• Network Funding’s take on putting more people in homes

Legal Disclosure:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. The content of this program is commentary on mortgage and real estate news and should not be taken as individual mortgage or homebuying advice or pricing estimates. Any commentary on this show should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants must qualify. Consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenario.
Licensing information: https://nflp.com/licenses

#todayinmortgages #buildtorent #mortgagenews #realestateindustry

See more at TodayInMortgages.com

Want to get expert coaching everyday and have the power of the best Network in Mortgages behind your production business? Learn more here.

Learn more about Network Funding on our parent site. 

Today in mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, which is an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. Corporate office located at 10370 Richmond Ave. Suite 900, Houston, TX 77042. 

The content of this program is meant to be a commentary on mortgage and real estate news and any discussion of rates and or products should not be taken as individual mortgage or home buying advice or pricing estimates, and any commentary on this show is should not be considered a promise to make a loan. All applicants for a loan must qualify and you should consult a professional regarding your individual loan scenarios for your financial situation. Visit our website at nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and other legal information.