Today in Mortgages

Pending home sales tick up — but will March’s economic and global volatility kill the momentum?
In today’s episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down February’s surprisingly positive pending home sales numbers, why March could reverse the trend, and what loan officers should be paying close attention to as buying season kicks off.

We cover:

February’s 1.8% national increase in pending home sales and where the bright spots are

How global conflict and hot inflation data (PPI) are driving rates back up

Why refinance applications surged — and then dropped off a cliff

What’s happening with purchase demand heading into spring

How rate volatility is shaping the “new normal”

Why pent‑up buyer demand still gives long‑term hope

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. Any discussion of rates or products is not individual mortgage advice or a loan offer. All applicants must qualify. Consult a professional for personalized guidance.
State licensing: https://nflp.com/licenses

#MortgageNews #RealEstateMarket #HomeBuyingSeason #InterestRates #LoanOfficers

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.

Today on Today in Mortgages, we break down the White House’s newly announced executive orders aimed at boosting homebuilding and reducing construction costs. Rich Jefferson joins Michael to unpack what’s real, what’s political, and what could actually move the needle for affordability in 2026 and beyond.

In this episode:

• What the new executive orders really direct agencies to do
• Impact on builders: permits, inspections, soft costs & environmental reviews
• Why timelines (60‑day clocks) could matter more than policies
• Whether affordability issues—insurance, taxes, rates—get any relief
• The lending-focused order: speeding up TRID, disclosures, and loan processing
• How faster closings help everybody
• Why Network Funding’s 10‑Day Close gives LOs a competitive edge
• Election‑year pressures & the likelihood of real policy action

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LEGAL
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS #2297. This show is commentary on mortgage and real estate news. Nothing here is mortgage advice or a loan offer. All applicants must qualify; consult a professional for your personal situation. Visit Licenses - Network Funding  for full licensing info.

#MortgageNews #RealEstate #Homebuilding #LoanOfficers #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.

Buyers are outpacing listings — again. In this episode, we break down why demand is suddenly surging, how lower interest rates are pushing more buyers back into the market, and why inventory continues to be the biggest hurdle in 2026. Rich digs into new HousingWire data, the impact of global conflict on rates, and what loan officers should be telling buyers right now.

In this episode:

Why buyers are absorbing inventory faster than new listings hit the market

How interest rate dips (even brief ones!) bring demand flooding back

Why lower rates don’t fix affordability — and can make prices rise

What’s happening with new‑build inventory

How global conflict and oil inflation are affecting mortgage rates

What loan officers MUST do right now to guide clients through uncertainty

Legal Disclosure:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, an equal housing lender, NMLS# 2297. This program is commentary on mortgage and real estate news; any rates and/or products discussed are not individual mortgage advice or pricing estimates. Nothing here is a promise to make a loan. All applicants must qualify. Consult a professional for your financial situation.
More info: Licenses - Network Funding

#MortgageNews #RealEstateMarket #LoanOfficers #HousingMarket2026 #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.

Will conflict in the Middle East spill over into U.S. housing and interest rates?
In today’s episode, Michael and Rich break down how the Iran conflict, oil price spikes, inflation pressure, and central bank uncertainty are creating fresh volatility in the mortgage market.

They cover:

Why oil at $120 → volatility → inflation → rate pressure

How geopolitical instability unsettles investors and Treasury markets

Why mortgage rates jumped after hitting 5.98% just days ago

What Fed rate cuts might look like now

How job report weakness adds another twist

What mortgage pros can still control in all this noise

Why staying prepared and educating clients is more important than ever

Plus—why Network Funding is built for entrepreneurial loan officers who want to grow their brand

LEGAL
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 2297. This program is commentary on mortgage and real estate news and should not be taken as individual mortgage advice or a loan commitment. All applicants must qualify. See Licenses - Network Funding  for licensing and legal info.

#mortgagenews #interestrates #realestateupdate #loanofficers #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.

Trigger leads are finally being limited — and the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act goes into effect today.

In this episode, Rich breaks down what the new law actually does, which trigger leads are banned, and how this impacts lenders, servicers, and consumers. Plus, we recap major affordability initiatives coming from the MBA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac — including LLPA changes, FHA MIP adjustments, multiple ADUs, manufactured housing, and easing builder restrictions.

We cover:

• What the new Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act changes
• Which trigger leads stay and which are gone
• How lenders, servicers & banks will handle consumer data going forward
• Advocacy efforts from the MBA
• Upcoming affordability pushes from the GSEs
• What loan officers should expect in a midterm election year

Legal Disclosure:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, an equal housing lender, NMLS #2297. This program is commentary on mortgage & real estate news and is not individual mortgage or financial advice. Nothing here is a promise to make a loan. All applicants must qualify. Visit Licenses - Network Funding  for all state licensing and legal info.

#TodayInMortgages #MortgageNews #TriggerLeads #MortgageIndustry #LoanOfficers

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.

What can we learn about housing from the State of the Union?
Today, we're breaking down the key takeaways for the mortgage and real estate world — from affordability measures, to first‑time homebuyer support, to what falling interest rates might actually mean for demand and home prices. Rich unpacks the administration’s proposals, explains how the economy’s “K‑shape” is shaping consumer confidence, and shares what loan officers and buyers should really be paying attention to.

In this episode:

• What the State of the Union said about housing
• Updates on the Road to Housing Act and proposed grants
• How lower interest rates are impacting affordability
• Why inventory might increase even as demand rises
• The K‑shaped economy and what buyers are actually feeling
• Why state‑level DPA programs matter more right now
• How loan officers can position themselves in this moment

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:
👉 https://you.nflp.com

Legal:
Today in Mortgages is produced by Network Funding, LP, Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 2297. Commentary is for informational purposes only and not mortgage advice. All applicants must qualify. Visit https://nflp.com/licenses for state licensing and legal info.

#MortgageNews #HousingMarket #LoanOfficers #RealEstateTrends #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.

Houston… we’ve got a five handle!
Today on Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down what it means now that rates have dipped to 5.99%, whether it will stick, how market volatility is playing into rate movement, and what buyers, refinancers, and mortgage pros should actually do right now.

Rich explains how economic jitters, tariff news, and AI-market reactions are pushing long-term mortgage rates downward — and why bad economic news often equals good mortgage rates. We also dig into:

⭐ Key Discussion Points

• What a 5.99% mortgage rate means — and whether it’s likely to stay
• Why the 10-year Treasury dropping to 4.02% matters
• Refinance activity exploding (+130% YoY!)
• Who should be refinancing right now
• What’s happening on the purchase side: inventory, seller concessions, pre-approvals
• Action items for mortgage pros to capture database opportunities
• How to prepare your pipeline for a potential growth season
• Why now is a strong recruiting environment for entrepreneurial LOs

🚀 LOAN OFFICERS – Looking to GROW your business?

See how we’re helping producers DO MORE YOU inside the best Network in mortgages:
👉 https://you.nflp.com

📊 FREE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS REPORT

Take our Loan Officer Survey and get your FREE report to benchmark yourself against peers and uncover industry trends:
👉 https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

📄 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 home buying advice or pricing estimates. Any commentary is not a promise to make a loan. All applicants must qualify, and you should consult a professional regarding your individual scenario. Visit https://nflp.com/licenses for all state licensing and legal info.

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 your buyers accidentally sabotaging their own homebuying journey?
In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down the three biggest mistakes Grant Cardone says are derailing homebuyers — and how loan officers can coach clients toward smarter decisions.

Rich and Michael dig into:

• ❗ Myth-busting: “I’m priced out of the market”
• 💡 Creative financing strategies that beat waiting for rates to drop
• 📍 Why location almost always wins over the “perfect” house
• 🧠 How loan officers can shift their own mindset to win in a tough 2026 market
• 🚀 The mindset and support systems that helped Network Funding LOs grow even in a down year

If you want actionable tips to help both buyers and loan officers win more in 2026, this is your episode.

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.

oday on Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich break down the surprising nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next potential Fed Chair — and why the industry did not see this coming. They unpack his hawkish history, what this means for mortgage rates, how politics may influence the confirmation process, and why independent monetary policy still matters.

Plus, Rich and Michael recap an incredible weekend at Network Funding’s 2026 President’s Club in Napa Valley, including pickleball semifinals, vendor showdowns, and the power of celebrating wins as a company.

▶️ In this episode:

• Kevin Warsh’s nomination: why it surprised economists
• What his hawkish views might mean for rates
• The political drama around Powell’s investigation
• Why the Fed’s independence is essential
• How the 10-year Treasury still drives mortgage rates
• President’s Club highlights & celebrating production
• Network Funding’s “support your brand, don’t hold your hand” philosophy

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LOAN OFFICERS – Looking to GROW your business?
Find out how we’re helping our best producers get even better — and how you can DO MORE YOU inside the best network in mortgages:
👉 Join the Network
──────────
FREE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS REPORT
Take our Loan Officer Survey and get your FREE industry report! Benchmark against peers, understand market trends, and plan your next move:
👉 Survey

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.

Credit report fees have skyrocketed—from around $0.50 to a proposed $10 per bureau in recent years! Why is this happening, and what does it mean for lenders and borrowers? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down:

• How FICO royalties went from pennies to dollars
• Why credit report costs have surged nearly 500% in five years
• The role of trigger leads and lost revenue for bureaus
• VantageScore vs. FICO: Will competition help?
• What lenders are doing to manage these rising costs

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

FREE INDUSTRY INSIGHTS REPORT:
Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself against peers, understand trends, and make better career decisions at Survey

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 advice. All applicants must qualify. Visit Licenses - Network Funding  for licensing info.

Hashtags:
#MortgageNews #CreditReportFees #LoanOfficerLife #HomeBuyingTips #TodayInMortgages

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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.

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.