Today in Mortgages

Another CPI report is in, and it’s hotter than expected in key areas like housing. Plus, Trump’s proposal to ban institutional investors from buying single-family homes—will it make a real difference for first-time buyers? We break it all down in this episode of Today in Mortgages.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
- Why the latest CPI report matters for mortgage professionals
- How housing inflation impacts affordability
- Trump’s proposed ban on institutional buyers—what’s real and what’s hype
- Practical ideas to help first-time homebuyers compete
- How Network Funding is helping loan officers win in today’s market

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

Welcome back, Dreammakers! Our first episode of 2026 dives into some jaw-dropping headlines: criminal indictments at the Fed, rumors of fraud, and what all this means for mortgage rates and the housing market. Plus, we break down Trump’s $200B mortgage bond buy request and why the Fed’s independence matters more than ever.

In this episode:

• DOJ investigations into Fed Chair Powell
• Why Fed independence is critical for market stability
• Trump’s $200B mortgage bond buy—what it means for rates
• The “lock-in effect” fading: homeowners making moves in 2026
• Optimism for the mortgage industry this year

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

We’re wrapping up 2025 with one big question:

Is now the time to lock your mortgage rate?

In this episode, Michael and Rich break down what rate locks really mean, the pros and cons, and why timing matters more than ever. From Fed rate confusion to real-world examples, we’ll help you understand how locking today could save you from surprises tomorrow.

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are quietly adding billions to their mortgage bond portfolios. What does this mean for the housing market, interest rates, and your business as a loan officer? In this episode, Michael and Rich break down:

• Why Fannie and Freddie are holding more mortgage bonds
• The potential exit from government conservatorship
• How this could impact mortgage rates and housing affordability
• What loan officers should watch for in 2026 and beyond
• Year-end buying tips for motivated sellers

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

What’s in store for housing and mortgage rates in 2026? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down:

• The Fed’s latest rate cut and what it means for mortgage rates
• Why home prices are expected to rise only 1.4% next year
• Predictions for interest rates staying in the 6% range through 2026
• How affordability might improve (slowly!) and what that means for buyers
• Why mindset matters more than ever for loan officers heading into the new year

Key Takeaways:

• Fed signals only one more cut in 2026
• Home price appreciation expected to be modest but sustainable
• Interest rates likely to hover in the mid-6% range
• Positive mindset = more wins in a tough market

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

Let’s talk about what’s real, what’s hype, and what you should actually pay attention to in mortgage and real estate news. In this episode:

Key Discussion Points:

• Why the Road to Housing Act is now pushed to 2026
• How bundling with the defense bill caused delays
• What the bill aims to fix: affordability, zoning, and new loan products
• Pressure on Congress and the White House to act
• Positive signs for the mortgage industry heading into 2026
• How YOU can plan for a strong year with our Loan Officer Survey

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

______

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.

We’re closing out the year and looking ahead to 2026! What’s real, what’s hype, and what should you actually pay attention to in the housing market? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down Redfin’s six big predictions for the coming year, including:

- Will mortgage rates finally dip into the low 6% range?
- How wage growth could improve home affordability
- Why existing home sales are expected to rise 3%
- The affordability crisis and bipartisan policy action
- Opportunities for loan officers and real estate agents in 2026

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

We’re back after Thanksgiving to talk about one of the biggest stories in the mortgage world: the upcoming change in Fed leadership and what it could mean for rates, affordability, and your business. Here’s what we cover in this episode:

• Why the Fed Chair matters for mortgage rates (and why it’s not a direct link)
• Trump’s push for a dovish Fed and lower interest rates
• Kevin Hassett as the rumored front-runner
• How market confidence impacts long-term mortgage rates
• What analysts predict for 2026 and why optimism is growing
• Quick primer on what really drives mortgage rates: Treasury yields, MBS trades, inflation expectations, and Fed credibility

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

Crystal Ball Time: What’s Coming in 2026 for Mortgages?
We’re diving into predictions for the housing market and mortgage industry in 2026. Will home sales finally rebound? What’s hype, and what’s real? Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

Key Discussion Points:

• Lawrence Yun’s forecast: 14% increase in existing home sales
• New home builds and inventory trends
• Why Fed rate cuts could shape mortgage rates
• The surprising average age of first-time homebuyers (hint: it’s 40!)
• Generational trends: Who’s moving and who’s staying put
• How to prepare for opportunities in 2026

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.

Foreclosures are making headlines again—but what’s real and what’s hype? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, we break down the latest MarketWatch report claiming foreclosures are up 20%, and put it all into context.

Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why foreclosure numbers are rising (and what’s really driving it)
- How today compares to pre-COVID levels
- The hidden costs of homeownership you might not be thinking about
- Practical tips to fight rising costs: insurance shopping, tax protests, and more
- What affordability looks like for the future—and how builders and policy play a role

Plus, we’ve got a special invite for loan officers: take our industry survey at https://todayinmortgages.com and get a free benchmark report to see how you stack up in comp, tech, and support.

Listen in as we discuss this and more!

--

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

--

Take our Loan Officer Survey to get your FREE industry report! Benchmark yourself, understand trends, and make smarter career decisions at https://todayinmortgages.com/survey/

#MortgageNews #RefinanceBoom #LoanOfficerLife #TodayInMortgages #NetworkFunding

______

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.