Author: Benjamin Baker

Affordability remains a challenge across the housing market, with payments hitting a one-year high. But in this week’s Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich explain why that’s only part of the story.

From the Fed’s latest rate outlook to rising costs like taxes and insurance, they break down what’s really driving today’s market—and why buyers who are ready right now may have an advantage.

👉 Watch the full episode and get the insights you need to guide your clients.

With home prices rising and affordability tighter than ever, many younger buyers are struggling to enter the market. This episode explores practical ways families can help bridge the gap, including gifting funds, co-signing, and intra-family loans. It highlights how structured lending between family members can provide financial flexibility while preserving long-term wealth, offering a creative solution to today’s housing challenges.

Who really controls the homebuyer? We unpack the Zillow vs. Compass fight and why vertical integration may be bad for consumers—but great for big platforms.

Fear and uncertainty are playing a bigger role in today’s housing market than many people realize. In this episode of Today in Mortgages, the conversation focuses on how fear impacts both homebuyers and loan officers — and how education, preparation, and trusted guidance can shift decision-making from emotional to confident. From the importance of pre-qualification to understanding local market data over national headlines, the episode highlights practical ways professionals can help buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Fear and uncertainty are playing a bigger role in today’s housing market than many people realize. In this episode of Today in Mortgages, the conversation focuses on how fear impacts both homebuyers and loan officers — and how education, preparation, and trusted guidance can shift decision-making from emotional to confident. From the importance of pre-qualification to understanding local market data over national headlines, the episode highlights practical ways professionals can help buyers navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

Is a bigger down payment always the smart move? In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael David and Rich Jefferson explain how buyers should structure deals in today’s rate environment — and why cash reserves often matter more than shaving a few points off your interest rate.

Mortgage rates are volatile — but relief could be closer than you think. In this episode of Today in Mortgages, Michael and Rich explain what’s really driving rates, why the Fed isn’t the only factor, and what buyers and loan professionals should be watching this May.

Mortgage rates are slowly coming down, and the long-standing lock-in effect that kept homeowners frozen in place is beginning to ease. As payments become more manageable and life events push decisions forward, buyers and sellers are re-entering the market. This episode explores how shifting rates are changing behavior, why movement is returning, and what the current environment means for housing activity as the spring and summer buying seasons heat up.

A new Redfin report shows that nearly 14% of home purchase agreements fell through in February, marking the highest rate for that month on record. This episode explores why cancellations are rising, including increased buyer sensitivity to rapid interest‑rate changes, heightened economic uncertainty, and expanding requests for seller concessions. The discussion also highlights job‑market concerns and the emotional impact of constant headlines around war, debt, and AI on first‑time buyers. Despite the turbulence, many transactions remain strong due to earlier rate locks, and the episode outlines why upcoming months may show delayed effects from March’s volatility. Key insights focus on how market instability influences buyer behavior and what industry professionals must understand about shifting confidence levels in today’s housing environment.

A new Redfin report shows that nearly 14% of home purchase agreements fell through in February, marking the highest rate for that month on record. This episode explores why cancellations are rising, including increased buyer sensitivity to rapid interest‑rate changes, heightened economic uncertainty, and expanding requests for seller concessions. The discussion also highlights job‑market concerns and the emotional impact of constant headlines around war, debt, and AI on first‑time buyers. Despite the turbulence, many transactions remain strong due to earlier rate locks, and the episode outlines why upcoming months may show delayed effects from March’s volatility. Key insights focus on how market instability influences buyer behavior and what industry professionals must understand about shifting confidence levels in today’s housing environment.