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PODCAST

Mortgage Research Network Podcast

Mortgage Research Network

Thinking about buying your first home but overwhelmed by mortgage news, rising rates, and confusing headlines? The Mortgage Research Network Podcast is your no-fluff, data-backed guide to the housing market. We break down the latest trends, stories, and research from MortgageResearch.com into simple, clear insights you can actually use. Hosted with first-time buyers in mind, each episode helps you understand what’s happening in the market and how to use that knowledge to make smarter decisions, from

education how to

All Episodes

3:17

Lock It or Lose It: The Truth About Mortgage Rate Locks

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/17

Hoping to save a few bucks by waiting to lock your mortgage rate? That hesitation could cost you thousands. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how rate locks really work, why timing them is so tricky, and what matters more than chasing the “perfect” rate.In this episode you’ll learn:The hidden risk: Waiting just one week for rates to drop can cost $5,000 or more in lost lender credits or higher pricing.How locks really work: You’re not locking one rate—you’re locking a menu of rate and

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4:10

Energy Efficiency Pays: Why Homebuyers Suddenly Care

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/15

Homebuyers’ interest in energy efficiency has nearly doubled in one year—but not for the reasons you might think. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack why rising utility costs, not climate concerns, are fueling this major shift in buyer priorities.In this episode you’ll learn:The data: Buyers citing energy efficiency jumped from 43% → 71%, while fewer than 25% mention the environment.The motivator: Inflation and high utility bills—not activism—are driving demand for insulated doors, efficient

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3:44

Tariffs and Timber: How Trade Policy Is Driving Up...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/13

A new wave of tariffs could add $30 billion to U.S. housing costs—and most people don’t even know it’s coming. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how rising import taxes on lumber, cabinets, and other materials may reshape construction and renovation budgets across the country.In this episode you’ll learn:What’s changing: Tariffs of 10% on lumber and 25%—soon 50%—on cabinets and vanities are poised to raise construction costs.The homeowner impact: The average new home could cost $10,900

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3:34

When Rates Rise After Pre-Approval: What Buyers Can Do

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/10

It’s a common—and stressful—situation: mortgage rates climb after you’re pre-approved, shrinking your buying power. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how rate bumps affect approvals, why it’s not always a deal-breaker, and the creative strategies buyers are using to adapt.In this episode you’ll learn:The math: Every 0.25% rate increase can trim ~$10K from your home budget; a jump from 6.25% → 7.5% could slash purchasing power by nearly $50K.DTI flexibility: Many loans allow DTI up to 45%

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3:20

Gen Z’s Trust Crisis: Why Young Buyers Are Turning...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/08

Gen Z’s confidence in mortgage and real estate professionals is collapsing, with trust in loan officers dropping to just 19% and real estate agents to 33%. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry dig into the reasons behind the distrust and what it means for the future of homebuying.In this episode you’ll learn:The decline in trust: Gen Z’s faith in financial pros fell from 61% → 40% in just one year.Why it’s happening: This generation grew up through the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID downturn, and

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4:02

Shutdown & Your Mortgage: What Stops, What Slows,...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/06

Most shutdowns don’t halt the entire mortgage market—but they can delay key verifications and derail timelines. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain what actually pauses, what keeps moving, and how to keep your loan on track.In this episode you’ll learn:What pauses vs. proceeds: IRS 4506-T transcripts, some SSA checks, and new NFIP flood policies pause; private flood and most lender operations continue.Loan-by-loan cheat sheet: Conventional = slows (verifications, flood docs). FHA = core loans

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3:40

Recast, Don’t Refi: Cut Your Payment Without Starting...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/03

Most homeowners haven’t heard of a mortgage recast—but it can slash your monthly payment without a refinance, credit check, appraisal, or new term. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how recasting works, who qualifies, and the key tradeoffs vs. just making a big extra principal payment.In this episode you’ll learn:How a recast works: Make a lump-sum principal payment, pay a small admin fee, and your lender re-amortizes the remaining balance at your current interest rate and remaining

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4:44

The $2,370 Problem: Taming Soaring Homeowners Insurance

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/10/01

Homeowners insurance premiums are up 70% in five years—now averaging $2,370/year—and for many buyers it’s the hidden cost blowing up monthly payments. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack what’s driving the spike, what standard policies actually cover (and don’t), and how to keep coverage strong without overpaying.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why costs exploded: climate-driven disasters, pricier rebuilds (materials + labor), insurer exits in high-risk states, and how escrow can hide the jump

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3:51

Cash Now, Pay Later? The Real Math Behind Home Equity...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/29

No monthly payment, real cash in hand—what’s the catch? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down home equity agreements (HESAs), where you trade a slice of your home’s future value for money today. Using a $750k-home example that yields $75k now and about $180k back in 10 years (roughly ~9.1% APR with 3.5% annual appreciation), they unpack who these deals fit—and where they can bite.Why people use them: Self-employed, retirees, or credit-rebuilding owners who need cash without new monthly

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4:14

Live in One, Rent the Rest: House Hacking with 3.5% Down

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/26

What if your first home paid you to live there? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down owner-occupied multifamily—aka house hacking—so first-time buyers can turn a duplex, triplex, or fourplex into a launchpad for long-term wealth.Entry paths: FHA as low as 3.5% down; VA for eligible buyers with 0% down; new conventional 5% down options for 2–4 units.Qualify smarter: Lenders can count ~75% of projected rent from the other units toward your qualifying income.Live-in requirement: Plan on 12

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3:35

AI, Español, and the Keys to a Home: Breaking the...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/24

Roughly 5 million U.S. families may be shut out of homeownership due to language barriers—yet a new AI effort could change that. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack how real-time, expert-guided translations of mortgage docs could help limited-English-proficient (LEP) buyers navigate pre-approvals, disclosures, and closing confidently. You’ll learn:The gap, by the numbers: LEP households have tripled over four decades; 3.2M are Hispanic families facing extra hurdles as some federal services

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4:02

Divorced… and Still Roommates? The 2% Mortgage Dilemma

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/22

In today’s affordability crunch, some divorced couples are choosing an unexpected path: sharing a home to keep a ~2–3% mortgage rate. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack how ultra-low pandemic loans became “golden handcuffs,” reshaping family life and the housing market. You’ll learn:Why stay put? The math behind keeping a 2.65% loan when today’s rates hover ~6.5%Creative arrangements: “Nesting,” backyard trailers, even splitting a house in twoMarket fallout: Lock-in reduced moves by ~1.72M

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4:07

The Other Mortgage Market: 3 Million Buyers Outside...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/19

When traditional mortgages aren’t an option, millions turn to lease-purchase deals, land contracts, and seller financing—often with higher costs and fewer protections. In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down who’s using alternative financing, why it’s surging, and how to protect yourself if you’re considering it. You’ll learn:Who Uses It & Where: Over 3 million Americans; nearly 10% of rural buyers vs ~6% urban. Condos/duplexes see ~23% alternative financing vs ~3% for

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4:02

National Emergency 101: Could It Actually Help Housing?

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/17

Home prices up 403% since 1985 while incomes rose 252%—no wonder “national housing emergency” is entering the chat. In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain what a declaration really is, what powers it could unlock, and where it would still hit walls. You’ll learn:What a “national emergency” means: Why a declaration doesn’t require a natural disaster, and how past emergencies guide what housing actions might look likePossible levers: Opening select federal land for housing,

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4:29

Housing Emergency, or Just Headlines? What a...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/15

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hinted the Administration may declare a national housing emergency—but what could that realistically do for buyers and sellers? In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack the affordability math, the supply paradox, and the tools an emergency might (and might not) unlock. You’ll learn:Affordability Reset: Why a $3,000/month budget bought ~$740K at 2.65% in early 2021 but only ~$480K at ~6.5% todayShortage vs. Surplus: A 4.7M-unit national shortfall

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4:05

Offer Accepted → Now What? Navigating the 41-Day...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/12

Finding the house takes about 10 weeks—but the real work starts after your offer is accepted. In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry map the ~41-day closing maze, with real stories of what can go sideways and how to stay on track. You’ll learn:Timeline Reality: What actually happens between acceptance and keys—earnest money deadlines, inspections, appraisal, underwriting, closing disclosure, and fundingInspection Landmines: Hidden water damage, renegotiations, and how contingency clocks

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3:40

Family Boost: How 1 in 4 Young Buyers Get to the Door

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/10

A quarter of young first-time buyers are leaning on family funds—gifts or inheritances—to crack today’s tough market. In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack the trend the media calls “nepo-homebuyers,” and why that label misses the full story. You’ll learn:The Stat Shift: About 1 in 4 young buyers use family money; roughly 20% get direct down-payment gifts, with others tapping inheritancesHustle + Help: Beyond gifts, 56% save from paychecks, 17% take second jobs, and ~13% sell

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3:26

Housing Emergency? What a National Declaration...

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/08

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent floated a bombshell: President Trump may declare a national housing emergency. In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack what emergency powers might unlock—and why they may not fix long-term housing challenges. You’ll learn:The Playbook & Guardrails: What the 1976 National Emergencies Act could let the White House do—and where courts and practical limits kick inPotential Levers (and Frictions): Ideas floated like lifting tariffs on building

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4:13

New Homes < Used? The Price Flip Explained

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/05

For the first time in modern real estate, new construction is often cheaper than existing homes—in some markets by a wide margin. In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack why the pricing script flipped and how to decide if a new build is the smarter buy. You’ll learn:The Price Flip: Nationwide, new homes are selling for about $2 less per sq. ft. than existing homes; savings near $57/sq. ft. in San Diego—but premiums still exist (e.g., $216/sq. ft. in San Jose, $0.86 in

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3:00

Refi Window: Up to 3 Million Homeowners Back in the Mone

Mortgage Research Network Podcast ·

2025/09/03

Mortgage rates have slipped enough to put millions back in the refi game. In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain who benefits, how much you could save, and the smartest ways to move fast without missteps. You’ll learn:Who’s “in the money”: A ~0.75% drop (e.g., 7.25% → 6.5%) can make refinancing worthwhile. Roughly 2 million homeowners qualify now—and if rates dip below 6.375%, that could rise to 3 million.Real-dollar impact: A borrower with a $250K FHA loan at 2023 highs could

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