Shows / Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Mortgage Research Network Podcast is your no-fluff, data-backed guide to the housing market. We break down the latest trends, news, and stories into simple, clear insights. Each episode helps you understand what’s happening in the world of real estate and how to use that knowledge to make smarter decisions, from locking in a great rate to choosing the right time to buy. We're empowering you with the facts, confidence, and tools to become a homeowner one episode at a time.
Episodes
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Housing & Finance Roundup: Existing Home Sales Slip, Household Growth Slows, and Transit Housing Gains Attention
Existing home sales slipped in July as mortgage rates climbed, but the housing market has remained surprisingly resilient. At the same time, slower household…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How Homeowners Are Using Home Equity to Manage High-Interest Debt
Americans are spending more even as debt rises and savings shrink, leaving some homeowners looking to their record levels of home equity for financial relief…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Growing Financial Pressure Facing HOA and Condo Residents
HOA and condo residents are facing growing financial pressure as higher costs, underfunded reserves, and stricter lending requirements collide. At the same…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Homebuyers Have More Leverage. So Why Is Buying Still So Hard?
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Vivek Sah, Director of the Burns School of Real Estate and Construction…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Rising School Closures Matter for Homeowners
More than 1,000 schools closed in 2025, reflecting demographic and enrollment shifts that could have consequences far beyond the classroom. Because school…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Inherited a Home? You May Not Have to Refinance the Mortgage
People who inherit a home may have the right to keep its existing mortgage instead of refinancing into a new loan. But some mortgage servicers have reportedly…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why New Federal Guidance Could Make ITIN Mortgages Harder to Get
New federal guidance is putting greater scrutiny on mortgages made to borrowers who use Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers. Although the guidance does…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Should You Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage in 2026?
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Shawn Yerkes, Group President of Financial Services at Genstone Companies…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Housing & Finance Roundup: Record Home Prices, Fewer Foreign Buyers, and the Fed’s New Direction
Home prices reached another record high in June, yet housing affordability improved compared with a year earlier. This week’s Housing & Finance Roundup…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Converting Offices Into Apartments Is More Complicated Than It Sounds
Converting vacant offices into apartments could help cities add housing, but these projects are far more complicated than simply redesigning the interior…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Homebuyers Who Planned to Refinance Are Feeling Trapped
Many recent homebuyers counted on refinancing into a lower mortgage rate, but that relief has not arrived. With payments already stretching household budgets…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Homeowners Insurance Costs Are Rising and How to Shop Smarter
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Travis Hodges, Managing Director at VIU by HUB, about why homeowners…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How Extreme Weather Is Driving Up Homeowners Insurance Costs
Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and expensive, placing growing pressure on homeowners insurance costs. At the same time, higher rebuilding expenses…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How Homebuyers Can Avoid Real Estate Cyber Scams
Real estate cyber scams can turn a home purchase into a financial disaster with a single convincing email. By impersonating lenders, agents, or title…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Could Inflation Force the Fed to Raise Rates Again?
Inflation appeared to cool in June, but rising energy and supply costs could quickly change the picture. If inflation begins accelerating again, the Federal…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
USDA Loans Explained: How to Buy a Home With No Down Payment
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Ashley Harris (NMLS # 1106948), Director of Homebuyer Education at Neighbors…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Housing & Finance Roundup: 14.5 Million Vacant Homes, the Boomer Wealth Transfer, and America's Rent Crisis
Millions of homes sit empty across the United States, yet affordable housing remains out of reach for many Americans. This week's Housing & Finance Roundup…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Biggest Housing Reform in Decades—But Is It Enough?
Congress has passed the biggest housing reform package in decades—but don't expect overnight changes. Will the new law meaningfully improve affordability, or…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
What's Next for Home Prices? Economists Disagree
Conflicting forecasts are making it harder than ever to know where the housing market is headed. Will home prices continue climbing, barely keep pace with…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How Mortgage Rates, APR, and Discount Points Really Work
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Bernie Frascarelli, Head of Realtor Relations at Best Interest Financial…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Should You Buy a Foreclosed Home? What Buyers Need to Know
Foreclosures are rising again—but today's market looks very different from the housing crash of 2008. While bank-owned homes can offer significant discounts…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How Gen Z Is Breaking Into the Housing Market
Despite high home prices and elevated mortgage rates, Gen Z is proving that homeownership is still possible. Nearly one in five new mortgages now goes to Gen Z…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Should Retirees Downsize? The Pros and Cons Explained
Downsizing is often seen as the perfect retirement strategy—but it's not the right choice for everyone. While selling a larger home can unlock valuable equity…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Buy Your First Home Like an Investor
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Tony Julianelle, CEO of Atlas Real Estate, to explain why buying your…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Heat Wave Survival Tips Every Homeowner Should Know
Extreme heat is becoming one of the most dangerous weather threats homeowners face—and preparing before temperatures soar can protect both your family and your…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Housing Shortage Could Become a Housing Surplus
America faces a housing shortage today—but some economists believe the opposite problem could emerge within the next decade. A new forecast suggests…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Falling Home Prices Aren't Always Bad News
Falling home prices usually sound like bad news—but the reason they're falling makes all the difference. While collapsing home values devastated cities like…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Fed Doesn't Control Mortgage Rates (Here's What Does) | Dave Meyer of BiggerPockets
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Dave Meyer, Chief Investment Officer at BiggerPockets, to break down one…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Unexpected Expenses Every Homebuyer Should Expect
Buying a home is exciting—but the purchase price is only the beginning. While 93% of recent homebuyers say they're glad they became homeowners, most also admit…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Bipartisan Housing Bill That Could Change Homebuying
Housing affordability has become such a pressing issue that Congress overwhelmingly approved the largest housing legislation in decades. The bipartisan 21st…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Economists Expect a Stronger Housing Market in 2026
A stronger economy could translate into stronger housing wealth in 2026. Economists expect the U.S. to avoid a recession, add hundreds of thousands of jobs…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Think You Need Thousands to Buy a Home? Think Again
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Rod See, Managing Director of Community Lending and Senior Vice President…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Paint Colors That Could Cost You Thousands
A fresh coat of paint can add value—or quietly cost you thousands when it’s time to sell. Zillow’s latest research found that certain colors can influence…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How the Wealthy Are Designing Homes for Health and Longevity
The world’s wealthiest homebuyers are no longer focused solely on luxury—they’re investing in homes designed to help them live longer, healthier lives. Tim…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
FHA Loans Explained: What Every Homebuyer Should Know | Ralph DiBugnara
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Ralph DiBugnara, Senior Vice President at New American Funding, to…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Would You Let AI Handle Your Mortgage?
More than half of prospective homebuyers say they would be comfortable letting artificial intelligence handle their home purchase—and even more are willing to…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How Investors Scale Beyond Conventional Mortgages (DSCR Loans Explained)
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Ben Stef, Senior Loan Advisor at NEXA Lending and founder of Funding…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Mortgage Math That Shocks Most Buyers
The average homebuyer will pay back more than twice the original purchase price of their home over the life of a 30-year mortgage—and most people have no idea…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Are Real Estate Companies Really Protecting Consumers—or Themselves?
Two of the biggest names in real estate are facing criticism over practices that some say prioritize profits over transparency. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Millions of Homeowners Are Choosing HELOCs Instead of Refinancing
Homeowners are tapping into their home equity at the highest rate since 2008, driven by a simple reality: few people want to give up the ultra-low mortgage…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
DSCR vs Conventional | Which One Actually Works? | Charles Goodwin
In this episode of the Real Estate Update podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Charles Goodwin, VP and Head of Bridge and DSCR Lending at Kiavi. With a…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Could a Federal Anti-Crime Law Make HOA Fees Even Higher?
A federal law designed to combat money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes is now at the center of a growing battle between homeowners associations…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Disaster Prep Checklist Every Homeowner Needs
Hurricane season is here, and many homeowners may be far less prepared than they think. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry discuss why disaster preparedness involves…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Home Insurance Reality Many Homeowners Never See Coming
Nearly half of all home insurance claims filed with the nation’s largest insurers now go unpaid, leaving many homeowners shocked when they discover what their…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Navigating a Frenzy Market: Top Tips for Home Buyers
In this Real Estate Update episode, host Paul Centopani sits down with Matt Lind as we focus on home buyer education because knowledge is power. Matt is a…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Are 3D-Printed Homes the Future of Affordable Housing?
3D-printed homes are moving from science fiction to reality, with builders claiming they could dramatically reduce construction costs, speed up development…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The “Golden Girls” Lifestyle Is Becoming Reality
More older Americans are turning to roommates not just to save money, but to combat isolation and make retirement more manageable in an increasingly expensive…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Congress May Pass Its Biggest Housing Bill in 36 Years
Congress is closer to passing major housing legislation than it has been in decades, but deep disagreements remain over how far the government should go in…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Simplifying Underwriting Guidelines and "Overlays"
Ever wonder why some lenders have stricter rules than others when you apply for a home loan? In this deep dive, host Paul Centopani sits down with Jenna…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Tiny Homes Built to Settle Big Feuds
Some of America’s strangest homes were never built for comfort or convenience—they were built to make a point. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore the bizarre…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Recent Real Estate & Mortgage News: The Cost Savings of New Homes, VA Loan Trends, and Unconventional Mortgages
New homes may save buyers tens of thousands of dollars, VA loans remain dramatically underused, and unconventional mortgages are quietly making a comeback. Tim…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Hidden Property Rights Most Homeowners Never Think About
Millions of homeowners may legally own their house and land surface—but not the minerals beneath it. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain the little-known world…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Overcoming Affordability Challenges In Today's Housing Market
Are you struggling to break into the housing market? In this episode of the Real Estate Update, Paul Centopani sits down with Phil Ganz, president of Next Wave…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Housing Math That No Longer Works for Most Americans
Home prices have surged far faster than incomes over the past several decades, pushing the “housing math” out of reach for many Americans and reshaping what it…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why the New Fed Chair May Have No Good Options
Inflation is surging across everyday essentials—and now a new Federal Reserve Chair is stepping into one of the most difficult economic environments in years…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Foreclosures Are Rising Even With Low Mortgage Rates
Foreclosure filings are rising across America—but this time, it’s not because of risky mortgages or reckless borrowing. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain why…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Is Your Home Poisoning You? Radon Specialist Explains
Is the air in your home actually safe? In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network, host Paul Centopani sits down with Ron Rupp, better known as "Radon…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Are Second-Home Taxes Fair—or Just Punishing Wealth?
States across the country are considering new taxes on luxury second homes—but are these policies fair, effective, or simply targeting wealth? Tim Lucas and…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Record Mortgage Amount That Signals a Bigger Housing Problem
The average mortgage application in America just hit a record $467,300—and it’s signaling much more than rising home prices. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Your Online Home Value Estimate Could Be Way Off
Online home value tools may be convenient, but how accurate are they really? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore the strengths and weaknesses of automated…