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
The Housing Market Is Tough. Here's How Buyers Can Get Ahead.
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Jeffrey Ruben, President of WSFS Home Lending, about navigating…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Mortgage Rates Above 7% Through 2027? What Borrowers Need to Know
Mortgage rates could remain above 7% through the end of 2027, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Fannie Mae has also raised its forecast, leaving…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
You Can Afford a Home. So Why Can't You Get a Mortgage?
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Shawn King, Executive Vice President and Co-Founder of Arrive Home…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
New Homes for Less? Wedding Gifts, HELOCs & More
Cash wedding gifts could help you buy a home, but will your mortgage lender accept them? In this episode, Tim Lucas explains a little-known Freddie Mac rule…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
More Homes, More Mortgage Options, but Higher Rates
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani talks with Tom Hutchens, President of Angel Oak Mortgage Solutions, about the…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Buy, Sell, or Keep Renting? Making Sense of Today’s Housing Market
Buying can help you build equity, but does it make more sense than renting? In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, Tim Lucas walks through…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Self-Employed? Here's What Mortgage Lenders Really Look At
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Mikhail Burdeen, Regional Sales Manager at Cornerstone Home Lending…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
FHA Credit Scores Are Changing: Why Approval Is Only Half the Battle
FHA is changing the way lenders can evaluate credit, potentially opening another path to a mortgage for some homebuyers. But getting approved is only part of…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The First Step to Buying a Home Isn’t House Hunting
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Kara Ng, Senior Economist at Zillow, about what it really takes to…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
More Leverage, Less Interest, Higher Home Values: What’s the Trade-Off?
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Tim Lucas examines three housing trends that appear encouraging on paper but come with important…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Don’t Take the First Mortgage Offer. Here’s How to Shop Around.
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Hector Amendola, president at SimplyPMG, about how homebuyers can…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Staying Put, Rebuilding, or Relocating: Housing Costs Beyond the Home Price
Americans are moving less than they once did, and housing affordability appears to be a major reason. But staying put is only one example of how costs beyond a…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
A Home Appraisal Isn’t an Inspection. Here’s What It Really Does.
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Noah Meier, Chief Appraiser at Single Source Property Solutions…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Construction Costs, AI’s Effect on Mortgage Rates, and Deed Theft
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Tim Lucas breaks down three very different forces affecting today’s housing market. First, why…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Non-QM Loans Aren’t Subprime. Here’s What They Really Are.
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Mike Pearson, Senior Vice President at AD Mortgage and newly named President…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Could a Bond Market Revolt Send Mortgage Rates Higher?
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, Tim Lucas examines whether growing anxiety in the bond market could send mortgage rates sharply…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Could Fannie Mae’s Executive Firings Affect Mortgage Rates and Availability?
Fannie Mae reportedly dismissed roughly a dozen senior officials in a sudden leadership shake-up, raising questions about how much institutional knowledge the…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Homebuyers Have More Leverage. But Not Everywhere.
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with Jaime Dunaway-Seale, content writer at Clever Real Estate, about where…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How the K-Shaped Housing Market Is Leaving Starter-Home Buyers Behind
The income needed to afford a starter home has surged since 2019, while higher-end buyers continue to fare much better in today’s market. That split is…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Buy Now, Pay Later for Your Mortgage? Why Experts Are Concerned
Buy-now-pay-later loans are expanding beyond discretionary purchases and are now being used by some consumers to cover essentials such as rent, mortgage…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Homeowners Insurance Premiums Are Rising More Slowly, But Costs Remain High
Homeowners insurance premiums are still climbing, but the pace of those increases may finally be starting to moderate. Even so, most homeowners continue to pay…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Your Flood Map May Be Outdated. Is Your Home Really Protected?
In this episode of the Real Estate Update Podcast, host Paul Centopani speaks with John Dickson about how homeowners and homebuyers can better understand their…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastHousing & 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…