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
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…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
When Will Mortgage Rates Drop? Mark Fleming | 2026 Housing Market Forecast
Is the 2026 housing market finally becoming affordable, or are we stuck in a "new normal" of high rates and low inventory? In this episode of the Real Estate…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Buyers Are Paying More Attention to Climate Risk Than Ever Before
Climate risk is no longer a distant concern—it’s becoming a major factor in where and how Americans buy homes. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry discuss how climate…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Nonprofit Helping Working Families Buy Homes With No Down Payment
What if homeownership was possible without a down payment—even on a modest income? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore how Habitat for Humanity is helping…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Mortgage Myths That Could Be Holding You Back From Buying
Think you need perfect credit or a 20% down payment to buy a home? You might be holding yourself back based on myths—not facts. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Veteran's United on Hedging Strategies in Mortgage Capital Markets
Join Paul Centopani as he sits down with Emily Overton, Capital Markets Manager at Veterans United, to pull back the curtain on how mortgage lenders manage…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Where New Grads Should Move in 2026—And Why
Where you start your career could shape your financial future—and in 2026, some of the best opportunities for new grads are in cities you might not expect. Tim…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why 44% of Parents Have Adult Kids Moving Back Home
Multigenerational living is becoming the new normal, with 44% of parents reporting that an adult child has moved back home—and for many families, it’s a…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Growing Debate Over ID Cards in Residential Buildings
Requiring ID cards to access your own home is sparking a growing debate—raising questions about security, privacy, and how far is too far. Tim Lucas and Craig…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Behind the Scenes: How Veterans United Manages Mortgage Risk
Ever wonder why mortgage rates change daily, even when the Fed hasn't moved? In this episode, host Paul Centopani goes behind the scenes at Veterans United…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Why Builder Confidence Is Dropping Amid Higher Costs and Rates
Rising costs and higher mortgage rates are squeezing homebuilders—causing confidence to drop and putting pressure on the housing market. Tim Lucas and Craig…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Slower Rent Growth Could Open the Door to Homeownership
Slowing rent growth is giving renters a rare financial edge—creating new opportunities to save, plan, and potentially transition into homeownership. Tim Lucas…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How to Avoid the Most Common Deal-Killing Homebuyer Mistakes
Small, avoidable mistakes can derail your home purchase—financing issues alone account for up to one-third of failed deals. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Is Wall Street Really Stealing Your First Home | Rick Sharga
Is the American Dream being gobbled up by giant corporations? In this episode, Paul Centopani sits down with Rick Sharga, CEO of CJ Patrick Company, to…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
How Down Payment Assistance Is Changing Homeownership in Struggling Markets
Down payment assistance programs are opening the door to homeownership in struggling markets—helping buyers overcome upfront cost barriers and rebuild…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Rise of the ‘Dual Shopper’ in Today’s Housing Market
More homebuyers are weighing renting and buying at the same time—a growing “dual shopper” trend driven by rising costs and shifting priorities. Tim Lucas and…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Consumer Sentiment Hits 70-Year Low—But Americans Aren’t Giving Up
Consumer sentiment has hit its lowest level in over 70 years—but Americans are adapting and pushing forward, especially when it comes to homeownership. Tim…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Veterans United Reveals 5 Surprising Facts About the VA Home Loan (One of Them Isn't Zero Down)
Tim Lucas sits down with Chris Birk of Veterans United Home Loans to break down 5 surprising facts about the VA home loan that many veterans, military…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Is the Housing Market Finally Balancing Out? Here’s What the Data Says
Housing affordability is improving, and buyers and sellers may finally be meeting in the middle—but rising mortgage rates and global economic uncertainty could…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
More Homes, More Leverage: Is the Market Finally Tilting Toward Buyers?
More homes are hitting the market, and buyers may finally be gaining the upper hand—with surging inventory, slowing price growth, and shifting market…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
They Were Meant to Fund Homes—So Where Is the Money Going?
They were created to support affordable housing—but today, only a fraction of Federal Home Loan Bank funding goes toward home loans, raising serious questions…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Rising Cost of Maintaining America’s Aging Housing Market
America’s housing stock is getting older—and more expensive to maintain. With the median home now at 44 years old, rising repair costs and ongoing expenses are…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Rise of Single Women Homebuyers: A Major Shift in Housing
Single women are reshaping the housing market—and they now make up 21% of homebuyers compared to just 9% for single men, marking a major shift from decades…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Florida Overtakes California as the Riskiest Housing Market—Here’s Why
Housing market risk isn’t confined to one region—and a new report shows high-risk counties spread across states like Florida, California, New Jersey, and…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Crypto for a Down Payment? Fannie Mae Just Changed the Rules
Crypto is officially entering the housing market—and borrowers may soon be able to use cryptocurrency as collateral for a mortgage without selling it first…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
When the Kids Move Out: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Home?
When the kids move out, many homeowners start rethinking how they use their space—but some are spending huge sums on renovations to reclaim their homes. Tim…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Truth About Wall Street Buying Up Homes
Wall Street investors have been blamed for driving up home prices—but the data tells a more nuanced story. Large institutional buyers own less than 1% of…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Is House Flipping Still Worth It in Today’s Market?
House flipping isn’t as profitable as it used to be—with falling home prices and rising renovation costs, many investors are feeling the squeeze. Tim Lucas and…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Think a Home Is Expensive? Wait Until You See the Maintenance Costs
Think buying a home is expensive? The real shock comes after you move in—homeowners can spend more than $400,000 on maintenance and repairs over time. Tim…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Instagram Effect: Why Home Listings Don’t Always Match Reality
Real estate listings can make homes look picture-perfect—but the reality doesn’t always match. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how photos, descriptions…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Rise of “Grandma Chic”: Why Cozy, Vintage Homes Are Back
Taking lessons on style from your grandmother? A growing backlash against sterile minimalism is driving homeowners toward cozy, nostalgic interiors inspired by…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The Refi Window Is Open: 5.4 Million Homeowners Could Save Hundreds
An estimated 5.4 million homeowners could refinance right now and potentially save hundreds of dollars a month. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry discuss the renewed…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
The PITI Problem: The Hidden Costs Driving Up Mortgage Payments
Taxes and insurance are quietly taking a bigger bite out of homeowners’ monthly payments—and in some markets, they make up more than a third of housing costs…
- Mortgage Research Network Podcast
Realtor.com Economist Hannah Jones: Spring 2026 Market | Real Estate Update
In this episode of the Mortgage Research Network Podcast, host Paul Centopani sits down with Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.com, to…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastLocked In at Low Rates: Why Home Prices Didn’t Tank
Many economists forecast a sharp drop in home values when interest rates started rising, but that never fully materialized. Homeowners with historically low…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastOhio’s $24 Billion Tax Gamble: Abolish or Replace Property Taxes?
Ohio generates roughly $24 billion a year from property taxes—but that entire system could soon face a dramatic overhaul. If voters choose to abolish property…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastAging in Place Is the Goal—but Is It Financially Realistic?
Aging in place is the overwhelming goal for older Americans—but the costs of making that possible may put it out of reach for many families. With in-home care…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastWill Home Sales Rebound in 2026? A Look at a Bold Housing Forecast
Home sales have plunged since their pandemic peak—but a new forecast suggests a sharp rebound could be closer than many expect. As mortgage rates eased from…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastAre Credit Report Costs Making Mortgages More Expensive Than Necessary?
Credit report fees are climbing fast—and borrowers may be paying more without realizing it. With costs projected to jump 40–50% in 2026, lenders are pushing…