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
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…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastBanks vs. Nonbank Lenders: The Fed Aims to Reshape Mortgage Lending
Banks once dominated mortgage lending—but today, nonbank lenders control most of the market. Now, the Federal Reserve is exploring changes that could pull…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastThe Economy’s Mixed Signals: Why Markets and Reality Don’t Match
Markets are hitting record highs—but the economic reality many Americans feel tells a very different story. With stocks surging and confidence sinking, Tim…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastSpec Homes vs. Custom Builds: How to Choose the Right New Home
Buying a newly built home comes with a major decision—is it better to buy a spec home or a custom build? In this episode, Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastRising Household Debt Is Putting the American Dream on Hold
America’s household debt has reached historic levels—and it’s increasingly standing between millions of Americans and homeownership. With credit card balances…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastWhat It Really Means to Be a Good Neighbor in Today’s Housing Market
Most Americans say they value community—but only one in four can name their neighbors. New data reveals a paradox at the heart of American housing: people feel…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastMortgage Costs Are Down, But Other Factors Still Matter for Homebuyers
Mortgage payments are finally dropping for new buyers, offering a rare bit of relief. Lower rates combined with plateauing home prices mean monthly payments…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastThe Fed’s Next Shakeup: How Kevin Warsh Could Move Mortgage Rates
A leadership change at the Federal Reserve could reshape the path of mortgage rates—and not necessarily in the way homebuyers expect. As Jerome Powell’s term…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastAging in Place: The Real Cost of Making Homes Safe for Seniors
Baby boomers are sitting on an unprecedented amount of housing wealth—but many are aging in homes that may no longer be safe for them. With more than $17…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastThe 2025 Housing Market in Review: High Prices, Lower Returns
Home prices hit new highs in 2025—but sellers aren’t walking away with record profits. Despite a median home price of $360,000, homeowner profit margins have…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastWhen Health Insurance Costs More Than the Mortgage
Health insurance costs have reached a startling tipping point for some American families. In a growing number of cases, monthly health insurance premiums now…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastHow Extreme Weather Is Reshaping the Housing Market
Extreme weather events are no longer just temporary disruptions—they’re quietly reshaping housing markets across the country. From rising insurance costs to…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastAre Corporate Investors Really Driving the Housing Crisis?
Nearly three out of four Americans believe corporate investors are driving the housing crisis—but the data tells a more complicated story. Tim Lucas and Craig…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastBilt’s Mortgage Rewards Program: What Homeowners Need to Know
Your monthly mortgage payment is likely your biggest expense—and until now, it’s earned you nothing in return. That’s starting to change as fintech company…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastStocks vs. Real Estate in an Age of Speculation: What Isaac Newton Can Teach Today's Investors
Speculation is no longer confined to the fringes of the market—it’s gone mainstream. From AI-driven stock hype to echoes of historic market bubbles, even the…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastJP Morgan’s 2026 Fed Rate Forecast and What It Means for Mortgage Rates
JP Morgan is predicting the Fed won't adjust rates until 2027—but should homebuyers really believe it? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack the forecast, explain…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastWhy All-Cash Buyers Still Dominate So Much of the Housing Market
Nearly one-third of U.S. homes are still being bought entirely in cash, reshaping who wins—and who loses—in today’s housing market. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastBanning Wall Street from Single-Family Homes? What Trump’s Plan Could Mean
Corporate investors now own hundreds of thousands of single-family homes, reshaping neighborhoods across the country. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down…
Mortgage Research Network Podcast$200 Billion to Lower Rates? How Far Could Mortgage Rates Really Fall
A single announcement sent mortgage rates tumbling toward 6%—and now the housing world is buzzing. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down Trump’s proposal to…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastThe Credit Score Shake-Up: Why 30% of ‘Good’ Scores May Be High-Risk
A new report suggests 30% of borrowers with “good” credit scores are actually high-risk—and many denied borrowers may be safer bets than their scores imply…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastThe $20,000 Secret: Tax Breaks Most Homeowners Miss
Most homeowners have no idea they could be missing out on up to $20,000 in tax deductions every year. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down the most valuable…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastGen Z: The Pragmatic Generation Redefining Homeownership
Gen Z now owns homes at higher rates than millennials or Gen X did at the same age—despite facing the most expensive housing market in U.S. history. Tim Lucas…
Mortgage Research Network PodcastCities Will Pay You to Move There - Enough for a Down Payment
Some U.S. cities are so eager for new residents that they’re offering $10,000–$35,000 in cash, in some cases enough for a 20% down payment. Tim Lucas and Craig…