More Than Mortgage

Mortgage rates improved slightly this week, with the 30-year fixed averaging 6.07% — and the Fed meeting brought… absolutely nothing. 👀In this episode of Take Ten, Corey and Lisa break down:• Why the Fed “doing nothing” is actually good • Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as next Fed Chair • Why the bond market really controls mortgage rates • Why independent mortgage banks now originate 84% of loans • Hybrid eClosings that save your clients time • What happens AFTER closing (this is the part no one else is doing)If you're a Realtor who wants to sound smarter in the room and add real value to your clients — this is your 10-minute cheat sheet.📲 We work nights and weekends. 🏡 We believe your mortgage should be a long-term strategy, not just a transaction.

Mortgage rates dipped below 6% for one day… and now they’re back over 6%.So what’s actually happening?In this episode of Take Ten, Corey and Lisa break down:• Why rates briefly fell below 6% • Why paying points is suddenly a strong strategy • Builder incentives that are creating “slick” deals • The proposed 401(k) down payment rule change • Should you tap retirement savings to buy a home? • What CrossMod homes are (and why they’re a powerful affordability solution) • A little-known FHA rule about wells and public water that can kill a deal • How listing agents can avoid financing surprisesIf you’re a Realtor, buyer, investor, or homeowner trying to understand today’s mortgage market, this episode gives you real strategy, not headlines.We explain what matters, what doesn’t, and how to structure deals creatively in this 6% rate environment.📊 Data source: Optimal Blue Mortgage Market Index 🏡 Topics: mortgage rates 2026, paying discount points, 401k for down payment, CrossMod homes, FHA appraisal rules, well water requirements, builder incentivesReal conversations. Real strategy. Ten minutes.

Recently, the Trump administration instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to invest $200 billion into mortgage-backed securities... and the internet exploded.Did rates crash? Is this the beginning of 5% mortgages again? Or is the headline bigger than the impact?In this episode of Take Ten, Corey and Lisa break down:• What the $200B mortgage bond investment really means • Why rates didn’t drop as much as social media claimed • Where economists expect mortgage rates to trend in 2026 • Why rate stabilization matters more than dramatic drops • The truth behind the “foreclosures up 14%” headlines • A powerful cash-out refinance strategy saving clients $300–$2,000 per month • When to use a HELOC vs. a cash-out refinanceIf you’re a Realtor, homeowner, investor, or buyer waiting on rates to “crash,” this episode gives you the clarity you actually need.We cut through headlines and explain what’s really happening in the mortgage market — in under 10 minutes.📍 Hosted by The Mortgage Gallery 📊 Real data. Clear strategy. No doom scrolling.

Rates are drifting down again, conforming loan limits are officially updated, and the industry is watching the December 10 Fed meeting. Corey and Lisa break down everything in 10 minutes so you can stay informed without digging through market reports.You’ll learn how the new limits change buying power, how jumbo loans differ, why appreciation makes assumptions challenging, and why portable mortgages aren’t realistic at scale. Plus, details for the December 11 business-planning class at Ancient Lore Village.

This week’s Take Ten comes with a turkey costume and a major shift in the mortgage market. Mortgage rates dipped again, now averaging 6.18 percent, and the odds of a December rate cut jumped from under 40 percent to more than 80 percent after a single comment from New York Fed President John Williams.Corey and Lisa break down what changed, why the markets reacted so quickly, and what this means for buyers and sellers heading into December.They also share details about the Mortgage Gallery’s upcoming Quest for Success business-planning experience at Ancient Lore Village on December 11, featuring two powerhouse speakers and practical tools Realtors can use to set up a strong 2026.Perfect for Realtors, lenders, and anyone who wants a fast, friendly, and no-nonsense weekly snapshot of the mortgage world.

In this episode of Take Ten, Corey Freels and Lisa Wiles from The Mortgage Gallery break down the latest market data and give Realtors the insights they need to win one more deal as we head into the holidays.We cover: • Why the December Fed meeting is unlikely to bring a rate cut • How to use the CME FedWatch Tool to sound like a market expert • Why mortgage rates ticked slightly higher this week • The truth about USDA delays and alternative 100 percent financing options • Why buyers are quietly popping up in December • Real stories from the field: — How a bank-statement loan boosted income from $3,800 to $27,500/month — An eight-day FHA close with a holiday in the middle • What Realtors should do right now to get listings in front of buyers who don’t even know they’re looking • The Half-Point Kickoff extension and how it helps buyers start with a a rate .5% lower for their first yearWhether your buyers are waiting on rates, confused by the headlines, or unsure about their options, this episode arms you with clear talking points and real solutions to keep deals moving.👉 We work weekends, nights, eight days a week. Send us your people. We’ll take care of [email protected]

This week on Take Ten, Corey Freels and Lisa Wiles break down everything shaping the mortgage world right now in a fast, Realtor-friendly 10-minute update.Here’s what they cover:• Rates holding around 6.18% and why lenders are feeling the squeeze • What the government shutdown actually means for mortgage data • USDA fully stalled. Why files can’t even be uploaded yet and what that backlog will look like • Real 100% financing alternatives you can promote on your listings • The viral 50-year mortgage conversation and why the math just doesn’t math • When interest-only loans actually help clients (and when they don’t) • How other countries structure mortgages (yes, including that 100-year loan story) • Business planning for 2026: work life balance, consistent income, and scaling without chaosIf you want straight answers, tactical tips, and real talk without the fluff, you’re in the right place. Email us at [email protected] call us at 865-263-6727

The Fed finally cut rates, but mortgage rates went up?! In this week’s Take 10, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels from The Mortgage Gallery unpack why that happened, what it really means for buyers and Realtors, and how to turn this tricky market into an opportunity.Here’s what you’ll learn: - Why mortgage rates don’t always follow Fed rate cuts - How to help buyers purchase before they sell with Fairway’s Bridge Loan - The genius pairing of Bridge Loans + Recasting for lower payments - How to plan now in Q4 to crush your 2026 goals - Fresh perspective on keeping your cup full, and your pipeline flowingIt’s 10 minutes of clarity, creativity, and real-world tips you can use right now.www.TheMortgageGallery.com865-263-6727AfterHours@TheMortgageGallery.com#MortgageRates #FedRateCut #RealEstatePodcast #Take10Podcast #MortgageGallery #BridgeLoan #Recast #MortgageTips #RealtorEducation #MarketUpdate #LoanOfficerLife #HomeLoans #BusinessPlanning #MortgagePodcast #HousingMarket

Mortgage rates are sitting near their lowest point in two years — and that means big opportunities for buyers and Realtors alike.In this week’s Take 10, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels from The Mortgage Gallery cover: ✅ Why the 20-year fixed loan is a hidden savings powerhouse ✅ How to use seller credits to buy down rates instead of lowering price ✅ What the latest MBA forecast means for long-term rate trends ✅ How the government shutdown is impacting USDA loans ✅ New 2026 conforming loan limits — and what they mean for buyers ✅ A few fun updates from our team, including Becca’s panel and Fall FestQuick, real, and Realtor-focused — your 10-minute edge in today’s market.#MortgageTips #RealEstatePodcast #Take10Podcast #MortgageGallery #HousingMarketUpdate #RealtorTools #MortgageRates #HomeLoans #LoanOfficerLife #MarketUpdate #RealEstateEducation #MortgageBuydown

Mortgage rates are near their lowest point of the year — but that’s not the only good news. In this episode of Take 10 from The Mortgage Gallery, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels break down what Realtors need to know right now:How the ongoing government shutdown is impacting rates and USDA loans Creative ways to save deals that fall apart after home inspections Why renovation financing is a hidden opportunity for agents Real-life stories of loans other lenders turned down (and how our team got them closed!) The power of our .5% lender-paid rate buydown and 20-year fixed optionsIf you’re a Realtor looking for fresh ideas to help clients close, even in a tricky market, this is your ten-minute edge.

Mortgage rates are climbing again, even after the Fed’s recent rate cut, and it’s leaving a lot of people confused. In this episode of Take Ten, we give you both the why behind rising rates and the how to keep winning in this market. Here’s what you’ll learn:Why mortgage rates spiked even after a Fed rate cut Creative strategies like Lock & List and Payment Abatement to help sellers move inventory and buyers feel confident Practical tips to keep your business thriving even with rising rates Want insider more insider updates like this? Join our private Facebook group here: facebook.com/share/g/1JJGxYRLcB/

The headlines say “rates dropped”, but is that what really happened? In this episode of Take 10, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels break down the Fed’s September rate cut, what it means (and doesn’t mean) for mortgage rates, and why your clients may be hearing a different story in the news.You’ll learn:The difference between the Fed funds rate and mortgage rates (and why they don’t move the same way)How markets priced in rate cuts before the Fed announcementWhy mortgage rates actually ticked up after the cutThe opportunity Realtors have right now with the highest housing inventory since 2019How to use this knowledge to confidently guide buyers and sellersIf you’ve been waiting for the right time to get clients off the fence, this is it. Stay sharp, stay informed, and stay one step ahead.

We’re back, and this episode is packed! Corey Freels and Lisa Wiles break down what’s happening with rates this fall, why the Fed doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, and how the bond market reacts before those Fed meetings. Plus, we dive into:How the Half Point Kickoff program can help your buyers save with a lender-paid 0.5% temporary buydownSmart VA loan tips and tricks you may not know aboutThe Fan-e Shaker as our newest closing giftReal stories of how reverse mortgages are helping families stay in their homes or move closer to loved onesIf you’re a Realtor in the Nashville area, don’t miss our upcoming Silver & Sold 2-hour CE class at Pinewood Social on Wednesday, September 10th. This class is designed to equip you with tools and knowledge to better serve clients 62+ in today’s market.Reserve your spot here: Silver & Sold Event Registration

We’re back—and we’ve got big news.Lisa and Corey break down what’s really happening in the housing market (spoiler: Knoxville isn’t following the national trend), what Realtors need to know about inventory and appraisals, and why home prices likely aren’t going down anytime soon.PLUS: We’re officially rolling out dynamic pre-approval letters—customizable, branded, and built for speed. And yes… it’s time to meet The Mortgage Gallery. We’re still your favorite humans, just with a fresh look and a bold new brand.Get the market update, the marketing scoop, and the story behind our rebrand—all in ten minutes flat.

In this episode of Take Ten, Lisa and Corey break down the wild swings in mortgage rates—what caused them, what it means for buyers and agents, and how to navigate the chaos without losing your mind (or your deal). From unexpected tariffs to sneaky inflation pressure, we’ll unpack the real reasons behind the rate rollercoaster and share smart strategies to stay ahead in a volatile market. Bonus: hear which loan types are still holding strong and how to keep your clients confident.Whether you're a Realtor, buyer, or just rate-curious—this is a must-listen.

In this episode, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels dive into the latest executive orders and how they could potentially affect the housing market and what they mean for your business. From tackling housing affordability and supply issues to immigration policies and potential tariffs, we break down the real impact on the market and what to watch for in the coming months. Plus, we share a clever financing strategy that could help you (or your clients) secure an investment property with lower interest rates and reduced upfront costs.Tune in to learn how to stay ahead of market shifts and close "one more deal" with smart, strategic moves!

In this week’s episode of Take 10, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels from the LTW Group dive into the ever-changing mortgage market, breaking down how a volatile jobs report and inflation data are impacting interest rates. They share actionable advice for navigating rate fluctuations, including when to lock your rate and why floating might be risky.Lisa and Corey also tackle how upcoming changes to credit scoring rules for medical bills can help your buyers qualify, plus tips for using soft credit pulls and rapid rescoring to boost credit scores. Realtors, don’t miss the essential checklist for navigating condo financing challenges—because selling condos doesn’t have to be a headache! Realtors, bookmark this handy resource for your next condo deal: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm.Stay tuned for industry insights, actionable strategies to close more deals, and a little humor and social media fun from the LTW Group team. This episode is packed with the updates and tips you need to stay ahead!

Kick off the new year with us on Take Ten! In this first episode of 2025, we dive into mortgage rate predictions for the year ahead and strategies to save and close deals in a challenging market. From navigating rising rates to tackling unique borrower scenarios, we share actionable insights to keep your deals on track.Hear how we’ve saved deals for self-employed borrowers, travel nurses, and even condos caught in credit union delays. Plus, learn about creative financing options like bank statement loans and DSR loans that help developers and builders thrive in this evolving market.Start the year strong with savvy strategies to save or make your next deal a success!

Tired of seeing market challenges as roadblocks? What if they were golden opportunities instead? In this episode of More Than Mortgage, Lisa Wiles and Corey Freels cut through the noise, sharing why waiting for rates to drop could cost buyers more than they realize. With predictions showing mortgage rates staying above 6% into 2025, it’s time to get creative.Discover how intentional planning, rediscovering client needs, and leveraging local appreciation can transform challenges into success stories. Plus, get inspired by highlights from our dynamic life-first planning event, designed to help you put yourself first and achieve intentional growth. From actionable strategies to fresh perspectives, this episode will empower you to seize the moment, lead with truth, and turn adversity into advantage. Don’t wait—listen now!

Are you ready to make 2025 your most successful year yet? In this episode of More Than Mortgage, we break down the latest mortgage rate trends, debunk the myths around forecasts, and share actionable strategies to help you build a market-proof plan. Discover how to align your goals with purpose, pick your guiding "one word," and implement habits that lead to sustainable growth. Whether you're navigating rate whiplash or aiming for a life of balance and success, this episode is your ultimate guide to thriving in 2025!