Co-signing is becoming a lifeline for many millennials and Gen Z buyers—but it’s also surrounded by myths and hesitation. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how co-signing actually works, what it does (and doesn’t) do to credit, and how families can structure it safely.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• What co-signing really is: Only the mortgage account appears on the co-signer’s credit—everything else stays separate.
• DTI myth-busting: After 12 months of on-time payments from the buyer’s account, the mortgage may no longer count against the co-signer’s DTI.
• Ownership clarity: Title = ownership. A co-signer isn’t an owner unless added to the title—big difference from co-borrowing.
• Protecting relationships: Why successful arrangements use monthly check-ins, shared access to loan info, and a 3-month emergency fund.
• Exit strategies: Co-signers can be removed later through refinancing once the buyer’s finances improve.
• The upside: When structured well, co-signing can help young buyers build generational wealth instead of paying rent.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/co-signer-to-buy-first-home/

A new University of Toronto study reveals a staggering statistic: 13 million fewer U.S. births over the last 30 years are tied directly to rising housing costs. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how affordability challenges are reshaping family decisions—and America’s demographic future.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The core finding: Housing costs explain over half of the decline in U.S. fertility from 1990–2020.
• The affordability squeeze: Rents rose 149%, far outpacing overall inflation at 103%.
• Family planning impact: High housing costs especially deter larger families, turning 3-child plans into 1 or 2.
• National consequences: With fertility at 1.6, below the 2.1 replacement rate, the U.S. faces long-term workforce and economic challenges.
• Why supply matters: America is short 4.7 million homes, pushing families toward delayed (or forgone) parenthood.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/high-housing-costs-linked-to-13-million-fewer-babies-us/

More than half of U.S. homes saw a dip in value this year—but only 4% have actually fallen below their original purchase price. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down why scary headlines don’t reflect the real story and why the housing market remains far more stable than it sounds.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The distinction: 53% of homes declined year-over-year, but just 4% lost value since purchase—mostly paper losses.
• Where it’s happening: Localized soft spots—Little Rock (20%), Austin (12%), parts of Florida (~11%), and a few others.
• Why it’s not 2008: No foreclosure wave, no underwater crisis—only 3.4% of new listings are priced below their last sale price.
• Equity remains strong: Americans hold $36 trillion in home equity, giving owners huge cushions against small market dips.
• What it means: Long-term owners are largely unaffected, recent buyers still hold equity, and small corrections may create buyer opportunities.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/half-of-homes-lost-value-over-the-past-year/

Credit scores have long acted as gatekeepers to homeownership—but Fannie Mae is rethinking that approach. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down why the agency is scrapping its 620 minimum credit score, what it really means for borrowers, and how it could open the door to more responsible buyers.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The change: As of November 16, 2025, Fannie Mae removes its hard 620 minimum, following Freddie Mac’s earlier move.
• The why: The old system excluded “thin file” borrowers—young adults, immigrants, and debt-free consumers with little credit history.
• The new approach: Fannie Mae’s Desktop Underwriter AI now evaluates a borrower’s entire financial picture, from rent and utility payments to savings and income consistency.
• The impact: This shift helps responsible borrowers who were unfairly penalized, while maintaining strong underwriting standards.
• The bigger picture: It’s not about lowering the bar—it’s about measuring the right things to make homeownership more inclusive and data-driven.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/fannie-mae-joins-freddie-mac-in-scrapping-the-620-minimum-credit-score/

What if you could buy a home and keep the seller’s 2.65% mortgage rate? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore the government’s new proposals for assumable and portable mortgages—and why they might sound simpler than they are.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The big idea: Buyers could assume or “port” a seller’s low-rate loan instead of starting a new one.
• The math: A 2.65% rate vs. today’s 6.3% could save $600+ per month on a $300K loan.
• The catch: Most sellers have already paid down their loans, leaving buyers to finance the rest at today’s higher rates.
• Why it’s rare: FHA, VA, and USDA loans are already assumable, but few buyers have the cash—or lender approval—to make it work.
• Portable mortgage concept: Borrowers could take their loan with them when they move, but U.S. lenders are likely to resist due to lost profits.
• The real fix: Experts argue the true solution isn’t new loan types—it’s building more affordable homes.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/government-proposes-assumable-portable-mortgages/

A 50-year mortgage might sound extreme—but it’s being floated as the next big housing solution. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack what this proposal could mean for affordability, interest costs, and the long-term future of American homeownership.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The pitch: A 50-year mortgage could cut payments by about $240/month on a $350K loan, making housing more accessible to younger buyers.
• The trade-off: You’d pay roughly $833K in interest over 50 years—nearly double what a 30-year mortgage costs.
• Why now: With rates near 6–7%, buyers are desperate for relief—Google searches for “help with mortgage” just hit their highest point since 2009.
• Market ripple: Easier payments could increase demand and drive prices higher, especially with housing supply still constrained.
• The bigger issue: Experts argue affordability won’t be solved by loan terms—it’ll take more housing supply and regulatory reform.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/50-year-mortgage-in-development/

Homes that once cost 3x household income now average 5x nationwide—and in places like San Jose, that ratio hits 12.5x. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how we got here, what it means for buyers, and why the gap between homeowners and renters keeps widening.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The affordability shift: A family earning $100K could once afford a $320K home—today, that same family needs $500K, pushing payments from $2,600 → $4,000.
• The wealth divide: U.S. homeowners now hold $36 trillion in equity, with 3 in 5 owners having $100K+ in tappable equity.
• Who’s left behind: Younger buyers face rising rates, high down payments, and delayed entry—average first-time buyer age now 40.
• Equity feedback loop: Wealthy owners tap home equity for investments, driving prices even higher.
• The broader impact: From shrinking affordability to delayed families and new migration patterns, housing costs are reshaping American life.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/home-prices-five-times-average-household-income/

The average first-time homebuyer is now 40 years old, and nearly 15 million young adults still live with their parents. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry dig into the data behind this generational housing shift and what it means for the future of wealth and independence in America.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The numbers: Only 2% of buyers are under 24, and just 10% are 25–34—down from 40% pre-2008.
• Living arrangements: Nearly half of 18–24-year-olds live with parents, and millions more with relatives or in dorms.
• Economic headwinds: Youth unemployment at 10.5%, two-thirds earning under 80% of local median income.
• Housing strain: Over 50% of young renters are cost-burdened—spending more than 30% of income on rent.
• Long-term consequences: Delayed homeownership means missed equity growth and widening wealth inequality.
• The bigger shift: A generation redefining adulthood amid housing costs, student debt, and stagnant wages.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/15-million-young-adults-living-with-parents/

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is leaving a $14 billion hole in the economy—and the housing market is taking the hit. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack how loan delays, frozen flood insurance, and stalled approvals are rippling through communities nationwide.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The immediate fallout: Home listings down 14% in D.C., 5% in Virginia Beach, and 2%+ in cities like Baltimore and Oklahoma City.
• Real-world impact: USDA loan buyers—often low- to moderate-income families—stuck in limbo with no one to finalize approvals.
• Flood insurance freeze: The National Flood Insurance Program is suspended—no new policies, lapsed renewals, and delayed claims.
• Economic toll: Between $7–14 billion in unrecoverable GDP and lasting damage to confidence in government-backed lending.
• The human side: Families burning through savings while homes—and dreams—sit just out of reach.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/government-shutdown-begins-to-bite-in-housing-market-says-national-association-of-realtors/

A landmark 2024 court ruling changed how real estate agents get paid—and buyers are asking if they still need one. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore the rise of DIY homebuying advice on Reddit, what buyers risk by going solo, and why agents may still be worth every penny.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The new reality: Buyers may now pay their agent directly (2–3%), though many sellers still cover commissions in practice.
• The Reddit verdict: DIY buyers often stumble—some lose deals simply for not knowing proper offer procedures.
• Why representation matters: Buyer’s agents handle negotiations, inspections, repair requests, and closing coordination—not just showings.
• The hidden risk: Listing agents legally represent the seller, not the buyer, no matter how friendly they seem.
• Smart takeaway: Interview multiple agents and find one who fits your goals—the right agent can pay for themselves in negotiation wins.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/do-you-need-a-real-estate-agent-reddit/

Two major banking groups say lowering mortgage rates could be as easy as flipping a policy switch. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack a bold proposal that could nudge rates under 6%, how it works, and why it’s sparking debate in Washington.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The proposal: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would buy $300 billion in mortgage-backed securities when rates exceed 1.7% above 10-year Treasuries.
• The potential payoff: Could drop the average 30-year fixed rate from 6.19% → 5.89%, saving homeowners hundreds per month.
• The catch: More risk on Fannie and Freddie’s books—the same issue that led to their 2008 conservatorship.
• Why now: The Fed stopped buying MBS in 2022, leaving a gap in the market that’s kept rates elevated.
• The big question: Should the government step in to lower rates—or let the market correct itself naturally?

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/proposed-fannie-freddie-rule-change-could-push-mortgage-rates-below-6/

By 2060, nearly one in four Americans will be over 65—and that shift is already transforming the housing market. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore how seniors’ needs are redefining home design, policy, and community living across the country.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The scale of change: By 2035, the U.S. will have almost 12 million people over 85, many living in homes never designed for aging.
• The affordability crisis: 24-hour in-home care costs $290K per year, while average housing expenses eat up 35% of retirees’ income.
• Creative solutions: Shared housing among seniors has doubled in 20 years, with over 1 million older adults finding roommates or co-living options.
• ADUs & zoning battles: Backyard units could help—but local resistance (NIMBYism) still slows progress.
• The emotional factor: Isolation can be as harmful as smoking; shared housing and multigenerational setups offer powerful social benefits.
• The road ahead: Expect policy reform, flexible housing designs, and community-based solutions that work for all ages.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/seniors-housing-needs-evolving/

The Fed cut rates—and mortgage rates still spiked. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack how a routine announcement turned into a market whiplash, why Powell’s press conference rattled investors, and what borrowers should watch heading into December.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The twist: A quarter-point cut brought mortgage rates from 6.13% → 6.27%, reversing weeks of progress.
• What Powell said: December cuts are “far from a sure thing,” ending Treasury QT but continuing MBS runoff—spooking markets.
• Labor puzzle: The Fed blames shrinking workforce participation and lower immigration, not weak demand.
• AI bubble talk: Powell dismissed concerns, calling this tech cycle “different” from the dot-com era—markets weren’t convinced.
• What to watch next: Powell’s December language, the proposed 157% China tariff, and how the government shutdown leaves the Fed “flying blind.”

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/current-rates/mortgage-rates-today-oct-29-2025/

House flipping profits just hit their lowest level since 2008, with margins down to 25%. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry dig into how tariffs, labor shortages, and rising material costs are reshaping the renovation industry—and what it means for home affordability.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The new reality: Median flip purchase prices at $259,700, but rising tariffs and competition are cutting into returns.
• Tariff trouble: Cabinet tariffs jumping from 25% to 50%, and Canadian lumber from 14.5% to 34.5%, driving costs up for every remodel.
• Labor crunch: Up to 1.5 million construction workers could be lost to deportations, hitting states like California, Texas, and Florida hardest.
• Who survives: Small, hands-on flippers may weather the storm better than large-scale investors reliant on contractors.
• The road ahead: Expect innovation—prefab, modular builds, even 3D printing—as the industry adapts to higher costs and fewer workers.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/home-flipping-getting-tougher/

Gen Z is flipping the wealth-building script—600% more active in the stock market than nine years ago while homeownership rates hit historic lows. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore how this generation’s financial strategy could reshape both Wall Street and Main Street.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The numbers: 37% of 25-year-olds now have investment accounts (up from 6% in 2015), while Gen Z makes up just 3% of homebuyers.
• Why it’s happening: High housing costs, inflation, and changing economic realities push young investors toward stocks over real estate.
• The risk: Many Gen Z investors have never lived through a major crash—AI stocks may be echoing early-2000s dot-com bubble behavior.
• The opportunity: Some are using market gains as down-payment funds, turning investing into a shortcut to eventual homeownership.
• The big question: Is this a financial revolution—or a future cautionary tale?

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/gen-z-abandons-homeownership-for-stock-market/

With rent eating up 28% of the average American’s income, saving for a home can feel impossible—but renters are getting more creative than ever. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry share eight proven strategies for turning tight budgets into down payments.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The new down payment reality: The average first-time buyer puts down just 9%, with options as low as 3–3.5%—and even 0% for VA and USDA loans.
• Creative savings hacks: Negotiating rent discounts for maintenance, moving back home, or using roommates to cut housing costs.
• Smart money systems: High-yield savings accounts, dedicated side hustles, and structured plans for windfalls (70% to the house fund, 20% to savings, 10% for fun).
• Staying motivated: Break goals into milestones and reward progress—small wins build long-term momentum.
• Credit readiness: Lower debt, maintain on-time payments, and even extend leases to stabilize expenses while saving.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/save-for-a-home-while-renting-8-proven-methods/

Did you know 5% of all new mortgages go to borrowers over 70? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explain how seniors qualify for home loans, what legal protections ensure equal treatment, and how age is never a barrier when the numbers add up.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The law: The Equal Credit Opportunity Act bans age discrimination in lending—no one can be denied or discouraged because of age.
• How seniors qualify: Social Security, pensions, and retirement withdrawals all count as income, often without proving continuation.
• Special protections: Disability income can’t be questioned beyond official SSA letters, and tax-free income can be “grossed up” by 15–25% to boost qualifying power.
• What lenders check: The Ability to Repay rule still applies—your total payment typically must stay under 40–50% of verified income.
• Spotting discrimination: If you’re offered worse terms or discouraged from applying, those are red flags the CFPB takes seriously.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/getting-a-mortgage-at-any-age/

Even as U.S. homeowners hold $35 trillion in equity, some cities are seeing the opposite—rising debt and falling home values. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down where and why certain markets, particularly in Florida and Texas, are now struggling with underwater mortgages.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The hotspots: Cape Coral, FL leads with 8% of homes underwater, followed by Lakeland, FL, and major Texas cities like San Antonio and Austin around 4%.
• Why it’s happening: Skyrocketing insurance costs, rising property taxes, and HOA fees are eroding home values in high-risk markets.
• Who’s affected: Primarily recent buyers (2022–2024); those who bought before 2020 remain well-positioned.
• Why it’s not 2008 again: Only isolated markets are underwater—far from the nationwide 25% of homes seen during the Great Recession.
• The takeaway: Real estate is now hyper-local—buyers must analyze insurance, taxes, and economic conditions city by city.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/10-cities-underwater-mortgages-florida-texas/

Hoping to save a few bucks by waiting to lock your mortgage rate? That hesitation could cost you thousands. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down how rate locks really work, why timing them is so tricky, and what matters more than chasing the “perfect” rate.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The hidden risk: Waiting just one week for rates to drop can cost $5,000 or more in lost lender credits or higher pricing.
• How locks really work: You’re not locking one rate—you’re locking a menu of rate and credit options that shift daily.
• Perspective on small changes: The difference between 7.875% and 7.75% is only about $24 a month on a $300K loan.
• What to focus on instead: Compare Loan Estimates, negotiate repairs, and protect your total cost, not just the interest rate.
• Timing tip: You can refinance later—but you can’t re-buy the house. When the rate works for your budget, lock it and move forward.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/mortgage-rate-locks/

Homebuyers’ interest in energy efficiency has nearly doubled in one year—but not for the reasons you might think. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry unpack why rising utility costs, not climate concerns, are fueling this major shift in buyer priorities.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The data: Buyers citing energy efficiency jumped from 43% → 71%, while fewer than 25% mention the environment.
• The motivator: Inflation and high utility bills—not activism—are driving demand for insulated doors, efficient windows, and better HVAC systems.
• Solar’s comeback: Panel prices down 70% in a decade make payback periods as short as 5–7 years.
• The appraisal gap: 73% of agents say appraisers undervalue efficiency upgrades, slowing adoption.
• The bigger picture: Buyers now focus on total cost of living—energy + transportation—not just mortgage payments.

Read the full article:
https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/homebuyers-suddenly-care-about-energy-efficiency/