Mortgage Advice for 2026

In today’s episode, I’m sitting down with someone who’s played a massive role in my career — mentor, leader, investor, and friend, Louie Wickett. Louie has spent over a decade helping families buy homes while also running a growing investment company AND raising a family.We break down what buyers should actually be thinking about heading into 2026: budgeting, variable income, cash-to-close, equity strategy, debt payoff, timing the market (and why you really can’t), and the mindset shift today’s market requires.Whether you’re a first-time buyer, move-up buyer, or a realtor wanting sharper tools to guide your clients — this episode is filled with real, practical, no-nonsense guidance for the year ahead.Louie Wickett — welcome to Educating Homebuyers.CHAPTERS:00:00 – Intro01:10 – How Louie entered mortgage lending04:00 – Learning the business the hard way at Wells Fargo06:30 – What makes Key Mortgage Group different09:45 – Why accurate pre-approvals matter in 202612:15 – Understanding variable income (and common surprises)15:50 – The preliminary income review and why it’s a game changer17:30 – Balancing two businesses + family life19:40 – How fatherhood changed Louie’s perspective23:10 – Advice for first-time buyers in 202625:40 – Budgeting, comfort levels, and lifestyle planning27:00 – Cash-to-close explained simply29:30 – Loan Estimate videos: why they matter31:20 – Should you wait or buy now?33:00 – Leveraging equity to eliminate debt35:20 – The hidden danger of easy consumer credit37:50 – Protecting your future refinance options40:20 – Why timing the market doesn’t work42:30 – Closing thoughts + gratitude