MortgageStrong Insights by FirstTrust Home Loans

The May edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about advocacy, why it matters, and how the work happening behind the scenes can make a real difference for homebuyers, homeowners, and the communities FirstTrust serves. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with CFO Erika Martens for a practical conversation coming off Mortgage Action Alliance Action Week.Glenn and Erika talk through what mortgage advocacy really means in everyday terms, from helping lawmakers understand the ground-level impact of new rules to protecting consumers from confusion, cost, and unnecessary friction. They also break down recent advocacy wins like trigger leads, along with bigger topics still shaping the market, including credit scoring, affordability, insurance costs, housing supply, and access to credit.They also discuss why advocacy is not about cutting corners or avoiding oversight, but about doing things the right way, sharing real stories, and making sure the mortgage industry continues to serve customers and communities well.

The April edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about community, leadership, and the growth happening right here at home. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Cain Nattin, Mayor of Sheridan, Arkansas, for a conversation about what it takes to lead a small town through change while keeping the heart of the community intact.Coming off a busy election season and a major move into FirstTrust’s new building, Glenn and Mayor Nattin talk through how business, schools, infrastructure, and relationships all tie together in a growing community. From street improvements and water challenges to grant funding, parks and recreation, and responsible growth, this episode gives a real look at the decisions shaping Sheridan’s future.They also discuss the importance of staying unified as a community, supporting public servants, and making sure growth happens the right way without losing what makes Sheridan special.

The February edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast is all about the finish line and the team that makes it happen. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with the heart of the operation, our Closing Department. You’ll hear from Charity Carroll, Lindsey “Terry”, and Josclynn Allen as they walk through what a real day in closing looks like. From getting wires out the door early, to staying ahead with seven day CDs, to keeping loans moving when timelines shift fast, this episode gives a real look at the work that protects the borrower experience and keeps transactions on track.They also break down why our hybrid e sign process is such a better experience for borrowers and title partners, how trust and consistency with loan officers and title companies keeps everything smooth, and why teamwork in closing matters even more in 2026.#MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #Closings #HybridClosing #ESign #CustomerExperience #MortgageProcess #TitlePartners #TeamFirstTrust

January is here and so is the Mortgage Strong Podcast. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by his ride-or-die executive team — President Ben Paul, CFO Erika Martens, and COO Michelle Rocha — to recap a record-setting 2025 and talk about what’s ahead. The team shares big wins across the company, including FirstTrust Home Loans ranking #2 overall in Arkansas mortgage production, year-over-year company growth, and what it takes to keep building as an independent lender. Ben brings the numbers — including more than 3,200 homes closed. Erika dives into the behind-the-scenes work that makes Construction-to-Perm possible and the advocacy work that protects borrowers. And Michelle highlights the operational shifts and teamwork that helped keep turn times strong, averaging just over 21.8 days. They close with a forward-looking take on 2026: building momentum the right way, using AI to smooth workflows without losing the human touch, and a practical rate outlook heading into spring.

Fall keeps moving and so does the Mortgage Strong Podcast. FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Processing Manager Heather Griffin and Underwriting Manager Sam Deen for a behind the scenes conversation about how processing and underwriting work together to get loans to the finish line.Nearing the end of another record year in a less than perfect market, Glenn, Heather and Sam walk through what a “normal” day really looks like in processing and underwriting (spoiler alert, there is no such thing). They talk about why FirstTrust sticks with consistent teams and how open door communication with sales keeps things moving when the calendar and the pipeline are both packed. They also share how trust, flexibility and a strong culture have shaped their careers and the way their teams work together today.As this episode drops just after Thanksgiving, Glenn, Heather and Sam wrap up by sharing what they are most grateful for this year at home, inside the FirstTrust family and in the work they get to do helping borrowers into better financial situations and homes of their own.#MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MortgageOps #Processing #Underwriting #Thankful

This month, FirstTrust CEO Glenn Strong sits down with two special guests for a timely Halloween episode — our very own Madi Strom, who’s just starting her journey toward homeownership, and her loan officer Hunter Strong. Together, they unpack what can feel like a “scary” process for first-time buyers and prove that, with the right guidance, there’s nothing frightening about financing your first home.From common fears around credit, work history, and rejection, to understanding pre-approvals, payments, and choosing the right loan type, Glenn and Hunter break down how education and trust turn uncertainty into confidence. Madi shares her firsthand perspective of beginning the homebuying process, while Hunter explains how he approaches every new borrower — not as a sale, but as a partnership built on honest advice and financial understanding.This episode is a great listen for first-time buyers, realtors, and even seasoned homeowners who want to hear what today’s market feels like from the front lines. Tune in for a conversation that reminds us all: the only thing to fear in the mortgage world… is not getting started. #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #FirstTimeBuyer #MortgageEducation #HomeBuyingJourney #MortgageTips #HomeOwnership

The Mortgage Strong Podcast is back after a short summer break! FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by company President Ben Paul for the September edition, where they tackle the recent Fed rate cut and what it really means for mortgage rates. Glenn shares insight from day-to-day conversations with loan officers and customers, while Ben brings his data-driven perspective on where rates are headed.Together they break down when refinancing makes sense, why a small drop in rates isn’t always a win, and why Q4 2025 could be a great time for buyers to make their move. They also talk through how to run the numbers, think long-term, and keep perspective in a market still full of noise. And while AI tools are becoming more common, the reminder is clear: nothing replaces real human advice when it comes to life’s biggest financial decisions.#MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MarketUpdate #BackwardsMath #HomeBuying #RealTalk

Summer keeps rolling, and so does the Mortgage Strong Podcast! FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by the powerhouse team behind FirstTrust operations: COO Michelle Rocha, Underwriting Manager Sam Deen, Appraisal Desk Manager Renae Austin, and Processing Manager Lisa Rhoden.Fresh off our annual OPS Rally, this episode dives into the heart of how our teams work together—building better communication, connecting across departments, and finding ways to customize our approach to every challenge. From DiSC personality insights to rally-day laughs, Glenn and the team share why culture and communication matter more than ever in mortgage today.Tune in to hear how the “unsung heroes” of FirstTrust keep things moving behind the scenes and why these lessons carry through every loan, every day!#MortgageStrong #DiSC #SmartMoves #CommunicationMatters #LeadershipInAction #TeamFirstTrust #BehindTheScenes

Summer is here, and so is the June edition of the Mortgage Strong Podcast! FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong is joined by company President Ben Paul for a data-driven, real-talk conversation about what’s happening right now in the homebuying space.From market momentum to buyer psychology, this episode unpacks how today’s environment is quietly creating opportunity—if you know what to watch for. From affordability and equity to buyer timing, Glenn and Ben break down why some clients may want to act before rates move… not after. And for those staying put? There’s still plenty to explore, including smart ways to access home equity without touching your first mortgage.Tune in to hear more about FirstTrust’s new HELOC and Bridge Loan programs—crafted to meet real needs in a market that’s anything but average. Fast, digital, and built for flexibility, these new tools are reshaping how we serve.Whether you’re a buyer, seller, loan officer, or partner in the field, this episode is about taking stock, making smart moves, and staying Mortgage Strong.#MortgageStrong#FirstTrustHomeLoans #HELOC #HomeEquity #MarketUpdate #RealEstateMarket #HomeBuying

This month, FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with CFO Erika Martens for a powerful conversation about the impact of mortgage advocacy — and why it matters more than ever.Erika shares how her journey started with local involvement and grew into a deeper mission, leading her to serve as Oklahoma’s advocacy chair and state captain for the Mortgage Action Alliance. She explains how housing policy shapes lives, how small efforts create real change, and why this work is ultimately about strengthening families and communities.As Erika sums it up best, quoting HUD’s Scott Turner: “Homes build families, and families build communities.”This episode is full of heart, clarity, and purpose — and a powerful reminder that anyone can make a difference.#MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MortgageAdvocacy #MortgageActionAlliance #MAAActionWeek #MBAAdvocacy

This month, we’re coming to you from the FirstTrust 2025 Sales Rally, where FirstTrust Home Loans CEO Glenn Strong sits down with keynote speaker Steve Scanlon, founder and CEO of Rewire, for an incredible conversation about building the right mindset in today’s market.Steve shares how mastering your mindset — not just your skillset — creates lasting success in mortgage and beyond. They explore lessons from the Masters, overcoming stress, breaking bad habits, and leading others with a servant’s heart.You won’t want to miss this honest conversation packed with real-world strategies and inspiration!#MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MindsetMatters

Tune in to this month’s episode of the Mortgage Strong Podcast as CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Peggy Tillman from Into the Light Foundation. She shares the powerful mission behind their work, helping children affected by sex trafficking right here in Arkansas. We’re honored to support Into the Light as this quarter’s recipient of our FirstTrust for Kids initiative. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about hope, action, and making a difference! #FirstTrustHomeLoans #FirstTrustforKids #MortgageStrong #IntotheLight

Join Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans, as he sits down with Robert Fightmaster, Vice President of Sales, to discuss their key takeaways from the IMB Conference in Austin, TX. Gain insights into why they attend, the valuable benefits of the conference, and the latest industry trends they discovered.Don’t miss this engaging conversation—listen now! #MortgageStrong #FirstTrustHomeLoans #IMBConference

Tune in to this month’s episode of the Mortgage Strong podcast, where CEO Glenn Strong sits down with Payton White, Branch Manager at FirstTrust Home Loans in Cabot, AR. Gain valuable insights as Payton shares his strategies for team leadership, business growth, and exceeding performance goals. Learn how he has successfully mentored new loan officers, equipping them with the skills to excel in the mortgage industry. Don’t miss this engaging discussion on leadership, development, and long-term success.

Check out this month’s episode of the Mortgage Strong Podcast, where Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans, shares a heartfelt message of gratitude. Glenn reflects on what he’s thankful for personally and within the FirstTrust family. It’s a message that resonates with the season and celebrates the values we hold dear. #Thankful #FirstTrust #MortgageStrong

This month, the Mortgage Strong podcast delivers an essential discussion on interest rates in an election year. Join Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans, along with Ben Paul, President, and Sierra Niederhauser, Director of Secondary Marketing, as they dive deep into how this year’s rates stack up against past election years. They’ll reveal how the upcoming election could shape future rates and share their expert predictions on when we might see the next rate drop!Don’t miss this power-packed episode, filled with valuable insights for anyone navigating today’s mortgage market. #MortgageStrong #InterestRates #ElectionYear #FTHL #Podcast

In Season 2, Episode 9 of the Mortgage Strong Podcast, Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans, welcomes Loan Officers Drake Widner, William Hancock, and Hunter Strong. These former athletes and coach share their unique journeys from the sports field to the mortgage industry, highlighting the skills and lessons learned along the way. Don't miss this engaging discussion! #MortgagePodcast #SportsToSuccess #FirstTrustHomeLoans #MortgageStrong

Join us as we remember and honor the heroes of 9/11 with a special guest Dale Brunk, Executive Financial Advisor at Landmark Financial. Listen in as Dale shares his personal story from September 11th, 2001, and gain valuable insights into the world of finance. Don't miss out on this special episode - Listen Now!#NeverForget911 #MortgageMadeEasy #FirstTrustHomeLoans #Podcast #MortgageStrongSecurities offered through Avantax Investment Services, Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services. Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency.

Season 2 Episode 7 of the "Mortgage Strong" Podcast is out now! Listen in to hear from FirstTrust's Executive team: Glenn Strong, CEO; Ben Paul, President; Ericka Martens, CFO; and Michelle Rocha, COO. In this episode the Executive team talks about their roles on a daily basis, how the first half of 2024 has shaped out, and their goals for the end of the year. #Podcast #MortgageStrong #MortgageMadeEasy #FirstTrustHomeLoans

Season 2 Episode 6 of the “Mortgage Strong Podcast,” FirstTrust CEO, Glenn Strong sits down with Merri Thompson, Realtor, Broker/Owner of Southern Homes Realty and Ashley Allen, Broker/Owner at Southern Realty Group to discuss what NAR does for them and their teams of realtors and the lawsuit NAR just settled.

Season 2 Episode 5 of the "Mortgage Strong" Podcast is out now!CEO, Glenn Strong sits down with some of FirstTrust Home Loans Top Producing Loan Officers, Lauren Johnson, Craig Sanders, Drake Widener, and Hunter Strong to give insight about their different strategies and how they achieve success in the current market.Click the link below to listen to this episode:#Podcast #MortgageStrong #MortgageMadeEasy #FirstTrustHomeLoans

CEO, Glenn Strong sits down with the three Regional Managers of FirstTrust Home Loans to discuss what their days look like, how the markets they serve are performing, and what is the key behind the success we've been seeing over the last few months to drive a positive trend when it comes to closing loans providing great customer service.

CEO Glenn Strong sits down with two insurance agents to discuss the current market conditions and why rates have increased, and what this means for consumers. Cody Shankles from Shelter Insurance and Leslie Richardson from The Richardson Agency share some tips and insight to their industry and discuss why it is important to choose an agent you can trust!

Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans sits down with our VP of Product Management, Lindsay Barbera, to discuss her key role here at FirstTrust Home Loans. Lindsay oversees our Non-QM division and is an asset when it comes to innovation and ways to implement new products to help meet our customers different needs. We hope you enjoy and learn something new about all the ways we are helping customers here at FTHL.

Join Glenn Strong, CEO and the executive team - Ben Paul - President, Michelle Rocha, COO and Erika Martens, CFO as they recap the wins for the year and what Christmas means to them.

The real boss is on this weeks episode. CEO Glenn Strong sit down with his wife of 27 years Lee Ann and they talk all things family, busisiness, growth and stepping into their favorite job yet, GRANDPARENTS.

CEO Glenn Strong sits down with local appraiser Daniel Paty to talk all things appraisal related to help you all better understand this important part of the home loan process!

Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans sits down with his good friend David Workman, CEO of Roof Connect and they talk all things on cultivating positve work culture and how personal values play into this. You don't want to miss this episode!

Join us for episode 7 where Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans sits down and gives a solid mid-year update on the FirstTrust family and the mortgage industry.

CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans sits down with Cain Nattin, Mayor of Sheridan, AR to discuss local politics, the business side of local government, community involvement and how Cain's first six 7 months in office have gone.

Glenn Strong, CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans gathers up some of our top LO's and talks all things mortgage, work-life balance, and why FTHL is a great place to call your work home.

Sit down with Glenn and Dale Vermillion of Mortgage Champions and enjoy 25 awesome minutes of market update, tips, and advice for navigating the unknown and getting back to the basics. Enjoy!

Our C-Suite at FTHL is made up of diverse and unique men and women with a common interest: helping our customers who are more like family get into the home of their dreams. These individuals lead us so well at FirstTrust and we were excited to get them together to talk all things FTHL.

Sit down with CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans Glenn Strong and Director of Marketing Camden Howard to talk about FirstTrust's quarterly giving campaign "FirstTrust for Kids".

Sit down with CEO of FirstTrust Home Loans, Glenn Strong and Marketing Director Camden Howard and shoot the breeze.