The Lender Soapbox

🧠💰 Even mortgage LENDERS get buyer nerves when buying a house. In this week’s episode, I sit down with fellow lender Jackie Hurtis @yourmortgagelender to talk about what it’s like to buy a home when you know the mortgage process inside and out — and still get stressed.We unpack:→ What surprised Jackie when she bought her latest home→ The emotional side of being on the other side of the table & how she can empathize with clients better→ Why a buyer’s agent can be your #1 resource → What to look for during your home inspection→ The impact of the buyer’s market we have todayIf you’re thinking about buying — or just want to hear two lenders pull back the curtain — this one’s a must-listen.🎧 Link in bio#MortgageTips #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #NashvilleRealEstate #HomeBuyingJourney #MortgagePodcast #RealEstateAdvice #LoanOfficerLife #BuySmart #MortgageMarketUpdate

🏚️💸 Flipping houses sounds glamorous… until the pipes burst and the budget explodes. In this episode, we sit down with Ilona Danilova, a Nashville realtor and investor who flips homes all over the city.We’re talking real behind-the-scenes of flipping:✅ The most overlooked (and expensive) parts of a remodel✅ The biggest house "red flags"✅ How to price out a renovation without getting burned✅ Where flippers find design inspiration that buyers ACTUALLY love✅ What HGTV doesn’t show you (but your wallet will feel)Whether you’re planning your first flip or just love the chaos from afar, this episode is full of real talk, hard lessons, and just enough renovation drama to make you second guess that “fixer-upper” listing you saved last night.🔨 Subscribe for more real estate market insights, renovation stories, and expert strategies from Nashville’s top players.👇 Drop your biggest reno fail or dream flip in the comments — we might feature it next episode.You can find everything Ilona is doing on her website - ilonadanilova.com INCLUDING her newest flip that is currently live on the MLS - 2706 Torbett St, Nashville, TN 37209#HouseFlipping #HomeRenovation #RealEstatePodcast #BeforeAndAfter #NashvilleRealEstate

In this episode of Lender Soapbox, I’m joined by fellow mortgage lender Jackie Hurtis for a deep dive into everything clients don’t know about the mortgage world—plus a look at how current events (like the new tariffs) are shaking up interest rates.We cover everything from common home loan myths to the unexpected ways the market actually works behind the scenes. You’ll hear:⏱️ Episode Highlights:📍 Mortgage myths debunked (no, you don’t need 20% down!)📍 What the new tariffs mean for mortgage rates📍 Buy a house TODAY with $4k📍 2-1 Buydowns and how clients are really using them Green flags and red flags we see in deals every week📍 Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned investor, or just curious how mortgage rates really move—this one’s for you.📍 Why your preapproval is like a doctor check-up 👇 Drop your questions in the comments and don’t forget to like + subscribe for more real estate & mortgage content!📌 Subscribe to the channel for more mortgage updates, real estate market insights, and tips for navigating the buying process.🎙️ Listen to the full podcast on Apple & Spotify: 📲 Connect with us: Michael DiLucchio – @mf.lendingJackie Hurtis – @yourmortgagelender

In this episode, I’m joined by a Nashville real estate agent Sam Gray (@samgrayrealestate) and his content manager - Leo Dunlevy (@dunlevyproductions) to dive into the REAL power of content in today’s housing market. We’re talking about how the right visuals can generate leads, increase a home's perceived value, and even impact the final sale price.We cover:✅ How real estate content builds buyer confidence✅ The three videos EVERY agent needs on their socials ✅ The strategies behind high-performing Instagram posts & Reels✅ Why great visuals are more than just marketing—they’re a sales tool✅ Real-world examples of listings that sold faster (and for more) thanks to content✅ Tips for buyers, sellers, and agents who want to leverage content the right wayWhether you're a buyer trying to navigate listings online, a seller looking to stand out, or an agent building your brand, this episode is packed with insights you can actually use.---📍 Based in Nashville, TN — but relevant anywhere homes are being bought and sold.🎧 Subscribe for weekly conversations on mortgage updates, market trends, and real estate strategy.👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more!

🏡 Welcome to The Lender Soapbox – your go-to update for what’s actually happening in Nashville real estate in 2025. Whether you're a buyer, seller, investor, or real estate professional, this episode is packed with insights that matter.Our guests today: Chase Smith (@that_nash_native) & Caleb Gamblin (@gamblinsince1993) the Nash Native Team in Nashville, TN.We're breaking down: ✔️ Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market in Nashville right now?✔️ Why you don’t need to start with your dream home✔️ Should you buy now or wait? The math says a lot✔️ The 2x2 market scenario decision grid✔️ The latest mortgage rate forecast & Fed Dot Plot update✔️ What real estate agents wish more people understoodWe also dig into: 📊 Local stats from Redfin + Greater Nashville Realtors💡 Long-term appreciation trends (and what that means for your wallet)📉 The real reason mortgage rates could drop this year🔮 What the Fed’s latest projections mean for buyers in 2025 and beyondIf you’re trying to make smart real estate decisions in a confusing market—this episode is for you.📍 Based in Nashville, TN🎧 Perfect for buyers, sellers, and real estate pros📲 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Nashville real estate insight every week!#NashvilleRealEstate #BuyOrWait #MortgageRates2025 #HomeBuyingTips #RealEstatePodcast #NashvilleHomes #InterestRates #InvestInNashville

The Lender Soapbox is BACK. We took a few weeks off to take care of the hot market that came out of the gate to start '23. Today, Jerry and I discuss:  2:10 - 11:50 - Nashville vs Dallas vs CO markets - comparison of the market overall and the gate we see at 6.5% 13:10 - Loan Level Pricing Adjustments (LLPAs) - Deep Dive If you like the episode, please like and subscribe anywhere you listen to podcasts! Welcome to 2023!

Happy New Year from The Lender Soapbox! We are excited to publish our end-of-the-year pod. We give out our Nuwave Awards for '22 and cover topics and trends that were prominent in 2022. We also go through some predictions for '23 and how to prepare buyers accordingly.  Best Real Estate Trend ‘22 - 1:30 Worst Real Estate Trend ‘22 - 4:30 Biggest Win for Client - 7:53 Favorite Realtor Partner Content - 15:38 #1 Thing You Changed Your Mind About - 21:50 Trends to Expect in ‘23 - 31:55 Trends to Avoid in ‘23 - 40:40 Most Looking forward to in ‘23 - 42:25

1:00 - 3:58 | CRM Christmas Cheer 4:00 - 15:50 | FED Update 16:51 - 22:42 | How Date the Rate & Buy-downs are Failing + Different Approaches to Take 22:43 - 29:39 | Questions Agents Can Use To Vet LO's  29:40 - 36:40 | How to Greatly Improve Your Client's Experience You can find every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Youtube. For more visit - https://bio.site/mfdilucchio If you like this episode and find it useful, please follow and subscribe to the show. Share with your realtor team, buyers, and other industry professionals. Thank you all so much for the support!

On today's episode, I am back in Dallas with the team for our annual Christmas party. Today we cover: 1. New Loan Limits 6:15 - 7:25 2. What the limits mean for your borrowers - 7:26 - 8:40 3. Piggyback loans & Jesse joins the Pod - 8:40 - 17:55 4. Market Update and Deal Fallout 17:55 - 24:00 5. Investment Property Metrics & Analysis - 24:00 - 43:00 You can find every episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Youtube. For more visit - https://bio.site/mfdilucchio If you like this episode and find it useful, please follow and subscribe to the show. Share with your realtor team, buyers, and other industry professionals. Thank you all so much for the support! 

1:55 - 3:32 | Pent-up Buyer Demand & Recap of Ep 9.  3:33 -6:30 | CPI Print Deep Dive and How it Affected the Interest Rates 6:30 - 8:30 | Forecasts on the Interest Rates Prior to the Dec FED Meeting 8:30 - 15:55 | How Volatile Swings Affect Mortgage Companies & Working With People You Trust 18:47 - 20:30 | Inverted Yield Curve and Indicators of Rates 20:35 - 25:48 | Ribbon Halts Purchasing Program 25:42 - 33:26 | This Summer vs Today's Market - Why it is a great time to buy. - Google Drive Link to Follow Along 36:10 - 39:30 | Encouragement Soapbox for Realtors & Real Estate Professionals You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Youtube. For more, visit https://bio.site/mfdilucchio If you like this episode, please follow and subscribe to the show! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals.

This week, we have our first friend of the pod on - JT Hardcastle - out of Frisco, TX.JT Discusses with us:1. Reinvesting in his local community2. Leading indicators he saw prior to the market correction & how it changed his approach to listing appointments3. The pent-up buyer demand brewing in the market4. Advice & tools he is giving to his team and other agents to stay in front of his database5. The real buyer opportunity in today's marketYou can find out more about JT's team at - www.therealestateproject.orgIf you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.

This week on the Lender Soapbox, Jerry & Michael discuss:1. Immediate reactions to the FED speech on Nov 2nd 2. Non-QM Mortgages - Deep Dive | What they are, who qualifies for them, benefits and drawbacks of these loansNext week, we have an exciting one for you all, and will be hosting our first friend of the pod. Keep an eye out for that one!! If you like the pod, please subscribe and share it with your team and friends!! You can also check us out on YouTube. If you have any topics or questions you would like us to discuss on the pod, please email [email protected] you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!!Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.If you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.

This week on the Lender Soapbox, Jerry & Michael discuss: 1. How Jerry fought off a bear on a livestream2. Reverse Mortgages - what they are, benefits, and common misconceptions3. Market Update - deal fallout & payment shock4. Why the US Deficit will limit how high rates can actually go5. Why the next 8 months will be the best time to buyIf you like the pod, please subscribe and share it with your team and friends!! You can also check us out on YouTube. If you have any topics or questions you would like us to discuss on the pod, please email [email protected] you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.

This week on The Lender Soapbox we have a special Live Edition with our new loan officer - Jason Dickson. We were able to sit down with Jason in our office in Dallas, TX. Today we discuss: a. How to prepare buyers for the new normalb. How unemployment print negatively affects interest ratesc. Wild Rules & Regulations we see on the lending side of transactions and the benefit of using a knowledgeable local lender Episode Notes:Opt-out Credit Link - avoid Credit Agencies from selling data - optoutprescreen.comFreddie Mac & Fannie Mae Asset Depletion Guidelines If you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.

We are excited to try out a new format for you all we call - "Soapbox Shorts". This format is a snapshot of our long-form episodes. We are taking a single topic discussed on the pod for a quick listen. Here is our first Soapbox Short on 2|1 Buydowns. Due to market conditions, these have become more popular and used to reduce the borrower's payments for the first two years of the loan. Jerry and Michael break down what these are, their benefits, and alternative routes to take for your clients.Check out this abbreviated version of our episodes. If you like it - please let us know and we will continue releasing these!!If you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.

Welcome to our fourth episode! We officially have our first month under our belts. :)Today on the Soapbox - Michael & Jerry discuss:1. 2/1 Buydowns vs ARMs (1:20 - 12:08)2. MBS Market, Discount Points, & Bond Market (12:08 - 20:40)3. Price Reduction vs Concessions for buyers (20:40 - 28:35)4. iBuyers Deep Dive & Benefits of using a good Agent (28:35 - 41:51)5. October Market Predictions (41:51 - 47:14)If you like the pod, please subscribe and share it with your team and friends!! You can also check us out on YouTube. If you have any topics or questions you would like us to discuss on the pod, please email [email protected] you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.

Today on the Soapbox - Michael & Jerry talk about their initial reactions to the FED announcement, labor market impacts, interest rate forecasts for 2023, and silver linings in the housing data for first-time home buyers. If you like the podcast, please subscribe and share it with your team and friends!! You can also check us out on YouTube! If you have any topics or questions you would like us to discuss on the pod, please email [email protected] you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.

On today's soapbox, we have Michael DiLucchio and Jerry Williams from Nuwave Lending covering the FED Jackson Hole meeting at the end of August and how it has affected mortgage interest rates, a discussion on "rate buy-downs": when to use these and when not to use these, and a deep dive comparing the 2006-2008 market to the 2020 - 2022 market: inventory levels, interest rate hikes, and new players in the residential market. If you like these videos please like and subscribe to our channel!If you like this episode please follow and subscribe to the show!! Share with your realtor team, buyers, and industry professionals who are interested!If you have any questions on the topics covered or want to look into these topics more in depth, please reach out to me - [email protected] for more information.