Online home value tools may be convenient, but how accurate are they really? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore the strengths and weaknesses of automated valuation models like Zillow’s Zestimate—and why relying too heavily on them could lead to costly mistakes.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why online home estimates can be wildly inaccurate: Even Zillow’s former CEO reportedly saw his own home misvalued by a massive margin.
• How automated valuation models (AVMs) work: These tools rely on public records, recent sales, and historical market data to estimate home values.
• What AVMs often miss: Unique home features, renovations, views, landscaping, neighborhood nuances, and buyer emotions are difficult for algorithms to measure.
• Why local expertise still matters: Real estate agents and appraisers can provide context and market insight that online tools simply can’t replicate.
• The risks of overpricing or underpricing a home: Relying too heavily on an online estimate could impact negotiations, time on market, and final sale price.
• Why AVM accuracy varies by market: Error rates can differ significantly depending on location, especially in high-priced or unique housing markets.
• How home valuations affect more than just sales: Estate planning, refinancing, insurance, and financial planning decisions can all be impacted by inaccurate valuations.
• What Zillow’s published error rates really mean: While AVMs can provide a useful starting point, even small percentage errors can translate into huge dollar amounts.
• Why technology should complement—not replace—human judgment: Algorithms are useful tools, but they can’t fully capture the emotional and subjective side of real estate.
• The big takeaway: Online home value estimates are helpful for rough guidance, but major financial decisions still require local knowledge and professional expertise.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/how-reliable-are-online-automated-home-valuations/

Is the 2026 housing market finally becoming affordable, or are we stuck in a "new normal" of high rates and low inventory? In this episode of the Real Estate Update, Paul Centopani sits down with Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, to break down the complex realities of today’s home financing landscape.

Fleming provides a deep dive into why entry-level homes are the hardest hit and which regions, like the Midwest and Northeast, are defying national trends with 6-7% price appreciation. You’ll learn actionable strategies for navigating high mortgage rates, including the benefits of hybrid ARMs and how to use points to buy down your rate. Fleming also addresses the massive impact of energy prices on home buying in 2026 and why "upzoning" might be the only long-term solution to the inventory crisis.

Whether you're a first-time buyer trying to get on the housing ladder or a seasoned investor tracking housing market crash 2026 rumors, this interview offers the expert perspective you need to make a lifestyle-driven decision. Don't buy a home until you hear Mark Fleming's "stepping stone" philosophy.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠

Connect with Mark Fleming:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-fleming-4a0a07b/

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

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0:00 Intro

0:10 Meet Mark Fleming

00:44 Regional Heat Map: Why the Midwest is still appreciating

01:45 The Entry-Level Struggle: Why first-time buyers are stuck

03:38 Budget Hacks: Down payments and buying down points

04:15 The Hybrid ARM Advantage: A safer way to lower payments

06:28 2026 Rate Forecast: Why 6% is the new target

11:22 Fixing Inventory: Zoning laws and multi-unit dwellings

13:28 The "Stepping Stone" Strategy for First-Time Buyers

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For more information about the housing market, visit MortgageResearch.com.

#HousingMarket2026 #MortgageRates #RealEstateInvesting

Climate risk is no longer a distant concern—it’s becoming a major factor in where and how Americans buy homes. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry discuss how climate change is already affecting home values, insurance costs, mortgage performance, and the future of the U.S. housing market.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why climate risk is influencing homebuying decisions: Buyers across all generations are increasingly considering flood zones, wildfires, hurricanes, and other environmental threats.
• How attitudes toward climate change are shifting: Even older generations and traditionally less vulnerable regions are growing more concerned about housing-related climate risks.
• The hidden financial impact on homeowners: Homes in high-risk flood areas are appreciating more slowly, reducing long-term wealth building potential.
• Why insurance is becoming a growing problem: Some insurers are raising premiums dramatically—or leaving high-risk markets entirely.
• How climate disasters affect mortgage payments: Delinquency rates often spike after major weather events, creating financial stress for both homeowners and local economies.
• What happens when communities become harder to insure: Housing markets could face declining values, slower recovery, and long-term instability.
• The possibility of climate-driven migration: As risks intensify, some regions may see population declines while others experience housing pressure from incoming residents.
• Why infrastructure and building standards matter: Investments in resilience could play a major role in protecting future housing markets.
• The debate over insurance reform: Policymakers may face difficult decisions about how to balance homeowner protection with growing climate exposure.
• The big takeaway: Climate change is no longer just an environmental issue—it’s becoming one of the biggest forces shaping the future of housing and homeownership.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/climate-risk-becoming-major-factor-homebuyers/

What if homeownership was possible without a down payment—even on a modest income? Tim Lucas and Craig Berry explore how Habitat for Humanity is helping working families buy affordable homes through sweat equity, financial education, and community support.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How Habitat for Humanity’s model works: Families help build homes alongside volunteers in exchange for affordable homeownership opportunities.
• What “sweat equity” really means: Future homeowners contribute hundreds of hours of labor toward building their homes and supporting the program.
• How one North Carolina mom bought a $350,000 home: Despite earning $45,000 a year, she qualified through Habitat’s unique approach.
• Why no down payment is possible: Habitat structures affordable mortgages designed to keep housing costs manageable for low- to moderate-income families.
• The importance of homeowner education: Financial literacy and homeownership classes help participants prepare for long-term success.
• Who qualifies for Habitat for Humanity programs: Applicants typically must demonstrate housing need, income eligibility, and willingness to partner in the process.
• Why affordability matters beyond the mortgage payment: Habitat aims to keep monthly housing costs below 30% of gross income.
• How Habitat strengthens communities: The program supports stability, neighborhood investment, and long-term wealth-building opportunities.
• Ways anyone can get involved: From volunteering labor to making donations, there are many ways to support affordable housing efforts.
• The big takeaway: Homeownership doesn’t always require wealth—it can also be built through hard work, education, and community support.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/habitat-for-humanity-sweat-equity-affordable-homeownership/

Think you need perfect credit or a 20% down payment to buy a home? You might be holding yourself back based on myths—not facts. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down some of the most common mortgage misconceptions and explain what it really takes to become a homeowner.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why the 700 credit score myth isn’t true: Many loan programs allow for much lower scores than most buyers expect.
• The truth about down payments: Options like VA and USDA loans offer zero-down payment financing, and some conventional loans require as little as 3%.
• Why today’s mortgage rates aren’t “historically high”: A look back at past decades puts current rates into perspective.
• How FHA loans expand access to homeownership: Flexible credit and down payment requirements can help more buyers qualify.
• Why waiting for 20% down could cost you: Delaying a purchase may mean missing out on years of equity growth.
• The role of private mortgage insurance (PMI): Why paying PMI can be a smart trade-off for getting into a home sooner.
• How misinformation keeps buyers on the sidelines: Many people overestimate the barriers to entry.
• Why homebuyer education matters: Courses and resources can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.
• What lenders are really looking for: Stability, income, and overall financial picture—not just a single number.
• The big takeaway: Don’t let outdated assumptions stop you from exploring your path to homeownership.

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/prospective-homebuyers-mortgage-myths-and-misunderstandings/

Join Paul Centopani as he sits down with Emily Overton, Capital Markets Manager at Veterans United, to pull back the curtain on how mortgage lenders manage risk and protect your interest rates. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, understanding the "why" behind mortgage rate locks is crucial for navigating today's volatile housing market.

We dive deep into the world of mortgage hedging, explaining how capital markets teams protect profit margins from the moment you lock your loan until it's sold to investors. Emily clarifies the key differences between pre-qualification and pre-approval, the mechanics of float-down options, and how to position yourself for success in 2026. Plus, we explore low-down-payment options like the VA home loan, FHA, and Conventional 97 programs to help you lower the barriers to homeownership.

Don't let market volatility catch you off guard. Learn from an industry expert how mortgage capital markets influence your home-buying journey.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠

Website: ⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠

Connect with Emily Overton:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-o-645b8128/

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

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00:00: Intro

00:59: What is a Mortgage Rate Lock?

01:35: Common Rate Lock Periods (15-60 Days)

02:45: How Float Down Options Work

3:35: Pre-Approval vs. Rate Locking

05:01: Tips for Moving Fast in a Volatile Market

06:16: VA, FHA, and Conventional 97 Programs

08:20: Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

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For more information on how mortgage rates work, visit MortgageResearch.com.

#MortgageRates #CapitalMarkets #HomeBuyingTips

Where you start your career could shape your financial future—and in 2026, some of the best opportunities for new grads are in cities you might not expect. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down why places like Birmingham, Tampa, and Raleigh are attracting young professionals and what it means for housing and affordability.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews⁠

Website: ⁠MortgageResearch.com⁠

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: ⁠https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM⁠

Homebuyer Calculators: ⁠https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv⁠

Connect with a lender: ⁠https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why Birmingham ranks among the top cities for new grads: Strong hiring, competitive salaries, and low cost of living create a powerful combination.
• How Southern cities are outperforming traditional hubs: Markets like Tampa and Raleigh offer more opportunity and affordability than coastal metros.
• What makes a city attractive to recent graduates: Hiring rates, salary levels, and cost of living all play a critical role.
• The trade-offs of high-salary cities like San Jose: Bigger paychecks often come with significantly higher living costs.
• Why affordability matters early in your career: Lower expenses can help grads save faster and build long-term financial stability.
• How job growth impacts housing markets: Strong hiring draws new residents, which can quickly push up home prices and rents.
• Why timing a move is so important: Getting into a growing market early can make a big difference in affordability.
• What this means for first-time homeownership: Choosing the right city can accelerate your ability to save for a down payment.
• How grads should approach relocation decisions: Balancing career growth with cost of living is key to long-term success.
• The big question: Should new grads prioritize opportunity, affordability—or try to find the perfect balance?

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/best-cities-for-graduate-jobs/

Multigenerational living is becoming the new normal, with 44% of parents reporting that an adult child has moved back home—and for many families, it’s a strategic financial move, not a setback. Tim Lucas and Craig Berry break down what’s driving the rise of “boomerang kids” and how it’s reshaping homeownership and family dynamics.

Connect with Mortgage Research Network:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MortgageResearchNetwork

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mortgageresearchnetwork/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mtgresearchnews

Website: MortgageResearch.com

First Time Homebuyer Cheat Sheet: https://bit.ly/4w8CiVM

Homebuyer Calculators: https://bit.ly/4n0hDPv

Connect with a lender: https://bit.ly/426Gyaw

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why so many adult children are moving back home: Nearly half of parents with kids aged 18 to 35 have experienced this shift, signaling a major change in living arrangements.
• How saving for a home is driving the trend: About 34% of boomerang kids return home specifically to build a down payment faster.
• The financial trade-offs for parents: 43% say supporting adult children has impacted their own finances, sometimes affecting savings or retirement plans.
• Why this isn’t just about financial hardship: Many families are choosing this arrangement intentionally to reach long-term goals.
• How multigenerational living is on the rise: More buyers—especially Gen X—are purchasing homes designed for multiple generations under one roof.
• What’s driving the shift in housing preferences: High home prices, student debt, and wage pressures are making independent living harder to sustain.
• The challenges families need to navigate: Privacy, household responsibilities, and financial expectations can create tension without clear communication.
• Practical strategies for making it work: Setting boundaries, sharing costs, and creating personal space are key to a successful arrangement.
• How the stigma is fading: More families are openly discussing multigenerational living, helping normalize what was once seen as a setback.
• The big question: Is this a temporary response to affordability challenges—or a permanent shift in how Americans live and build wealth?

Read the full article: https://www.mortgageresearch.com/articles/boomerang-kids-adult-children-moving-back-home/