The first show of 2024. Debbie recaps the hardest year on record for first-time buyers and the good things that came out of it — new community lending programs, lender-paid buydowns, a wave of home equity products — then gives her own forecast for where rates go next.…
The Fed held for a third straight meeting and mortgage rates had already fallen almost a full point in six weeks. Debbie covers Fannie Mae's new 5% down program for 2-4 unit homes, the 2024 conforming loan limit increases, and her pro tips for buying and selling next year.…
Five straight weeks of falling rates, a same-day conventional quote back under 7%, and 85% of first-time buyers still on the sidelines. Debbie makes the case for getting ahead of the herd, answers a round of HELOC questions, and previews Fannie Mae's new 5% down program for 2-4 units.…
Debbie reads two 2024 housing forecasts side by side — HousingWire and Bankrate — and translates each one: where rates settle, whether inventory improves, whether prices actually drop, and whether next year favors buyers or sellers. Then she gives her own call.…
Once a year the Mortgage Mom talks turkey instead of mortgages. Debbie's method - breast-side down, wrapped tight, 325F, pulled at 165 - plus the electric-roaster run-through that went wrong, what brining really is, and how to measure the oil for a deep fry.…
Rates fell about half a point in four business days after the Fed held steady and the jobs report came in weak. Debbie explains what caused it - and why every 1% drop brings 3 to 4 million more buyers into competition for the same limited inventory.…
Lenders are advertising a free refinance once rates drop if you buy today. Debbie explains who actually pays those costs - your loan balance or your interest rate - the expiration dates that void the promise, and why falling values can block the refinance entirely.…
Fannie Mae cut the down payment on owner-occupied 2-4 unit homes from 15-25% to just 5%, with no requirement that the rents cover the payment. Debbie also covers FHA's new ADU rental income rules and buying a home for a disabled adult child or elderly parent.…
A second mortgage you thought was charged off. A bankruptcy you thought erased it. A loan modification that only covered the first loan. Then a collector calls, because your home finally has equity. Debbie explains where zombie mortgages come from and what never to do first.…
Dave Ramsey says now is the time to buy a house — with rates at a 23-year high. Debbie reads through the article, agrees on the conditions (consumer debt paid off, 3–6 months of reserves), and explains why fewer buyers in the market is the advantage nobody talks about.…
The Fed left the funds rate at 5.25–5.50% on September 20, 2023, and finally published projections: 5.6% by year end, 5.1% in 2024, 3.9% in 2025. Debbie reads Powell's statement, explains the nine-month lag, and maps the real timeline from pre-approval to the refinance you're counting on.…
August CPI came in at 3.7% annual and 0.6% monthly — inflation's second straight increase, six days before the Fed met. Debbie breaks down the report, why forecasters split on a September hike, and the day-after data proving the Fed doesn't set your mortgage rate.…
Debbie Marcoux
By texting LIVE to 844-935-3634 or signing up online, you agree to receive recurring automated text messages from Mortgage Mom Radio with the live-show link and new-episode links. Up to 2 msgs/week. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Text message terms · Privacy
We use essential cookies to keep this site working. With your permission, we may also use analytics cookies to understand which pages and episodes are most helpful. Learn more in our Privacy Policy.
