Non-Obvious Mistakes That Could Derail Your Mortgage
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
Release Date: 07/17/2025
Should You Put All Your Cash Into a House?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation When buying a home, putting more money down feels responsible but is it always the smartest move? Today we’re answering a question from a couple planning to put nearly $400,000 down on a $500K home and wondering if their broker’s advice was helpful or self-serving. This decision has less to do with right or wrong and more to do with financial planning, liquidity, and opportunity cost. We’re going to walk through how compounding interest, time horizon, and comfort with...
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Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2026?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Curious about where the housing market is headed next? 2025 was a year of adjustment for real estate, but beneath the headlines, important shifts were taking place. Bill uncovers the shifting trends of 2025 and unveils expert forecasts for 2026. Find out why falling rates and a more balanced market could mean big opportunities for buyers and sellers alike. Don’t miss these insider insights! Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏡 2025 Recap: Shifts in rates,...
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Using Assets Instead of Income to Get a Mortgage
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Can you turn your assets into a mortgage? Buying a home without a paycheck sounds impossible, but it happens more often than you think. Bill explains how asset utilization lending allows buyers with strong balance sheets, but limited income, to qualify for a mortgage. If you’re retired, transitioning careers, or asset-rich but income-light, this episode shows what’s possible. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏠No-Income Challenge: Buying a home without a...
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2026 Mortgage Rates: Forecasts & Trends
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Mortgage rates may not be on a roller coaster anymore, and that matters more than most people realize. In this episode, Bill shares why recent stability in rates is creating predictability for buyers, even as the Fed continues adjusting policy. The conversation looks at what’s actually influencing mortgage rates right now, what experts expect heading into 2026, and why waiting for the “perfect rate” can be costly. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Market...
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Median Age of First-Time Home Buyers: How Inflation & Affordability Are Changing Real Estate
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation The median age of first-time homebuyers has climbed to 40, marking a major shift in today’s housing market. Why has the average first-time homebuyer age jumped so dramatically in just a few years? Bill explores what’s driving that change, referencing the newly released National Association of Realtors' Annual Profile of Home Buyers. Tune in to hear what younger buyers can do now to avoid waiting longer than necessary. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏡...
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DSCR Loans: The Investor Mortgage You’ve Never Heard Of
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Most investors assume they must qualify for a rental property the same way they qualify for a primary home, by proving income, debts, job history, and traditional underwriting metrics. But a DSCR loan flips that entire process on its head. This video will explain how Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) loans work, why they’re becoming so popular among investors, and how they allow you to qualify based on the property’s income, not your own. Bill Litton of Cross Country...
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The 50-Year Mortgage: Helpful Option or Hidden Trap?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation A proposed 50-year mortgage has sparked debate across the housing world, but would it actually help buyers, or just saddle them with decades of interest? In this episode of the Smart Mortgage Show, Bill breaks down what a 50-year mortgage could look like, who it might help, and why it absolutely won’t be the right fit for everyone. Even though the longer term reduces the monthly payment, will the 30-year loan still remain the gold standard? We’ll explain how each...
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Dec. 2025 Market Update: Mortgage Rates, Trends & What to Expect Next
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation As we close out the year, Bill breaks down the latest mortgage rate trends, why rates have settled into a tight range, and what economic factors are shaping the market heading into 2026. It’s a clear-eyed look at where things stand today and the key indicators that will drive rate movement in the months ahead. Have you been trying to buy or simply watching the market? This update gives you the clarity you need heading into the new year. Here’s what we discuss in this...
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Getting a Mortgage When You're Furloughed
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Being furloughed can create uncertainty, not just with your income, but with major financial decisions like buying a home. In this episode, Bill helps break down how furloughs can affect the mortgage process and what borrowers should understand before making their next move. It’s a reminder that preparation, communication, and finding the right lending partner make all the difference, especially during uncertain times. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 🏠...
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How Much Income Do You Need to Afford a $2 Million Home?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: 📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation Curious about what it really takes to afford a $2 million home? Bill shares how your unique situation can shape your homebuying journey and why smart strategies make a significant difference. Discover actionable strategies, helpful tips, and expert perspectives that will empower you to make informed decisions on your journey to homeownership. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 💰 Income Breakdown: how much you actually need to earn to buy a $2M home 📉 Debt...
info_outlineđź“ž Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/
📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–20 minute consultation with Bill
Most homebuyers know to avoid major credit moves or switching jobs during the mortgage process, but what about the mistakes that don’t show up on every checklist? In this episode, Bill breaks down the lesser-known mortgage missteps that trip up even financially responsible buyers. Maybe you have an 800 credit score, a million in the bank, or even a paid-off home, but these overlooked issues may still derail your loan or raise your rate.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
🧾 Retirees may struggle to qualify—even with assets and equity—if income is low
⚠️ One late credit card payment causes more damage than you’d think
📉 A high credit score and big bank balance doesn’t guarantee approval
đź’¸ Lenders need to source where your money came from, not just that you have it
🧱 The 4 pillars of pre-approval and how to make sure they’re all solid
CONTACT:
Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/
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