Is It Normal Not to Get a Rate During Pre-Approval?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
Release Date: 10/23/2025
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...
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Self-Employed? Learn How Bank Statement Loans Can Help You Secure 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 Are you self-employed and struggling to qualify for a mortgage based on your tax returns? In this episode, Bill explains how bank statement loans can provide an alternative solution to traditional loans. He walks you through the process, benefits, and considerations of these loans, as well as how they compare to traditional mortgage options. Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 📊 Rate & Term: Understanding rates and terms for Bank Statement Loans 📑 Bank...
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November Market Update: Expert Insights & What’s Ahead for Homebuyers
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 It’s the final stretch of the year but that doesn’t mean the news is slowing down. In this month’s market update, Bill explains why rates are dipping, what’s behind the Fed’s changing approach, and how these moves could impact refinancing and homebuying decisions. We’ll also discuss how seasonal factors might affect negotiations as the year winds down. Join us to hear about what’s really driving the current market and what to watch heading into 2026. Here’s...
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Is It Normal Not to Get a Rate During Pre-Approval?
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 If your lender won’t tell you your interest rate until you make an offer, is that normal or a red flag? In this episode, Bill explains how a proper pre-approval should work, what information you should expect upfront, and when to walk away from a lender who isn’t being transparent. Going through the homebuying process can be confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before, so join us to learn more about what you should expect. Here’s what we discuss in this...
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How Much You Need to Earn to Afford a $500K 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 The average U.S. home price is hovering around $500,000, but what kind of income do you actually need to afford a home with that price tag? In this episode, Bill breaks down the math behind mortgage qualification and explains how factors like debt, down payment, and interest rate dramatically change what’s possible. Using real-world examples, this video shows how paying down just $1,000 in monthly debt can increase your purchasing power by more than a quarter-million...
info_outline📞 Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/
📲 Text “LEND” to 21000 to schedule a free 15–minute consultation
If your lender won’t tell you your interest rate until you make an offer, is that normal or a red flag? In this episode, Bill explains how a proper pre-approval should work, what information you should expect upfront, and when to walk away from a lender who isn’t being transparent. Going through the homebuying process can be confusing, especially if you’ve never done it before, so join us to learn more about what you should expect.
Here’s what we discuss in this episode:
🏠 What pre-approval should include
💵 Why transparency matters from the start
☎️ What to ask before choosing a lender
🤝 Why trust and clarity are key in big financial decisions
CONTACT:
Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/
Visit the Smart Mortgage Show website for more podcasts, videos and mortgage info: https://smartmortgageshow.com/
Call: 484-352-4151.
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