Is It Normal Not to Get a Rate During Pre-Approval?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
Release Date: 10/23/2025
How Much Income Do You Need to Afford a $2 Million Home?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute 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. Hereās what we discuss in this episode: š° Income Breakdown: how much you actually need to earn to buy a $2M home š Debt...
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Self-Employed? Learn How Bank Statement Loans Can Help You Secure a Mortgage
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute 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. Hereās what we discuss in this episode: š Rate & Term: Understanding rates and terms for Bank Statement Loans š Bank...
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November Market Update: Expert Insights & Whatās Ahead for Homebuyers
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation Itās the final stretch of the year but that doesnāt mean the news is slowing down. In this monthās market update, Bill explains why rates are dipping, whatās behind the Fedās changing approach, and how these moves could impact refinancing and homebuying decisions. Weāll also discuss how seasonal factors might affect negotiations as the year winds down. Join us to hear about whatās really driving the current market and what to watch heading into 2026. Hereās...
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Is It Normal Not to Get a Rate During Pre-Approval?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation If your lender wonāt 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 isnāt being transparent. Going through the homebuying process can be confusing, especially if youāve never done it before, so join us to learn more about what you should expect. Hereās 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
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute 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 whatās 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...
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The Bridge Loan: Make Offers with No Contingencies
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation Youāve found the perfect home, but thereās a catch. You still need to sell your current house before you can buy. Sellers know thatās risky, which is why āsale of home contingenciesā are often rejected in todayās competitive market. So how do you make a strong offer without one? In this episode, Bill explains how specialized products allow you to unlock equity in your current home and use it for your next purchase, without waiting for your old house to sell....
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The Fed Cuts Rates- What Does That Mean For Mortgages?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation The Fed finally cut rates, but why havenāt mortgage rates followed? In this episode, Bill breaks down why the federal funds rate and 30-year fixed mortgage rates donāt always move in sync. While the Fedās decision impacts short-term borrowing like credit cards and home equity lines, long-term mortgages are a different story. Today, Bill shares what this could mean for buyers, homeowners, and the housing market going forward. Hereās what we discuss in this episode: ...
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Primary Home vs. Rental Property: The Mortgage Rules You Need to Know
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation Turning a primary residence into a rental property is a common strategy, but itās also one that can get homeowners into hot water if they donāt follow the rules. In this episode, Bill breaks down the key differences between mortgages for primary homes versus investment properties, and what you need to know before converting your home into a rental. Hereās what we discuss in this episode: š” The benefits of buying a primary residence vs. a rental property ā³ How...
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Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM): Smart Move or Risky Bet?
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation With mortgage rates holding steady in the mid-6% range and home prices still elevated, more buyersāespecially Millennials and Gen Zāare turning to adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) as a way to lower their monthly payments upfront. The strategy? Grab the lower rate now and hope for a refinance later. But is this smart planning or a financial gamble? In this episode, Bill breaks down the pros and cons of ARMs, explains how they actually work, and reveals what worst-case...
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How Much Do I Need to Make to Afford a $1 Million Home
Smart Mortgage Show with Bill Litton
š Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation With home prices climbing, the once-rare million-dollar home is now surprisingly common in many markets. But what does it really take to afford one? In this episode, Bill breaks down the difference between what you can qualify for versus what you can truly afford, and other key factors to take into consideration when shopping for a $1 million home. Hereās what we discuss in this episode: š° Qualifying for a mortgage is not the same as being able to afford it ...
info_outlineš Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/
š² Text āLENDā to 21000 to schedule a free 15āminute consultation
If your lender wonāt 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 isnāt being transparent. Going through the homebuying process can be confusing, especially if youāve never done it before, so join us to learn more about what you should expect.
Hereās what we discuss in this episode:
š What pre-approval should include
šµ Why transparency matters from the start
āļø What to ask before choosing a lender
š¤ Why trust and clarity are key in big financial decisions
CONTACT:
Schedule a time to meet with Bill here: https://calendly.com/blitton/
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