Mortgage Made Simple

You're about to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home. The listing talks about the granite counters, the fenced yard, the double vanity…
But what nobody is talking about is the break-ins, late-night activity, or neighborhood energy that could make you regret the whole decision after you move in.

This episode is about what’s not in the listing—and how to find it out for yourself before you write that offer.

You’ll learn:

• ...

I recently sold my own house — while working full-time, raising three kids, and still trying to run a business without dropping the ball.
It actually went smoothly… but only because I planned for the chaos ahead of time.

In this episode, I’m walking you through the things that don’t usually get talked about — the lifestyle side of selling a home while juggling everything else in life.

We’ll cover:

• How to prep your schedule and ...

Are buyers really saving money by waiting?
In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we break down the real numbers — showing how a small difference in monthly payment could quietly cost buyers and agents tens of thousands over time.
Learn why waiting for the "perfect time" could be the most expensive move and how tools like Mortgage Coach help map out the true cost of hesitation. Whether you're buying or guiding...

Thinking about buying a home with solar panels? Or considering adding them to your current one?

In this episode, we break down what solar companies are really selling, how those contracts affect your ability to refinance or sell later, and why so many real estate deals get messy when solar enters the picture.

This isn’t a rant—it’s a clear look at what actually shows up on title, how lenders see solar loan payments, and what buyers a...

Is small-town living making a comeback? In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, I dive into the growing trend of families leaving big cities and planting roots in smaller communities across the country—especially right here in Iowa.

We’ll explore why more families are choosing rural life, from affordability to better schools, remote work, and a stronger sense of community. Plus, I’ll walk you through what this shift means for homeb...

Ever wondered just how massive $1 trillion really is? In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we break down the staggering scale of a trillion dollars and what it means for the housing market, mortgages, and your financial future. We’ll explore homeownership trends, loan volume, and the bigger picture of how money flows in the mortgage industry.

Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, understanding the broader economy...

FHA Layoffs: What's Really Going On?

🚨 Big Changes at FHA—What Does It Mean for Buyers & Realtors? 🚨

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) just announced massive layoffs, cutting nearly half of its workforce handling loan defaults and foreclosures. But here’s the catch—FHA delinquencies just spiked to 11%.

So why is FHA making cuts right when more borrowers are falling behind on their payments? 🤔 Is this just a cost-savi...

Mortgage Made Simple – VA Refinancing & Home Loan Insights

Looking to lower your mortgage payment without the hassle? If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or a surviving spouse with a VA loan, you may qualify for a VA IRRRL (Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan)—a streamlined refinance option designed to help you save hundreds per month with no income verification, no home appraisal, and no out-of-pocket costs.

In t...

So, you’re pre-approved and house hunting—now what? When you findthe one, writing an offer can feel like a high-stakes move. In this episode, I’m breaking down everything you need to know: what happens before you submit an offer, what actually goes into it, and what to expect once it’s accepted. Whether you're a first-time buyer or just need a refresher, this episode will help you navigate the process with confidence. Save this one...

🚨Breaking News: The CFPB Shutdown – What It Means for Mortgages (For Now) 🚨

TheConsumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been effectively shut down, raising big questions about the future of mortgage regulations. But does this actually change anything for homebuyers right now?

In this special breaking news bonus episode, I break down:

✅ Why the CFPB was created in the first place

✅ What the shut downdoes—and doesn’t—mean for mo...

The mortgage industry is shifting—are you ready? In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we break down key insights from the MBA Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference so you don’t have to. From potential changes to Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac, new credit score models, and the fight against trigger leads to housing affordability and AI in lending, we cover what’s coming and how it impacts you. Whether you’re a homebuyer, homeown...

Underwriting is one of the most mysterious parts of the mortgage process, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we pull back the curtain on what really happens during underwriting. Learn how underwriters evaluate your financial details, what automated underwriting systems (AUS) do (and don’t do), and why providing accurate information is critical to your loan approval.

We’ll also cover common underwrit...

Have you ever wondered who Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are—or why they matter to your mortgage? In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we break down their critical role in the housing market and what privatization could mean for homebuyers like you. From understanding their guidelines to the potential impact on mortgage rates, lending standards, and accessibility, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate the ever-...

💡 Did you know a single medical bill could derail your homeownership goals? That’s about to change! In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we dive into the groundbreaking CFPB ruling that removes medical collections from credit reports.

📋 Here’s what we cover:

• Why medical collections have been a major obstacle for borrowers.
• How the new CFPB rule impacts your credit score and homeownership goals.
• Actionable steps to check yo...

Would you want to know if a death or murder happened in your dream home? In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we dive into the truths and myths about disclosing deaths in real estate. Explore the legal requirements, ethical considerations, and the impact of stigmatized properties on buyers, sellers, and realtors. Featuring real-life stories and practical advice, this episode uncovers what every homeowner and industry profession...

In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, we dive deep into the world of property taxes—what they are, how they’re calculated, and why they play a critical role in your overall mortgage payment. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned homeowner, or simply curious about how taxes impact your budget, this episode has something for you.

We’ll break down key factors like assessed value, tax rates, and exemptions, and we’ll dis...

Are you feeling overwhelmed by shifting interest rates and the ever-changing mortgage landscape? Mortgage Made Simple is here to help! In this episode, we break down the latest updates from the Fed’s meeting and what it means for your buying power. Learn 3 powerful strategies to stay ahead of rising rates and avoid costly mistakes, whether you're a homebuyer or a Realtor advising clients.

🎯 What you’ll gain from this episode:

In this episode of Mortgage Made Simple, Blake dives into the 2025 housing market outlook, breaking down the latest loan limit updates and offering insights based on data from trusted industry sources, including the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Freddie Mac’s Economic Outlook, Zillow’s Home Value Index, and the Iowa Association of Realtors.

You’ll hear how rising loan limits, projected home prices, and changing inventory coul...