This podcast segment Market volatility surged last week as Germany’s debt ceiling proposal shook global bonds, Fed Chair Powell signaled economic stability, and all eyes now turn to the upcoming inflation report for clues on the next move. ----------------------------------------------------- Matt began as an originator in 2002. He fell in love with the idea of following MBS in real-time but felt that existing products were only scratching the surface. Thus was born MBS Live in 2007, the first-o...
Mar 13, 2025•5 min
What makes a mortgage company not only survive but thrive in a competitive industry? People, technology, and culture. In our upcoming LinkedIn Live episode of Lykken on Lending , we’re sitting down with Amy Smith, Chief Lending Officer at ALCOVA Mortgage , to explore how they’ve built a company where top talent stays, innovation drives efficiency, and community impact fuels growth. From their goal of 8-hour loan approvals to gamifying technology adoption, ALCOVA is redefining success in mortgage...
Mar 12, 2025•30 min
03-10-2025 "Love Potion No. 9" Spills In Europe ---------------------------- They held their nose; they closed their eyes; they took a drink. Bonds didn't know if it was day or night. They started selling everything in sight. A love fest broke out in Europe for Zelenskyy. Germany’s coalition of election losers hatched a plan to defend Ukraine off the books. Did USAID teach them to hide public money? German investors reacted by selling their 10-year Notes, which caused US rates to consolidate rec...
Mar 12, 2025•1 min
HUD has announced a six-month delay on its energy efficiency building standards for FHA and USDA-financed new construction, giving policymakers more time to assess its impact on affordable housing and industry concerns. ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam DeSanctis , VP of Communication at Mortgage Bankers Association As a strategic public affairs and communications executive with nearly two decades of experience, Adam has deep expertise in strategy, management, an...
Mar 11, 2025•2 min
The Lykken on Lending program will feature our Weekly Mortgage Updates with Adam DeSanctis and his MBA Mortgage Minute , and then Les Parker’s TMSpotlight , a macroeconomic perspective on the economy with a music parody. That leads to Matt Graham of MBS Live providing you a rate & market update , followed by David Kittle , Chief Executive Officer @ The Mortgage Collaborative, to discuss mortgage originations. Then we have Alice Alvey of Union Home providing a regulatory & legislative upd...
Mar 10, 2025•53 min
This podcast segment highlights concerns over loan servicing capacity, Ginnie Mae’s reliance on contractors, industry agency leadership changes, and potential political impacts on mortgage operations and efficiency. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Marc Helm , CEO, and Author Marc Helm serves as a Principal Partner at Transformational Mortgage Solutions, bringing over 46 years of extensive experience in the financial services and mortgage banking industry. Curre...
Mar 08, 2025•2 min
This podcast segment covers key developments, including the passage of HR695 for Medal of Honor recipients, proposed SBA loan restrictions, ongoing budget negotiations, and the broader economic concerns surrounding rising debt and government spending. ---------------------------------------------------- Alice Alvey , Master CMB Vice President Partner Education and Training at Union Home Mortgage She handles development of their World Class Training program designed to support UHM partners and or...
Mar 08, 2025•5 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , we’re unpacking the future with Pavan Agarwal , covering some of the biggest financial and economic shifts on the horizon. From Doge’s potential impact on policy , the hidden value in U.S. gold reserves , and what these developments could mean for mortgage rates , Pavan shares his bold predictions on where the economy is heading. We also discuss the Federal Reserve’s evolving role , potential disruptions in the financial system, and whether we’re on the bri...
Mar 07, 2025•16 min
This podcast segment explores recent bond market trends, the impact of economic data on yields, and how investor sentiment, weaker GDP forecasts, and shifting fiscal policies are driving a flight to safety in the financial markets. ----------------------------------------------------- Matt began as an originator in 2002. He fell in love with the idea of following MBS in real-time but felt that existing products were only scratching the surface. Thus was born MBS Live in 2007, the first-of-its-ki...
Mar 07, 2025•5 min
03-03-2025 Trump Tells Selensky to "Hit the Road Jack" ----------------------- Hit the Road, Jack, until you come back, no war, no war, no war, no more. Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more. What Trump say? Friday’s extraordinary squabble offered Bond traders two markets to react to the Dollar and Oil. Trump ousted the man with no cards, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who ran to Europe to get a hug and more money. However, he will get pushed to the US deal behind the EU's closed doo...
Mar 06, 2025•1 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , we sit down with Colin Gazinski, Lead Solutions Consultant at Finastra, to explore the rapidly evolving role of AI in mortgage lending. As financial institutions and independent mortgage bankers navigate a changing market, technology is proving to be a game-changer—helping lenders do more with less. Colin shares his insights on how AI-driven automation, workflow enhancements, and digital transformation are reshaping the industry. We discuss the challenges a...
Mar 05, 2025•22 min
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) is hosting a March 6th Town Hall webinar to discuss key policy updates, advocacy efforts, and regulatory developments impacting the mortgage industry, with insights from MBA President Bob Brooksmit and other industry leaders. ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam DeSanctis , VP of Communication at Mortgage Bankers Association As a strategic public affairs and communications executive with nearly two decades of experience, Adam h...
Mar 05, 2025•1 min
The artificial intelligence boom has captured the attention of investors worldwide, but is it truly delivering on its promises? In this episode of Lykken on Lending , host David Lykken dives into a critical discussion with Pavan Agarwal, CEO of SunWest Mortgage, to explore the latest insights from Microsoft on AI investments. As funding pours into AI-driven startups, industry leaders are questioning whether these technologies are translating into real economic value. Microsoft’s cautious stance ...
Mar 04, 2025•25 min
The Lykken on Lending program will feature our Weekly Mortgage Updates with Adam DeSanctis and his MBA Mortgage Minute , and then Les Parker’s TMSpotlight , a macroeconomic perspective on the economy with a music parody. That leads to Matt Graham of MBS Live providing you a rate & market update , followed by David Kittle , Chief Executive Officer @ The Mortgage Collaborative, to discuss mortgage originations. Then we have Alice Alvey of Union Home providing a regulatory & legislative upd...
Mar 03, 2025•40 min
This podcast segment explores market volatility, the impact of government spending cuts on interest rates, the evolving role of tariffs, and the latest mortgage industry M&A activity signaling confidence in housing finance.
Mar 02, 2025•19 min
This podcast segment highlights the growing spam problem in digital communication, its impact on businesses and consumers, and the need for stronger regulations to protect against scams and fraud. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Marc Helm , CEO, and Author Marc Helm serves as a Principal Partner at Transformational Mortgage Solutions, bringing over 46 years of extensive experience in the financial services and mortgage banking industry. Currently serving as the...
Mar 01, 2025•3 min
This podcast segment explores the impact of AI on mortgage technology, shifting consumer communication preferences, and how lenders are adapting to digital engagement and regulatory changes. ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services Technology Advisor, is a subject matter expert in the mortgage origination process along with software product management and software development. In today’s financial ser...
Mar 01, 2025•7 min
This podcast segment explores regional mortgage production trends, the impact of economic conditions on lending, cost-cutting strategies for mortgage lenders, and key industry events shaping the future of housing finance. ----------------------------------------- David G. Kittle, CMB is a highly respected leader in the mortgage industry, with over 45 years of experience. He is the Co-Founder and Chairman of The Mortgage Collaborative (TMC), a mortgage lending cooperative providing members with a...
Feb 28, 2025•5 min
This podcast segment explores the latest bond market trends, the Fed’s stance on quantitative tightening, and key economic indicators—including PMI and inflation data—driving interest rate movements. ----------------------------------------------------- Matt began as an originator in 2002. He fell in love with the idea of following MBS in real-time but felt that existing products were only scratching the surface. Thus was born MBS Live in 2007, the first-of-its-kind platform with real-time marke...
Feb 27, 2025•6 min
In today’s fast-evolving mortgage industry, authentic leadership and digital innovation are more crucial than ever. This Wednesday, join me for a LinkedIn Live session where I sit down with Dr. Rick Roque , a seasoned expert in mortgage strategy, M&A, and growth acceleration. We’ll dive into how leadership shapes success, the role of AI and digital tools in driving efficiency, and what the future holds for lenders and originators. Whether you're a mortgage professional, an industry leader, o...
Feb 26, 2025•43 min
02-24-2025 "When You're Smiling" Mortgages Rates Could Fall 25 bps --------------------- When you’re smiling. With rates smiling. The loan app comes to you. With the Fed on the sideline and economic news trending towards weakness, Bonds smile while the short end frowns. Despite the Treasury coupon curve containing bulls and bears, time is on the bulls' side. Global inflation indicators are mixed but expect financial markets to focus on deflation flowing from China and Europe clinging to disinfla...
Feb 26, 2025•1 min
This segment covers MBA’s recent Mortgage Action Alliance webinar, where leaders discussed Trump administration policy shifts, recent advocacy wins, and key priorities for the upcoming National Advocacy Conference. ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam DeSanctis , VP of Communication at Mortgage Bankers Association As a strategic public affairs and communications executive with nearly two decades of experience, Adam has deep expertise in strategy, management, and med...
Feb 25, 2025•2 min
The Lykken on Lending program will feature our Weekly Mortgage Updates with Adam DeSanctis and his MBA Mortgage Minute , and then Les Parker’s TMSpotlight , a macroeconomic perspective on the economy with a music parody. That leads to Matt Graham of MBS Live providing you a rate & market update , followed by David Kittle , Chief Executive Officer @ The Mortgage Collaborative, to discuss mortgage originations. Then we have Alice Alvey of Union Home providing a regulatory & legislative upd...
Feb 25, 2025•53 min
This podcast segment explores market fluctuations, the impact of tariffs, regional disparities in housing markets, and the importance of mortgage professionals mastering underwriting nuances to navigate today’s lending landscape.
Feb 23, 2025•9 min
This podcast segment covers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac's latest memos, highlighting appraisal improvements, the growing importance of asset validation for underwriting, and the need for strong business continuity and information security policies. ---------------------------------------------------- Alice Alvey , Master CMB Vice President Partner Education and Training at Union Home Mortgage She handles development of their World Class Training program designed to support UHM partners and organi...
Feb 22, 2025•4 min
This podcast segment dives into the explosive growth of AI, its impact on mortgage operations, concerns about job displacement, and how companies can harness AI tools to enhance efficiency rather than replace employees. ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services Technology Advisor, is a subject matter expert in the mortgage origination process along with software product management and software developm...
Feb 21, 2025•18 min
02-17-2025 "Spinning Wheels" Ride a Fading Rate Trend ------------------------- What goes up must come down. Spinnin' wheel Bonds go around. An axiom is not always a truism. Yet, last week, rates rose and fell symmetrically for good reasons. CPI came in hot, and Crude Oil turned cold. Long-term inflation drives long-term rates, and Oil remained bearish fundamentally and technically. 2 to 30-year Treasury yields contain bulls and bears, but do not be surprised to see the 10-year fall to 4.20 as O...
Feb 20, 2025•1 min
The mortgage industry is evolving, and ICE Mortgage Technology is at the forefront of this transformation. In this episode of Lykken on Lending , host David Lykken sits down with Amy Cross, Director of Development Platform at ICE , to discuss how their latest technological advancements are streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing the lender experience. From API integrations to workflow automation, Amy shares how ICE’s innovations are helping lenders optimize operations and red...
Feb 19, 2025•19 min
This segment covers major leadership changes at the CFPB, the agency's policy freeze, and the implications for the mortgage and housing finance industry. ------------------------------------------------------------- Adam DeSanctis , VP of Communication at Mortgage Bankers Association As a strategic public affairs and communications executive with nearly two decades of experience, Adam has deep expertise in strategy, management, and media relations. He is widely considered to be an expert in a va...
Feb 18, 2025•2 min
The Lykken on Lending program will feature our Weekly Mortgage Updates with Adam DeSanctis and his MBA Mortgage Minute , and then Les Parker’s TMSpotlight , a macroeconomic perspective on the economy with a music parody. That leads to Matt Graham of MBS Live providing you a rate & market update , followed by David Kittle , Chief Executive Officer @ The Mortgage Collaborative, to discuss mortgage originations. Then we have Alice Alvey of Union Home providing a regulatory & legislative upd...
Feb 18, 2025•53 min
