04-07-2025 Spreadsheets in the "Rose Garden" ------------------- Stocks beg a pardon. Trump never promised you a Rose Garden. Performance depends on the starting point. Wednesday’s 3 pm marks looked very different than the 5 pm marks. Would you take on risk when Trump is holding up an Excel spreadsheet taped to a poster board in the Rose Garden? It complicates a pipeline hedger’s life. We call the deal between Rocket and NationStar, "RocketStar." It is going to have unintended consequences becau...
Apr 09, 2025•1 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , we’re joined by industry veteran and straight-shooting consultant Brian Hale for a deep-dive conversation on how mortgage professionals can win in today's volatile market. With over four decades of experience, Brian breaks down the five key focus areas for 2025 , from targeting the right referral partners and converting more leads, to mastering margin management and embracing granular data analysis. David and Brian also tackle hot topics like the Rocket-Red...
Apr 09, 2025•50 min
This podcast segment covers the VA’s decision to phase out the VASP program by May 1st raises concerns about increased foreclosure risks for veterans, prompting urgent calls for a permanent partial claim solution. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 medi...
Apr 08, 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 with 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 & legislativ...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min
The regulars weigh in on growing concerns around rising FHA delinquencies, high debt-to-income ratios, and the lack of refinancing opportunities—warning that macroeconomic strain and supply-demand imbalances may fuel a wave of defaults in the next 12–18 months.
Apr 06, 2025•10 min
This podcast segment covers Rocket Mortgage expands through its acquisitions of Redfin and Mr. Cooper, it’s building an end-to-end, AI-powered mortgage ecosystem that could challenge ICE's dominance by shifting away from traditional platforms like Encompass and Black Knight. ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services Technology Advisor, is a subject matter expert in the mortgage origination process alon...
Apr 05, 2025•4 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , we sit down with Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, for a timely and insightful conversation on the state of the mortgage industry. From key advocacy efforts on Capitol Hill to the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Bob shares updates on GSE reform, HUD leadership, and the regulatory shifts shaping housing finance today. We also dive into market trends like consumer direct lending and the implications of recent M&A ...
Apr 04, 2025•36 min
This podcast segment covers the Senate’s pushback on the CFPB's overdraft rule, ongoing leadership changes at the Bureau, and renewed efforts to regulate trigger leads at the state level amid broader industry uncertainty. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 organizational eff...
Apr 04, 2025•3 min
This podcast segment unpacks unexpected bond market behavior amid inflation surprises, tariff uncertainty, and end-of-month trading dynamics—highlighting key trends from housing data to Fed sentiment. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 mark...
Apr 03, 2025•6 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , titled “Threading the Needle: Making Compliance Work in Mortgage Lending,” David Lykken is joined by Brian S. Levy—seasoned attorney, Harvard Law grad, and author of the widely-read Mortgage Musings newsletter—for a candid and insightful conversation on navigating the complex legal landscape of mortgage banking. Together, they dive into hot-button topics like RESPA reform, LO Comp challenges, the future of the CFPB, state-level enforcement, and how AI is im...
Apr 02, 2025•30 min
03-31-2025 It's As Easy As "1, 2, 3, 4" Tariffs, Cars, Gold, Oil ----------------------- Give us more patience than we've ever had Make it all better when it’s trending sad Tell him that he’s special even when we know Jay’s not. Chairman Jay Powell needs love. How does he do his job with bullets flying in all directions. Europe’s falling. Tariffs are rising. Wait, Europe is rising and tariff are falling. No, that’s China falling and tariffs rising. Just a minute, cars are falling and tariffs are...
Apr 02, 2025•1 min
This podcast segment covers the FHFA’s decision to rescind its UDAP oversight rule for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, easing compliance burdens and reinforcing the FTC’s authority over consumer protection enforcement. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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...
Apr 01, 2025•1 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...
Apr 01, 2025•52 min
This podcast segment covers the CFPB proposing two changes to the Fair Credit Reporting Act: one to regulate data brokers by requiring consumer consent for data use, and another to classify coerced debt under identity theft protections. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 org...
Mar 29, 2025•5 min
This podcast segment explores ICE Mortgage is advancing a unified technology platform by integrating Encompass and MSP systems, reflecting a broader push toward tech consolidation and simplified workflows across the mortgage industry. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 so...
Mar 29, 2025•7 min
This podcast segment covers the Fed’s decision to slow quantitative tightening and a steady rate outlook sparked a midweek bond rally, even as housing data remained mixed and markets await key inflation readings. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 re...
Mar 28, 2025•6 min
03-23-2025 Jay May Be a Goner or "Stay a Little Longer" ----------------------- So calm and so cool, markets try to be But it don't bother trends. The Fed reduced its selling of Treasuries. Consequently, it can provide more liquidity for investors moving from Stocks to short-term Treasuries. Chairman Powell also confirmed his desire to reduce the MBS portfolio to zero. When contrived markets, become free again, it's wild initially. Despite rising inflation risks, markets are relieved that the FO...
Mar 28, 2025•1 min
This podcast segment covers the Mortgage Bankers Association urging the FHFA to simplify its credit score modernization initiative, citing concerns over complexity, consumer cost, and implementation readiness. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 re...
Mar 27, 2025•2 min
In today’s shifting mortgage landscape, lenders are navigating tighter margins, rising costs, and increased regulatory pressure—yet few topics stir more frustration than the hidden financial burdens behind every transaction. In our latest LinkedIn Live episode, “The Real Cost of Lending: Credit Bureaus, Regulation & The Fight for Housing,” we sit down with Bill Cosgrove , CEO of Union Home Mortgage, and Alice Alvey , longtime industry executive, to unpack what’s really driving up costs in le...
Mar 26, 2025•45 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 25, 2025•56 min
This podcast segment explores shifting mortgage rates, housing supply challenges, and economic uncertainty, analyzing how market trends and buyer behavior could impact home values and lending strategies.
Mar 23, 2025•13 min
This podcast segment discussion examines the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac amid ongoing conservatorship debates, the financial and political barriers to privatization, and the potential impact of converting commercial properties into residential housing as a response to market shifts and urban vacancies. ---------------------------------------------------- Alice Alvey , Master CMB Vice President Partner Education and Training at Union Home Mortgage She handles development of their World C...
Mar 22, 2025•12 min
This podcast segment explores the latest in AI advancements, including Google's Gemini 2.0 image editing, the growing role of AI in compliance with ICE's "Ask Reggie," and key industry innovations recognized in the 2025 ICE Innovation Awards, all while emphasizing the strategic role of technology in mortgage and lending efficiency. ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services Technology Advisor, is a subj...
Mar 21, 2025•8 min
Despite a volatile bond market driven by CPI and PPI data, Treasury auctions, and shifting stock correlations, traders remain focused on the upcoming Fed announcement and dot plot, which could shape rate expectations for the months ahead. ----------------------------------------------------- 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...
Mar 20, 2025•6 min
03-17-2025 Expect Rates To Drop Like A "Grenade" ---------------------- Easing comes, easing goes. That's just how Fed lives Oh, stay, stay, stay it all, but Jay never gives. Fed Chairman Powell likes productivity gains and a steady Dollar. So, does Jay cheer the death of DEI in corporate America? Regardless, he’s in no hurry to give another ease. With Oil in the tank, inflation falling back, and the 10-year yield bouncing around 4.30, the odds of lower rates increase. Expect a drop to 3.60 by J...
Mar 19, 2025•1 min
This podcast segment covers the Senate’s confirmation of William Pulte as FHFA Director, the future of GSE conservatorship, credit score reforms, and MBA’s efforts to shape housing policy under the Trump administration. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 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...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 3 min
This podcast segment covers the latest mortgage market shifts, Rocket Mortgage’s bold acquisition of Redfin, insights on the future of real estate technology, and how AI is reshaping decision-making in the industry.
Mar 16, 2025•37 min
This podcast segment covers as Congress considers slashing CFPB funding to zero, mortgage industry experts discuss the potential compliance chaos, the shift toward state oversight, and the broader implications for lenders navigating evolving regulations. ---------------------------------------------------- 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...
Mar 15, 2025•5 min
This podcast segment explores using AI-driven insights, this discussion explores Rocket Mortgage’s $1.75 billion acquisition of Redfin, analyzing its strategy to dominate the homebuying process, potential industry shakeups, and the challenges it must overcome to succeed. ----------------------------------------------------- Allen Pollack , Tech Consultant Allen Pollack, a Mortgage & Financial Services Technology Advisor, is a subject matter expert in the mortgage origination process along wi...
Mar 14, 2025•7 min
