In this eye-opening episode of Lykken on Lending , we’re sitting down with Rob Chrane , founder and CEO of Down Payment Resource (DPR) , to reveal one of the mortgage industry's most powerful — and underutilized — tools: Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs . With over 2,500 active programs and a staggering 240,000+ updates annually , DPR is transforming the way lenders, realtors, and borrowers access homeownership opportunities. Rob shares his journey from real estate to mortgage lending and ...
May 28, 2025•37 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...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 7 min
This segment explores how rising interest costs, unreliable economic data, and congressional inaction are driving fiscal instability, while mortgage professionals are urged to lead in the present instead of betting on future rate drops.
May 24, 2025•14 min
This podcast segment unpacks the Rocket–Mr. Cooper merger and highlights how HMDA data provides critical insights not just for regulators, but for lenders, originators, and even job-seeking MLOs to evaluate partnerships and market impact. ----------------------------------------- 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 providi...
May 23, 2025•7 min
This podcast segment explores how AI is reshaping the mortgage experience—from pre-approvals to borrower retention—while emphasizing the urgent need for smarter tech alignment through growth maturity models and personalized engagement strategies. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 manag...
May 23, 2025•13 min
In this inspiring episode of Lykken on Lending , David Lykken sits down with Brian Covey, Divisional Senior Vice President at CrossCountry Mortgage, former D1 athlete, and executive coach, to explore what really defines leadership in today’s fast-paced world. Brian pulls back the curtain on his journey—from the soccer field to the boardroom—and shares why being present, not being in power, is the secret to authentic influence. You’ll hear practical strategies on intention-setting, minimizing dis...
May 23, 2025•37 min
This podcast segment covers critical regulatory updates from the CFPB and NMLS, previews the CSBS & state regulator summit, and ends with a humorous but insightful look at how seating choices at lunch can reveal a lot about performance dynamics in mortgage ops and sales teams. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Alice Alvey , Master CMB Vice President Partner Education and Training at Union Home Mortgage She handles development of their World Class Training pro...
May 23, 2025•3 min
This podcast segment covers how asymmetric risks, shifting inflation policy, and a surprise U.S. credit downgrade contributed to a turbulent week for the bond market. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 market data/analysis, and live chat wi...
May 22, 2025•5 min
05-19-2025 "Don't Speak" About Togetherness ---------------------- Treasuries. We used to be together. Mortgages together, always The trends for 30-year MBSs, the 10-year & 5-year futures are bullish. Meanwhile, the 30-year and 10-year Treasuries are bearish. To see 3.60 in the 10-year yield by June 30 has less than a 5% chance. Nevertheless, Don’t Speak about the budget drama. It will end with a positive outcome, leading to a significant decline in rates by the end of September. It's all en...
May 21, 2025•1 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , David interviews Randell Gillespie, newly appointed President of LeaderOne, about the evolving landscape of the mortgage industry. From his own recent job change to his powerful, people-centered leadership style, Randell shares insights on what today’s professionals should be thinking about: alignment, adaptability, and authenticity. They explore why job transitions are more than career moves — they’re opportunities for transformational leadership, meaningf...
May 21, 2025•49 min
This podcast segment covers how Congress is moving closer to protecting borrower privacy by limiting mortgage trigger leads, with strong advocacy support from the Mortgage Bankers Association. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 wi...
May 20, 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 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...
May 20, 2025•59 min
Marc Helm sounds off with a hopeful “Last Word,” highlighting Google’s use of AI to fight spam—and the massive productivity boost this could mean for professionals overwhelmed by digital clutter.
May 17, 2025•3 min
This podcast segment unpacks recent allegations of mortgage fraud involving public officials, sparking a deeper industry conversation about ethics, accountability, and the cost of compromising compliance for political connections. ----------------------------------------- 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 membe...
May 17, 2025•6 min
This segment delivers real-time insights on production, inflation, and tariffs while industry leaders urge originators to focus on mindset over rates.
May 17, 2025•9 min
This podcast segment calls out tech overload and urges mortgage execs to rethink their vendor strategy for better ROI and real adoption. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 services push to all things Digital, Allen has been helpi...
May 16, 2025•13 min
This podcast segment covers Fannie and Freddie release critical guideline clarifications as industry leaders weigh in on compliance, market focus, and staying steady in a shifting economy. ------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 effectiveness. Prior to UHM, Alice s...
May 16, 2025•17 min
In an industry where complexity often stands between consumers and homeownership, this episode— "Click, Close, and Qualify: The Future of Frictionless Home Financing" —features mortgage innovator Jeff Bode , President and CEO of Click n’ Close , who’s leading the charge toward simpler, smarter lending. Jeff shares how his team is transforming the borrower experience through eClosings, day-one certainty, and powerful down payment assistance programs like SmartBuy and shared appreciation options. ...
May 16, 2025•21 min
This podcast segment highlights bond traders awaiting Fed signals, trade-driven dollar strength, and a key oil-and-yield setup targeting a 3.60% 10-year by June 30. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 market data/analysis, and live chat with...
May 15, 2025•5 min
5.12.25 "Bonds" Hanging By A Moment ------------------ We’re standing here until Fed makes us move. Bonds Hanging By A Moment for a clue. Trade deals historically take years, but the nano-second world shortens time. The currency market concludes that the latest trade talks benefit the Dollar. Alternatively, Gold bugs see US tariffs leading to a new trading system where the US gets more fees and non-fee barriers decline. Watch Oil. If West TX Intermediate can’t close above $65, and the 10-year yi...
May 15, 2025•1 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , we dive into a groundbreaking development out of Texas that's shaping the future of AI in America. Joined by Steve Kinard and Pavan Agarwal of the AI Innovation Association, we explore the bipartisan momentum behind Senate Bill 1964 , a bill that lays the foundation for ethical AI standards in the public sector. From the concept of digital sovereignty to practical frameworks for innovation, this conversation reveals how Texas is setting the pace for respons...
May 15, 2025•55 min
This podcast segment covers HR 18115 advances in Congress, aiming to provide long-term stability and foreclosure relief for veterans through VA partial claims reform. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 e...
May 14, 2025•2 min
In this powerful episode of Lykken on Lending , I’m joined by Amir Syed—top-producing loan officer, dynamic coach, and founder of Go Coaching—for a conversation that’s as inspiring as it is tactical. From fleeing war-torn Iran as a child to becoming a mortgage industry leader, Amir shares the story of how faith, grit, and community shaped his journey. We discuss the mindset that drives success, the value of mentorship, and the framework behind his Mortgage Mastery Ladder—a coaching approach that...
May 14, 2025•53 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...
May 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min
This podcast segment covers changes to federal fair lending enforcement under a new executive order. It explores how the rollback of disparate impact standards affects lenders and the ongoing need for clear, consistent compliance 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 ...
May 10, 2025•5 min
This podcast segment covers the latest in mortgage tech, from app store lawsuits and accessibility compliance to fraud detection, eClosing adoption, and smarter borrower engagement powered by AI. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 financia...
May 09, 2025•9 min
This podcast segment covers a turbulent week in the bond market, as economic data, inflation signals, and tariff uncertainties fueled rising yields and challenged investor expectations ahead of the Fed’s policy update. ----------------------------------------------------- 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 w...
May 09, 2025•6 min
05-05-2025 "I Can't Tell You Why" Margins Fell Apart -------------------- Look at the markets, up all night Tearing our loans apart. Market chaos rips margins. Most hedgers can’t tell their superiors why the margins fell apart, forcing them to manage budgets dangerously. Buyers bought 4.44 in the 10-year yield, leading to a bear trap and reviving the Bulls. Look for a sub-4% in the 10-year yield as it gains momentum. So, our 10-year yield target of 3.60 is back. Every time, hedgers go sideways. ...
May 09, 2025•1 min
This podcast segment covers how Congress is moving closer to protecting borrower privacy by limiting mortgage trigger leads, with strong advocacy support from the Mortgage Bankers Association. ------------------------------------------------------------- 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 wi...
May 08, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Lykken on Lending , David Lykken welcomes back Pavan Agarwal, CEO of Sun West Mortgage and creator of Angel AI, for an exciting conversation about the future of mortgage servicing. They dive into how cutting-edge AI technology is dramatically lowering servicing costs — down to as little as $4 per loan — while restoring true borrower partnership and care. By combining a revolutionary AI-driven servicing platform with a deep-rooted culture of compassion, Sun West is not only sla...
May 07, 2025•33 min