🎙️ New Episode Alert – Mortgage Chatter

This week, Bailey and Tyler are diving into one of the biggest misconceptions in homebuying: you do NOT need perfect credit to get a mortgage.

They break down what lenders actually look for, how different credit tiers impact your options, and why waiting for a “perfect score” might be holding you back from buying.

Plus, they share practical tips to help you boost your credit score—fast—including what moves the needle (and what doesn’t).

If you’ve ever thought “I need to fix my credit before I even start,” this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in and take the first step toward homeownership with confidence.

What happens when the guy who structures loans for a living has to apply for one?

This week on Mortgage Chatter, Tyler shares his personal home buying experience — the stress, the surprises, and the perspective shift that comes from sitting on the other side of the table.

Tyler and Bailey talk about:

• The emotions buyers feel (even when you know the guidelines)
• Communication from the client’s point of view
• What loan officers get right — and where we can improve
• Why empathy matters more than expertise

Whether you’re in the industry or buying your first home, this episode gives a real look at what the process feels like from the borrower’s side.

Cheers!

nterest rates have been moving, housing values are fluctuating, and borrowers are left asking the big question: Is now the time to refinance—or should you stay put? In this episode, Tyler and Bailey break down the latest market dynamics, decode what recent rate trends mean for homeowners, and share real-world scenarios that can help you decide whether refinancing makes financial sense in 2026.

Whether you’re a borrower weighing cash-out versus rate-and-term, an investor assessing carry costs, or a loan officer counseling clients through rate volatility, we cover:

• 📈 Where mortgage rates have been and where they may be headed
• 📊 How changes in home values impact refinance math
• 🧮 Breaking down cost vs. benefit: “When does a refinance pay off?”
• 💡 Which borrowers should consider refinancing now
• 🚫 When it’s smarter to hold current financing
• 🛠️ Practical tools and tips for calculating your personal breakeven point

Forget the noise — we’ll give you the clarity you need to make savvy decisions in a shifting rate environment. Tune in and get equipped to help your clients (or yourself) make the right move.

On this week’s episode of The Mortgage Chatter, Tyler and Bailey clear up one of the most common (and most misunderstood) questions in homebuying: what’s the difference between getting pre-qualified and getting pre-approved?

They break down what each one actually means, why the difference matters way more than people realize, and how choosing the right one can impact your home search, your offer, and your confidence walking into the process. No jargon, no stress — just real talk to help you move smarter and faster.

Whether you’re just starting to browse Zillow or gearing up to make an offer, this episode will help you understand where you stand and what your next step should be.

As always, reach out with questions or feedback at themortgagechatter@home.com - 'till next time.

Cheers! 

 On this week’s special episode of The Mortgage Chatter, Tyler and Bailey kick things off with a very special birthday shout-out, brace for the snow, and then tackle a big question that’s way more exciting than it sounds: what even is a mortgage?!

From the moving parts behind the scenes to the key players you might not even realize are involved, we break down the basics, bust the confusion, and make mortgages make sense—no finance degree required. 

On top of a surprise giveaway and sneak peak at next week's topic. This is one you don't want to miss!

As always, reach out with any questions at themortgagechatter@home.com - we love feedback!

Cheers!

Hello 2026 and welcome back to The Mortgage Chatter!! 

Amidst the busy season of the holiday's we did get a little carried away and missed some episodes - Not to worry, 2026 we are coming back HARD and BETTER than EVER!

In our first episode back, we introduced our NEW co-host, Bailey Land, who is taking over for Ken Land - Ken, you will be missed! We briefly re-visited Bailey's journey and got him ready for our first real episode - the 21st of January - back to the basics... WHAT is a mortgage?!

Looking forward to another great year and more collaborations, guests, and wealth of knowledge. This is YOUR year to turn Homeownership into reality. 

We would love to get any feedback, episode ideas, or run through any scenarios and ideas YOU have.. feel free to reach out. We are a resource! Email us at themortgagechatter@home.com! 

Looking forward to getting you HOME. Cheers!

In the ever changing market - mortgage financing is always one of the top priorities. Why should you go with who?!

Most lenders can technically offer the same loan programs, rates, and options—but choosing the right one goes beyond the numbers. In this episode, Tyler and Ken break down why it matters who you work with, how quickly they respond, and who will actually get the job done for you. If you’re navigating a refinance, a first-time purchase, or just curious about what sets one lender apart from another, this episode gives you the perspective you need to make an informed decision. 

As always, feel free to reach out with any questions!

CHEERS!

With all the buzz in today's market, refinances are back in the spotlight! In this episode, Tyler and Ken break down when a refinance makes sense, the different types of refi options out there, and what homeowners should consider before jumping in. Touching briefly on the Fed and what there major meetings are in the near future. 

Whether it's lowering your rate, pulling out equity, or consolidating debt, we revisit the ins and outs of refinancing so you can decide if now is the right time for you!

As always, reach out with questions or episode ideas if you want to hear something specific.

Cheers!

In this episode of Mortgage Chatter, Tyler and Ken break down two of the most important documents in the homebuying process: the Loan Estimate (LE) and the Closing Disclosure (CD). Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding the differences—and what to look for—can save you money, stress, and surprises at the closing table.

They’ll cover:

• What each document is and when you receive it
• Key numbers to compare between the LE and CD
• Common fees that change (and shouldn’t)
• Red flags to watch out for
• Tips to avoid last-minute closing headaches

It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating a mortgage—and anyone who wants to feel more confident during the home loan process.

Cheers!

🎙️ The Mortgage Chatter

In this episode, we’re thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Mindy Rozear, a seasoned expert in reverse mortgages. As demand grows for smarter retirement solutions, Mindy brings deep knowledge, real-life experience, and a fresh perspective on how reverse mortgages can support aging homeowners and their families.

Tune in as we cover:

• Who qualifies for a reverse mortgage
• Common myths and misconceptions
• How they can fit into a retirement strategy

Whether you're a homeowner exploring options or a professional advising clients, this episode brings clarity to a powerful (and often misunderstood) financial tool.

🎧 Subscribe and listen now — it’s time to talk mortgages that matter.

CHEERS!

Join your hosts Ken and Tyler as they take a deep dive into the world of DSCR loans — a powerful tool for real estate investors. And this time, they’re joined by Bailey, who's learning the ropes right alongside you, bringing a fresh perspective to the conversation.

DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loan programs are designed specifically with investors in mind. But what exactly goes into qualifying for one? And how do these loans differ from your typical forward mortgage?
 👉 Tune in to this investor-focused episode to get the full breakdown of what makes DSCR loans such a unique and flexible financing option.

Have a specific scenario or question in mind? Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re happy to walk you through the details and explore how these programs could fit your investment goals.

Coming up next week: We’ll be joined by a special guest — an investor-focused real estate agent — who will share insights from the realtor side of the investment game. You won’t want to miss it!

Cheers!

In this special episode of The Mortgage Chatter, your hosts Tyler and Ken brought back in a familiar face! 

Bailey, one of our very first guest appearances, has gone from an outsider asking questions - to one of your newest licensed Mortgage Loan Officers! We thought it would be fun to get Bailey back on the Podcast and talk about the differences of looking in vs being in. 

We touch on what it takes to become a licensed loan officer, as well as what made Bailey decide to join the industry and take on the pleasure of getting homebuyer's taken care of!

Next episode, we cover all things DSCR - not sure what "DSCR" stands for? Be sure to tune in to the next episode for a great overview!

Cheers!

On this week's episode of The Mortgage Chatter, your hosts, Tyler and Ken, catch-up on their where-abouts lately! 

Back in full action - at a new location. The storm of moving and Easter has passed and we are back to regularly scheduled programming!

They also touched on the Roller Coaster of the market lately - what has happened and where things are looking in regards to mortgage rates. It has been a crazy past few weeks - and a little insight is always good to stay in the loop!

As always, please reach out with thoughts/questions/ideas too themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com! 

CHEERS!

In this special episode of the Mortgage Chatter, your hosts Ken Land and Tyler Kornhauser brought in a VERY important and special guest - Jane Kornhauser, head of operations at our branch! AND it is our last episode at our office that has been home base for years! Tune in for the new office tour coming to our YouTube soon!!

Jane has not only worked with Ken for numerous years and brings an incredible experience and knowledge skillset. But YES! You guessed it, is your co-host's Mother!! 

With a great background in the mortgage industry, Jane leads our Ops team here in the Carolinas and is a walking encyclopedia!! We brought Jane in to explain more about what happens 'behind the scenes' if you will - you have seen what Loan Officers do, and heard about the behind the scenes. But Jane goes into high level detail and speaks on what her and her team do off the radar to help your loan get to the closing table! Jane and her team are a crucial asset here, and without them the mortgage process may be more complicated than it should be!

If you are curious about what Jane and her team does, reach out and send us an email! Or if you have a specific topic you would like to hear, let us know and we will be sure to cover it!

themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com

CHEERS!

Part 2 of the insurance deep dive!! In part 1 we went line by line through an insurance policy. In this 2nd part, we dive into some tips and tricks on how to get your premium lower, while still getting great coverage! 

Also in this episode, we dive into some optional coverage that could be very beneficial for you and particular situations, like rental properties! 

You can reach out for more information to us or Josh himself at (843) 352-6315!

We would love to hear what you think of our first ever 2 part episode! You can reach out to us at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com!

As always, Cheers!

This episode of the Mortgage Chatter will be 2 parts, because we brought in another insurance agent with Brightway Insurance, Josh Smith, who gives us a deep dive breakdown on a homeowner's insurance policy! 

The Mortgage Chatter has already had one Brightway agent, who helped shed some light on Homeowner's Insurance and the world as a whole. So this week, we decided to dig DEEP! Line for line what is a Homeowner's Insurance Policy contains. What are the coverages? How do they come up with these numbers? 

Tune in for the next episode, part 2, for some tips and tricks to lower your premiums and still have great coverage!

Josh is able to help you out in the Carolina's or Georgia! He can be contacted at josh.smith@brightway.com, by phone directly at (843) 352-6315 or the office (843) 408-4554

As always, please reach out to us with any ideas or questions you may have - that is what we are here for!! themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com

Cheers!

On this episode of The Mortgage Chatter, we're excited to welcome a special guest, Jenn Finnegan from Keller Williams South Park! 

With several years of experience in the industry, Jenn has quickly risen to become one of the top Realtors in the Charlotte Metro area. After gaining invaluable knowledge on her first team, she now brings her expertise and passion to help clients find their dream homes. Having spent most of her life in the Charlotte area, Jenn has an in-depth understanding of the local market and is committed to offering a personalized, top-notch experience to each of her clients.

Buying a home shouldn’t be overwhelming. When you partner with an expert like Jenn, you’ll have a guide who not only knows the ins and outs of the process but also tailors every step to your unique needs. Ready to start your homebuying journey? Reach out to Jenn today—and don’t forget to get pre-approved!

Jenn Finnegan: jenn@jennfinnegan.com

Want to be a guest on the show? Have a specific topic in mind? Or maybe just want to say hello? We’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com.

Cheers!

The Mortgage Chatter team is kicking off 2025 with an EPIC episode you won't want to miss!

Hosts Tyler and Ken sit down with real estate investing expert Tom Tousignant to dive deep into the world property investment. With a background in the Air Force, years of experience in the mortgage industry, and over 20 investment properties under his belt, Tom is the perfect person to share valuable insights on how to get started and scale your investment portfolio.

In this episode, Tom covers everything from the reasons to invest, to the essential steps for purchasing your first property, and strategies for expanding your portfolio. He also shares some insider tips and hacks to help you start investing today!

Interested in learning more? Feel free to reach out to us at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com or give us a call at (803) 207-4454. We'd love to discuss your scenarios and help you take the next step towards investing in YOUR future!

2025 if the year to invest in yourself - let's make it happen!

Cheers!

2025 already!?!?! 2024 flew past and we can't thank everyone enough for supporting and following alongside The Mortgage Chatter! Ken and Tyler had a great time starting up the Mortgage Chatter and are thrilled to elevate going into 2025.

The first episode of the New Year, Ken and Tyler thought it would be a great opportunity to talk about MARKET TRENDS! How 2024 started, the predictions, and how things ended. Looking forward to 2025, where the market has started, and the projections for the year to come. 

We would love to connect and walk you through everything in more detail, as well as walk through the 1/0 Temporary Buydown we mentioned! We are here for YALL! So any ideas/thoughts/questions are always welcome - we hope you are looking forward to 2025 as  much as us!

Source for rates: https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms

CHEERS!

What is a HELOC or 2nd Mortgage?! This week on The Mortgage Chatter, your hosts Ken and Tyler dive in to the world of 2nd liens! 

Have a fantastic interest rate but want to use your home's equity for some updates or repairs?! A HELOC can help bridge the gap and use equity WITHOUT refinancing your mortgage!

Found a dream house that may need a few repairs? A renovation loan could help get the home up to standards without needing repair funds out of pocket!

There is opportunity and options for YOU!

Want to hear more? Reach out Today!! 

Happy Holidays, Happy New year, and Cheers!

On this episode of The Mortgage Chatter, Ken and Tyler dive into what happens after you close on your mortgage! Servicing!

Who are servicers, what they do, and how they can help you! This information filled episode takes a look at how servicing happens and the significance behind mortgage servicers! 

They also touched on a few things servicers can do, like recasts - or the dreaded trigger leads! And advice on how to avoid tele-marketers and how to sign up for the Do Not Call registry (links below!)!

Unwanted Solicitation: 1-888-5-OPT-OUT or www.optoutscreen.com

Do Not Call Registry: 1-888-382-1222 or www.donotcall.gov

As always, feedback is much appreciated and you can reach us directly at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com!

Cheers!

Hey Mortgage Chatter-ers!

On this episode of the Mortgage Chatter - your hosts, Ken and Tyler, take a step back from all the Mortgage Chattering and touch on Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp!

At Fairway, Mortgages are what we do, not who we are! There is more to Fairway than just mortgages, from our charities to our support - Fairway is a Family!

Fairway Cares: FairwayCares.org

AWI: AmericanWarriorInitiative.com

As always, feedback is greatly appreciated - and if you want to hear a special topic, let us know at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com!

CHEERS!

The Mortgage Chatter has had a great time bringing on guests and industry experts! And this episode is not shy of either!! 

One of the crucial steps in buying a home is homeowner's insurance! So, your hosts Ken and Tyler, reached out to a dear friend and expert in insurance - Dimitri Apostle from Brightway Insurance! Dimitri and Ken have worked together for nearly 15 years providing exceptional service - but what is homeowner's insurance?

What drives premiums? What can help lower the premium? ROOFS?! 

Dimitri gives a crash course on everything insurance, as well as answer a few questions Ken and Tyler had! Very interesting to hear about the large world of homeowner's insurance, especially after the recent hurricanes that could spike claims!

Dimitri Apostle can be reached at www.brightwayinsurancecharlotte.com - he has a great team that will provide honest, quick and reliable information to help you make sure you are fully aware of what is going on behind the scenes!

As always, here at the Mortgage Chatter - we LOVE feedback!! You can email us at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com or reach out on our website fairwaymortgagecarolinas.com!

CHEERS!

Special edition of this week's Mortgage Chatter!! Tyler and Ken host Miss Tar Heel Collegiate America, Lera Bogdanova, to ask some fantastic First-Time Home Buyer questions! This episode is laid back and a true conversation with a first-timer who wanted to know some specifics about buying a home!

Lera is wrapping up her education at Southeastern College studying Radiologic Tech - she also competes in pageants AND recently started coaching the next generation! You can reach out to her at glowingandgrowingconsulting.com and find all her socials at the bottom of her website!

A message from Lera: As a first-generation American, I understand the true meaning of B.R.A.V.E. as I struggled to find my place and make friends when I moved to the US at a young age. With 7 years of pageant experience, I've now made it my mission to use my real-life experiences to empower youth to embrace their individuality, teaching them that being different helps you make a difference!

Feedback is always appreciated! You can reach us at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com or go to our website fairwaymortgagecarolinas.com! We have some awesome guests coming soon so stay tuned!!! 

On this week's episode of The Mortgage Chatter, your hosts, Ken and Tyler jump into a big question that has surfaced recently! To refinance or not to refinance!? While rates are dropping, and it may be a good time to refinance to lower your monthly mortgage payment - there is more possibilities out there than some may think! Cash-out refinance to consolidate credit card or other debts are also great ways to give your self a pay raise! Learn about the different types or refinances and see if YOU are ready to refinance, or stick it out a little longer!

See the below links for the examples referenced in the episode!

Ken's: https://mcedge.tv/12yyy0

Tyler's: https://mcedge.tv/wm00n4

The Mortgage Chatter is back to its regular uploading schedule - summer vacations are over!! On this episode - the number 1 question asked! What are RATES? Your hosts, Tyler and Ken dive into where rates come from, how they are obtained and loads more hints and tips as to what drives mortgage interest rates!

Have questions? Want to hear about something specific? Just want to say hi? Reach out to us at themortgagechatter@fairwaymc.com! Feedback is always appreciated!

On this weeks episode of The Mortgage Chatter - your hosts Tyler and Ken dive what different mortgage options there are out there! A few characteristics of the different programs and paths - as well as a few pros and cons of all the options discussed!
Now that you know your options and that it is ALWAYS the RIGHT TIME TO BUY - what are you waiting for?! Reach out to us today at theMortgageChatter@fairwaymc.com!

In this episode of The Mortgage Chatter - your hosts, Tyler and Ken dive into to the number 1 question we get asked! Is now the right time to buy a house! In our opinion - YES! Absolutely! Tune-in and see why and also get a break down of a scenario on buying vs renting!

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7209571622117085186/

On this episode of The Mortgage Chatter, your hosts take a look at the mortgage process as a whole. The key steps and what they will look like. While the process can be summarized in 6 simple steps - Tyler and Ken break down those steps by getting into what is required and what happens in each step of the way!

On this weeks episode of the Mortgage Chatter, your hosts delve into the world of pre-approvals versus a pre-qualification. What is the difference? What is more useful? What does it take to get there? Tune in to find out!

Join us for the first real episode of The Mortgage Chatter podcast! Your hosts, Tyler and Ken dive in to what a mortgage really is! There is many aspects of a mortgage - this first episode touches on the basics. The players, the types and more! Buckle-up, it is only getting better from here!

In the first ever episode of The Mortgage Chatter, your hosts Tyler and Ken introduce themselves and provide a brief forecast of what you can expect to get out of this mortgage podcast! Thank you for tuning in!