Mortgage Queen Academy: All Things Home Loans, Credit, and Real Estate Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:44:30 -0600 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2569465 en-us © 2026 Mortgage Queen Academy: All Things Home Loans, Credit, and Real Estate yes 834a9300-5a01-57ef-9c73-4e297bcef4b7 home@regalmtg.com Regal Mortgage episodic false All Things Home Loans, Credit & Real Estate breaks down the parts of homeownership no one ever explains, without the fluff or confusing jargon. Hosted by an experienced mortgage professional, Deborah Criddle also known as the Mortgage Queen, this podcast dives into home loans, credit strategy, real estate trends, and the financial decisions that shape your future. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, seasoned homeowner, real estate agent, or just trying to make smarter money moves, each episode delivers clear insights, real-world examples, and practical advice you can actually use. If you want to understand the “why” behind the numbers and feel confident navigating the path to homeownership and wealth, this is the show for you. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Regal Mortgage home@regalmtg.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/7vkf906km8m3anmfsgsm1tq5c7yp?.jpg Mortgage Queen Academy: All Things Home Loans, Credit, and Real Estate https://www.buzzsprout.com/2569465 Bank Statement Loans Explained: Part 2 | Who Qualifies Bank Statement Loans Explained: Part 2 | Who Qualifies If you're self-employed, getting approved for a mortgage takes more than just owning a business. In this video, we break down how lenders analyze 12–24 months of business bank statements, what they're looking for in your deposits, why consistency matters, and the red flags that can delay or derail an approval. We also cover credit score requirements, down payment expectations, debt-to-income ratios, reserve requirements, and how large deposits or insufficient funds can impact your loan. If you're a business owner preparing to buy a home or investment property, this video will help you understand what lenders evaluate and how to put yourself in the best position for approval.

]]> If you're self-employed, getting approved for a mortgage takes more than just owning a business. In this video, we break down how lenders analyze 12–24 months of business bank statements, what they're looking for in your deposits, why consistency matters, and the red flags that can delay or derail an approval. We also cover credit score requirements, down payment expectations, debt-to-income ratios, reserve requirements, and how large deposits or insufficient funds can impact your loan. If you're a business owner preparing to buy a home or investment property, this video will help you understand what lenders evaluate and how to put yourself in the best position for approval.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-19470959 Thu, 09 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0600 474 full false Bank Statement Loans Explained: Part 1 | What They Are Bank Statement Loans Explained: Part 1 | What They Are If you're self-employed and your tax returns don't show enough income to qualify for a traditional mortgage, a bank statement loan could be the solution. In this video, we break down how bank statement loans work, who qualifies, the differences from pre-2008 stated income loans, and why these programs can help self-employed borrowers purchase or refinance a home.

]]> If you're self-employed and your tax returns don't show enough income to qualify for a traditional mortgage, a bank statement loan could be the solution. In this video, we break down how bank statement loans work, who qualifies, the differences from pre-2008 stated income loans, and why these programs can help self-employed borrowers purchase or refinance a home.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-19436580 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 09:00:00 -0600 358 full false FHA Mortgage Insurance FHA Mortgage Insurance This video breaks down FHA mortgage insurance in a simple, real-world way, explaining why it exists, how it works, and why it’s often misunderstood. Deb covers both the upfront and monthly mortgage insurance premiums, why FHA loans allow lower credit scores and smaller down payments, and how these benefits help more people become homeowners. She also compares FHA loans to conventional loans, highlighting differences in interest rates and long-term costs, and explains why mortgage insurance doesn’t automatically go away with FHA loans. Ultimately, the video emphasizes that FHA isn’t a “bad” loan program, it’s a powerful tool when used correctly, and encourages buyers, sellers, and agents to better understand the numbers before making decisions.

]]> This video breaks down FHA mortgage insurance in a simple, real-world way, explaining why it exists, how it works, and why it’s often misunderstood. Deb covers both the upfront and monthly mortgage insurance premiums, why FHA loans allow lower credit scores and smaller down payments, and how these benefits help more people become homeowners. She also compares FHA loans to conventional loans, highlighting differences in interest rates and long-term costs, and explains why mortgage insurance doesn’t automatically go away with FHA loans. Ultimately, the video emphasizes that FHA isn’t a “bad” loan program, it’s a powerful tool when used correctly, and encourages buyers, sellers, and agents to better understand the numbers before making decisions.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-19015123 Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0600 1040 full false VA Loans - You Earned The Benefit, So Use It! VA Loans - You Earned The Benefit, So Use It! VA loans are one of the most powerful home loan programs available, but also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Deb “The Mortgage Queen” breaks down how VA loans really work, including zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, lower interest rates, and flexible credit guidelines. She also clears up major myths, like whether you can reuse your VA benefits, who actually pays closing costs, and why VA appraisals aren’t something to fear. Plus, a full breakdown of the VA funding fee, when it applies, and how some veterans can get it waived entirely. If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or a real estate professional, this is a must-watch to understand how to fully leverage VA home loan benefits.

]]> VA loans are one of the most powerful home loan programs available, but also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, Deb “The Mortgage Queen” breaks down how VA loans really work, including zero down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, lower interest rates, and flexible credit guidelines. She also clears up major myths, like whether you can reuse your VA benefits, who actually pays closing costs, and why VA appraisals aren’t something to fear. Plus, a full breakdown of the VA funding fee, when it applies, and how some veterans can get it waived entirely. If you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or a real estate professional, this is a must-watch to understand how to fully leverage VA home loan benefits.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18945298 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0600 1607 full false Credit Reports In The Real World Credit Reports In The Real World In this episode, Deborah “The Mortgage Queen” breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in home buying, credit scores. She explains why the scores you see on apps like Credit Karma or your credit card don’t match what mortgage lenders use, and how different credit models can create major score differences. You’ll learn the key differences between soft pulls and hard inquiries, how lenders actually evaluate your credit, and why monitoring tools are helpful, but not definitive. She also shares insider strategies on improving your score quickly (especially with credit cards), common mistakes to avoid, and what upcoming changes like VantageScore 4.0 could mean for borrowers. If you're planning to buy a home, this episode will help you understand how to properly manage and prepare your credit.


00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview
00:10 – Why Credit Scores Are Misunderstood
00:42 – Different Credit Models Explained
01:27 – Why Your Score Doesn’t Match the Lender’s
02:02 – How Lenders Use Credit Reports
03:03 – Hard Pull vs Soft Pull (Key Differences)
03:52 – What Credit Monitoring Apps Actually Show
05:05 – VantageScore 4.0 & Future Changes
06:43 – Common Credit Score Mistakes Buyers Make
10:40 – Fastest Way to Improve Your Credit Score
14:03 – Final Advice for Homebuyers


Regal Mortgage Team regalmtg.com/our-team 

Facebook facebook.com/mtgqueendeborahcriddle 

Instagram instagram.com/regal.mortgage 

TikTok tiktok.com/@regal.mortgage?_t=ZT-8y8bJd5uKnP&_r=1

]]> In this episode, Deborah “The Mortgage Queen” breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in home buying, credit scores. She explains why the scores you see on apps like Credit Karma or your credit card don’t match what mortgage lenders use, and how different credit models can create major score differences. You’ll learn the key differences between soft pulls and hard inquiries, how lenders actually evaluate your credit, and why monitoring tools are helpful, but not definitive. She also shares insider strategies on improving your score quickly (especially with credit cards), common mistakes to avoid, and what upcoming changes like VantageScore 4.0 could mean for borrowers. If you're planning to buy a home, this episode will help you understand how to properly manage and prepare your credit.


00:00 – Welcome & Episode Overview
00:10 – Why Credit Scores Are Misunderstood
00:42 – Different Credit Models Explained
01:27 – Why Your Score Doesn’t Match the Lender’s
02:02 – How Lenders Use Credit Reports
03:03 – Hard Pull vs Soft Pull (Key Differences)
03:52 – What Credit Monitoring Apps Actually Show
05:05 – VantageScore 4.0 & Future Changes
06:43 – Common Credit Score Mistakes Buyers Make
10:40 – Fastest Way to Improve Your Credit Score
14:03 – Final Advice for Homebuyers


Regal Mortgage Team regalmtg.com/our-team 

Facebook facebook.com/mtgqueendeborahcriddle 

Instagram instagram.com/regal.mortgage 

TikTok tiktok.com/@regal.mortgage?_t=ZT-8y8bJd5uKnP&_r=1

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18913232 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0600 950 full false The Truth Behind Interest Rates The Truth Behind Interest Rates This epsiode breaks down the common misconception that Federal Reserve rate cuts directly lower mortgage rates. In reality, mortgage rates are driven by long-term factors like mortgage-backed securities and the 10-year Treasury yield, not the Fed’s short-term rate decisions. Deb explains how inflation, economic data (like CPI, PCE, jobs, and retail sales), and investor behavior ultimately dictate where mortgage rates go. While Fed cuts can signal economic shifts, markets often price in those expectations ahead of time, which is why rates don’t drop the way people expect. The key takeaway: today’s “normal” mortgage range is likely in the mid-5% to mid-6% range, and waiting for dramatically lower rates may cost buyers more in rising home prices and lost time, making it smarter to buy when financially ready and refinance later if rates improve.

]]> This epsiode breaks down the common misconception that Federal Reserve rate cuts directly lower mortgage rates. In reality, mortgage rates are driven by long-term factors like mortgage-backed securities and the 10-year Treasury yield, not the Fed’s short-term rate decisions. Deb explains how inflation, economic data (like CPI, PCE, jobs, and retail sales), and investor behavior ultimately dictate where mortgage rates go. While Fed cuts can signal economic shifts, markets often price in those expectations ahead of time, which is why rates don’t drop the way people expect. The key takeaway: today’s “normal” mortgage range is likely in the mid-5% to mid-6% range, and waiting for dramatically lower rates may cost buyers more in rising home prices and lost time, making it smarter to buy when financially ready and refinance later if rates improve.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18901527 Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0600 1353 full false First Payments And Servicing Transfers First Payments And Servicing Transfers Learn everything you need to know about your first mortgage payment, avoiding late fees, paying ahead, managing escrow accounts, and understanding servicing transfers. Get practical tips to stay on top of your mortgage and protect your credit.

]]> Learn everything you need to know about your first mortgage payment, avoiding late fees, paying ahead, managing escrow accounts, and understanding servicing transfers. Get practical tips to stay on top of your mortgage and protect your credit.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18877067 Thu, 19 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0600 957 full false Your Money And Where It Goes Your Money And Where It Goes This episode breaks down the financial side of buying a home, focusing on earnest money, escrow accounts, and how funds move during a real estate transaction. Listeners will learn what counts as valid funds, how title companies handle money, and what protections exist to avoid losing earnest money. Practical tips are included for preparing money for closing and understanding credits, debits, and the role of escrow in both closing and ongoing mortgage payments.

]]> This episode breaks down the financial side of buying a home, focusing on earnest money, escrow accounts, and how funds move during a real estate transaction. Listeners will learn what counts as valid funds, how title companies handle money, and what protections exist to avoid losing earnest money. Practical tips are included for preparing money for closing and understanding credits, debits, and the role of escrow in both closing and ongoing mortgage payments.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18864747 Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1038 full false Basic Refinance 101 Basic Refinance 101 In this Refinancing 101 breakdown, Deb “The Mortgage Queen” walks through when refinancing makes sense, and when it absolutely doesn’t. From divorce and life changes to cash-out refinances, HELOC pitfalls, interest calculations, and break-even math, this video explains how to think strategically about refinancing so you don’t hurt your long-term financial future. If you’re considering a refinance, this is required viewing.

]]> In this Refinancing 101 breakdown, Deb “The Mortgage Queen” walks through when refinancing makes sense, and when it absolutely doesn’t. From divorce and life changes to cash-out refinances, HELOC pitfalls, interest calculations, and break-even math, this video explains how to think strategically about refinancing so you don’t hurt your long-term financial future. If you’re considering a refinance, this is required viewing.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18825553 Tue, 10 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0600 1394 full false FHA Flipping Rule FHA Flipping Rule The FHA flipping rule is one of the most misunderstood aspects of real estate investing. In this guide, Deb explains how FHA loans affect house flips, including the mandatory 90-day waiting period, dual appraisal requirements, and tips for real estate agents and property investors to navigate FHA restrictions. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes, understand seller obligations, and plan successful flips while catering to FHA buyers.

]]> The FHA flipping rule is one of the most misunderstood aspects of real estate investing. In this guide, Deb explains how FHA loans affect house flips, including the mandatory 90-day waiting period, dual appraisal requirements, and tips for real estate agents and property investors to navigate FHA restrictions. Learn how to avoid costly mistakes, understand seller obligations, and plan successful flips while catering to FHA buyers.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18785459 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0700 927 full false Down Payment Assistance - Get into a home with only $500 Down Payment Assistance - Get into a home with only $500 In this podcast, Deborah breaks down down payment assistance options with a deep dive into the Idaho Housing program and how buyers can get into a home with as little as $500 out of pocket. She covers income limits, how the assistance loan works, stacking options with FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA loans, and why this program can be a game changer for first-time and low-cash buyers. If saving for a down payment has been holding you back, this is a must-watch.

]]> In this podcast, Deborah breaks down down payment assistance options with a deep dive into the Idaho Housing program and how buyers can get into a home with as little as $500 out of pocket. She covers income limits, how the assistance loan works, stacking options with FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA loans, and why this program can be a game changer for first-time and low-cash buyers. If saving for a down payment has been holding you back, this is a must-watch.

]]> Buzzsprout-18742656 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0700 487 full false Manufactured and Modular Home Loans Manufactured and Modular Home Loans Manufactured homes and modular homes are often misunderstood, but they can be one of the smartest affordable housing options available today. In this podcast, Deborah breaks down the key differences between manufactured vs modular homes, how they’re built, how they’re appraised, and what financing options are available. She covers common myths about safety, value, and financing, explains HUD vs IRC building codes, and shows why these homes can be faster, more affordable, and more flexible than traditional stick-built houses. If you’re considering buying land, building a home, or looking for creative ways to enter the housing market, this episode is a must-listen.

]]> Manufactured homes and modular homes are often misunderstood, but they can be one of the smartest affordable housing options available today. In this podcast, Deborah breaks down the key differences between manufactured vs modular homes, how they’re built, how they’re appraised, and what financing options are available. She covers common myths about safety, value, and financing, explains HUD vs IRC building codes, and shows why these homes can be faster, more affordable, and more flexible than traditional stick-built houses. If you’re considering buying land, building a home, or looking for creative ways to enter the housing market, this episode is a must-listen.

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18719963 Fri, 20 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0700 1082 full false Home Loan Pre-Qualification Process Home Loan Pre-Qualification Process In this episode, Deborah goes into detail on every step of the pre-qualification process. 

]]> In this episode, Deborah goes into detail on every step of the pre-qualification process. 

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18578605 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0700 998 full false Extra Costs You Didn’t Know You Were Paying Extra Costs You Didn’t Know You Were Paying In this episode, Deborah explains Loan Level Price Adjustments (LLPAs). She talks about the cost that they are to borrowers, and the fact that most borrowers don’t even know they are paying for them. She also talks about the possibility of LLPAs going away for a little while with the latest talk from Trump, and the huge benefit that would be to borrowers trying to buy and refinance. 

]]> In this episode, Deborah explains Loan Level Price Adjustments (LLPAs). She talks about the cost that they are to borrowers, and the fact that most borrowers don’t even know they are paying for them. She also talks about the possibility of LLPAs going away for a little while with the latest talk from Trump, and the huge benefit that would be to borrowers trying to buy and refinance. 

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18555345 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700 638 full false Real Estate Is A Long Game Real Estate Is A Long Game In this episode, Deborah teaches about DSCR investment loans, aka: loans that help you buy an investment property without providing any income documents. She uses real numbers, and shows you how to invest in real estate now, so you can benefit from the cash flow later. If you want to invest in real estate, then this episode is for you! 

]]> In this episode, Deborah teaches about DSCR investment loans, aka: loans that help you buy an investment property without providing any income documents. She uses real numbers, and shows you how to invest in real estate now, so you can benefit from the cash flow later. If you want to invest in real estate, then this episode is for you! 

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18542316 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0700 719 full false $10,000 LESS Purchase Price - What should I do with it? $10,000 LESS Purchase Price - What should I do with it? In this episode, Deb is breaking down the question going around the internet: “What if we have a $10,000 less purchase price?” She gives different scenarios and uses real numbers to help you make informed decisions. 

]]> In this episode, Deb is breaking down the question going around the internet: “What if we have a $10,000 less purchase price?” She gives different scenarios and uses real numbers to help you make informed decisions. 

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18457797 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700 824 full false Mortgage Insurance - Why do we need it? Mortgage Insurance - Why do we need it? In this episode, Deb is explaining why we need mortgage insurance with a real life scenario and numbers. 

]]> In this episode, Deb is explaining why we need mortgage insurance with a real life scenario and numbers. 

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18457726 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0700 184 full false Student Loan Deep Dive Student Loan Deep Dive During this episode, Deb does a deep dive into student loans and how they are handled during the mortgage loan process. She also talks about the misunderstandings around them and gives real world examples of how they are factored in. 

]]> During this episode, Deb does a deep dive into student loans and how they are handled during the mortgage loan process. She also talks about the misunderstandings around them and gives real world examples of how they are factored in. 

]]> Regal Mortgage Buzzsprout-18457602 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0700 453 full false