April 8, 2025
Top Mortgage and Housing News Stories for April 8, 2025
Mortgage Rates Experience Fluctuations Amid Tariff Uncertainty
Mortgage rates have seen notable fluctuations recently, influenced by economic uncertainties stemming from new tariffs. The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage increased from 6.60% to 6.82% on Monday, marking the most significant single-day rise this year. These changes reflect market reactions to ongoing trade tensions and their potential impact on the economy.
Tariffs Expected to Increase New Home Construction Costs
Recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. government are projected to raise the cost of building new homes by an average of $9,200. This increase is attributed to higher prices for imported construction materials, including lumber and gypsum. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) estimates that these tariffs will significantly impact housing affordability and supply, particularly in states with a high volume of new constructions.
Counterpoint: Exemptions and Market Adjustments May Mitigate Cost Increases
However, some developments may help offset these cost increases. The U.S. government has confirmed exemptions from new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican construction materials, notably softwood lumber, which is a critical component in homebuilding. Canada supplies about 85% of U.S. softwood lumber imports, and this exemption is seen as a significant benefit by the NAHB. Additionally, exemptions for Mexican imports cover essential materials like gypsum, concrete, and appliances. These exemptions have led to a positive response in the market, with leading homebuilders experiencing stock gains between 3-5%
Furthermore, a recent decline in mortgage rates offers a potential counterbalance to the increased construction costs. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has fallen to its lowest point since October 2024, driven by investor shifts to safe-haven Treasury bonds amid economic uncertainty. This decrease in borrowing costs could enhance home affordability, potentially offsetting some of the price increases resulting from higher construction expenses.
Public Sentiment and Reactions
The public reaction to these developments is mixed. While there is concern over the potential rise in home prices due to increased construction costs, the exemptions on certain materials and the drop in mortgage rates provide some optimism. Prospective homebuyers and industry professionals are closely monitoring these factors to assess their combined impact on housing affordability and market dynamics.
Real Estate-Related Stock Performance
As of April 8, 2025, publicly traded real estate and mortgage companies have shown varied performance:
- Lennar Corporation (LEN): Trading at $105.50, down 1.2% from the previous close.
- D.R. Horton (DHI): Trading at $92.30, down 0.9%.
- Zillow Group (ZG): Trading at $48.75, up 0.5%.
These movements reflect investor responses to current housing market conditions and economic policies.
Positive Insights for Loan Officers
Despite the challenges posed by increased construction costs due to tariffs, loan officers can identify opportunities to assist clients:
- Leverage Lower Mortgage Rates: The recent decline in mortgage rates enhances affordability for potential homebuyers. Loan officers can guide clients to take advantage of these favorable borrowing conditions.
- Highlight Exempted Materials: Inform clients about the exemptions on certain construction materials, which may help moderate overall building costs and keep some new homes within reach.
- Emphasize Long-Term Investment Value: Despite short-term cost fluctuations, real estate remains a valuable long-term investment. Loan officers can reassure clients about the enduring benefits of homeownership.
By focusing on these areas, loan officers can navigate the current market landscape effectively and provide valuable services to their clients.
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
April 3, 2025
Get Your Self-Branded First Time Home Buyers Guide Book Today
If you’re not tapping into the First Time Home Buyer market, you’re leaving a huge opportunity on the table. They make up about 35% of all mortgage loans every year—that’s a ton of business you could be grabbing.
Today on The Complete Loan Officer hosted by Carl White at Mortgage Marketing Animals, Carl is going to break down exactly how to find and market to First Time Home Buyers. And here’s the kicker:
Carl’s also giving away his First Time Home Buyers Guide—a powerful resource you can brand to yourself or co-brand with your realtor partners. It’s a killer way to attract new clients and strengthen your referral relationships.
When: Today at 2pm ET (for MMA members)
Where: MortgageMarketingAnimals.com > Classes
Also, if you missed yesterday’s State of the Mortgage Industry webinar, you’ll want to catch the replay ASAP. Over 2,000 LOs registered and it maxed out the Zoom meeting—the information couldn’t be more timely.
Watch the replay here: Watch it here
And don’t forget—tomorrow on the Loan Officer Breakfast Club, we’ve got Chris Johnstone from LoanOfficerCRM.ai showing us how to build systems and processes within your CRM to skyrocket your efficiency.
Jump on our free Zoom call tomorrow from 8:30am to 9:00am ET at LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com.
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
April 2, 2025
Whoever Said “Nice Guys Finish Last” Never Met This LO!
Tomorrow morning’s LOBC Live Zoom call is one you definitely don’t want to miss. We’re featuring Bill “Rudy” Deavers—one of the most humble, hardworking, and highly successful loan officers in the business.
He’s got the plan down pat and consistently does high volume every single month. And tomorrow, he’s going to share exactly how he does it. No fluff. Just real strategies you can put to work right away.
We’re live from 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM ET at LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com. And remember—this call is always free for all loan officers.
For our MMA members: Tomorrow’s Complete Loan Officer Class with Carl White and Meg is happening at 2:00 PM ET. They’re going to reveal a killer First-Time Home Buyer presentation that’s been producing amazing results. To join, just go to the website and click on “Classes.”
And don’t forget—the Call Stars Blitz is coming up on April 16. This event is designed to push you out of your comfort zone and drive real, measurable results. If you’re ready to put the plan into action and see a massive spike in your numbers, you’ve got to be there. Get all the details and sign up at JoinMMACallStars.com.
Make sure you’re plugged in tomorrow—between Rudy Deavers’ strategies and Carl & Meg’s First-Time Home Buyer presentation, this is going to be a big one.
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
April 1, 2025
Let’s Get Blitzed on April 16, 2025
The last Call Stars Blitz was so wildly successful that we were practically begged to do another one. And we listened.
So, mark your calendar for April 16, 2025. It’s happening.
Here’s why you can’t afford to miss this:
On Blitz day, we’re going to equip you with everything you need to crush your calls.
First, we make sure you know exactly what list you should be calling. Even if you think you don’t have one, trust me—you do. We’ll show you how to put it together.
Then, we hand you a proven, intentionally crafted script designed to do one thing… get you results. And here’s the kicker—it’s not just about having a script. It’s about learning a carefully scripted way to ask for the business. Because if you don’t ask, you don’t get.
And the goal? 50 conversations. Not 50 calls. 50 conversations using an intentional script with a clear call to action.
But don’t just take my word for it. Here’s some results from the last Call Stars Blitz:
- Jason W.: 153 calls, 54 conversations, 5 referrals, and 1 appointment.
- Paulina B.: Had 50 conversations and walked away with 12 referrals.
- Dennis G.: 9 realtor appointments booked.
- Hil S.: 56 dials, 30 talk-to’s, and 12 referrals.
Here’s the bottom line…
The Call Stars Blitz is your chance to finally experience what’s possible when you follow a proven plan with a community of LOs supporting each other along the way.
Want in? Want results? Want to actually make some money?
Visit JoinMMACallStars.com to secure your spot.
April 16th. Be there. Ready to work. Ready to win.
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
March 30, 2025
The system that turns agents into deals (and Q2 into a win)
Can you believe Q1 is already behind us?
If you’re looking back thinking, “Dang, I could’ve done better…”, you’re not alone. And you don’t have to keep spinning your wheels.
Here’s what I see all the time: most loan officers know they need better relationships with real estate agents—the ones who actually work and send qualified buyers. But finding the right agents (and knowing what to say to them) can feel like a mystery.
That’s where we come in.
At Mortgage Marketing Animals, we’ve got a simple, proven system to help you connect with the right agents and turn those conversations into closed deals. Not guesswork—just a step-by-step plan that works.
If you’re ready to stop chasing shiny objects and start building a real pipeline, go here: DailySuccessPlan.com
Also—don’t miss this Wednesday’s LOBC call.
We’ve got Jimn Kyles (yep, Steve’s twin brother) joining us for a live session called:
“When Conflict Happens, Handle It Like a Leader.”
It’s all about leading through tough conversations—in business, with your team, even at home. Jimn’s giving you a practical framework you can use right away.
Live on Wednesday at 8:30 AM ET | LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com
Let’s make Q2 count.
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
March 28, 2025
See How to Close at Least 8 Loan Per Month in 30 Minutes.
Imagine waking up on the first of the month already knowing that your pipeline is full… that you’re on track to close at least 8 loans—again.
No guesswork. No stress. Just a simple, effective plan and process that works.
What would it feel like to finally have that kind of clarity and consistency?
How would it change your life if you could confidently count on that level of production, every single month?
This coming Monday on the Loan Officer Breakfast Club Live Zoom Call, we’re doing something special. Something that could shift the entire trajectory of your business.
Steve Kyles, one of the nation’s most respected mortgage coaches and a driving force behind Mortgage Marketing Animals, is going to lay it all out for you.
He’s pulling back the curtain and showing—step by step—how loan officers just like you are consistently closing at least 8 loans a month… and how you can too.
Steve isn’t just a coach—he’s a master at simplifying success.
He’s helped thousands of LOs break free from the chaos of inconsistent closings and get on a clear, repeatable path to high-level production.
His strategies are not theory… they’re battle-tested in the trenches with real results.
And the best part?
This call is 100% free for all loan officers nationwide. No strings. No gimmicks. Just raw, practical insight you can start using the moment the call ends.
So let me ask you…
What would change in your life if at least 8 closings a month became your new normal?
Would you finally take that vacation you’ve been putting off?
Would you reinvest in your business with confidence?
Would you spend more time with your family without worrying about where your next deal is coming from?
You’re just one Zoom call away from the answers.
Here’s how to join us:
Monday Morning
8:30 AM to 9:00 AM ET
LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com
Can’t make it live? Want the replay or more info? No problem—go here: WantMoreLoans.com
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
March 27, 2025
Zero-loan turnaround, smart borrower strategies & AI marketing—All in one week
>>First up: This morning on LOBC, we had Marty Guy Fink on—and man, what a story.
One year ago, her pipeline was empty. Like, zero loans. Now? She’s the #1 producer at her company. If you’re a member, you can catch the replay in the Classes section.
>>Second: Today, Carl’s teaching the Complete Loan Officer class.
He’s breaking down the different borrower types—who they are, which ones actually make you the most money, and how to find and convert them. Catch the class HERE
>>And tomorrow morning..
Chris Johnstone is jumping on the LOBC Zoom call to show how to use the new image tools inside ChatGPT to boost your mortgage marketing. Super practical stuff you can walk away knowing how to use.
See ya at 8:30 AM >> LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com
Let’s keep this momentum rolling.
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
March 26, 2025
Real Stories, Real Growth, Here’s What’s Going On
We’ve got a couple of things going on that you’re probably gonna want to be part of—especially if you’re in the thick of building your business or just looking for some honest, no-nonsense ways to grow it faster.
1. LOBC Zoom Call – Interview with Marty Guy Fink – March 27
Tomorrow morning on the Loan Officer Breakfast Club, we’re bringing on Marty Guy Fink. Just a year ago, she had zero loans in her pipeline. None. Fast forward to today—she’s the #1 producer at her company.
We’re gonna talk with her live about exactly what changed, what she did, and how she made it all happen. Join here: LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com
Totally free. Just real talk with real results.
2. State of the Mortgage Industry – April 2nd
Carl is also doing something special with the one and only, Owen Lee. This is one of those “pull back the curtain” kind of calls—no cushiony talk, just the straight-up truth about where the mortgage world stands and what to expect next.
The last time we did this, the Zoom room hit 1,000 and maxed out. So if you’re thinking about showing up, go ahead and register now, and log in early so you don’t miss your seat.
Here’s the link: StateOfTheMortgageIndustry.com
Whether you’re new around here or you’ve been crushing it for a while, these calls are the kind of stuff that helps you close more loans, build better relationships, and grow the business the way you actually want it
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
March 25, 2025
Struggle with Follow-Up Calls? We’ve Got You Covered!
Let’s talk about something a lot of LOs deal with — even the experienced ones won’t always admit it out loud…
You start strong. You’ve got your list. You’re making your follow-up calls to your pre-approved-and-lookin’ clients, and checking in with your referral partners like clockwork.
Week one? You’re feeling good.
Week two? Still going strong.
Week three? You’re starting to hit a rhythm.
Then around week five or six… something shifts.
You start thinking, “Am I bothering them? Am I being annoying? I don’t really have anything ‘new’ to say…”
So what happens?
You start skipping a few calls.
Then a few more.
And next thing you know — the momentum’s gone and that little voice in your head is saying, “Maybe follow-up calls just aren’t my thing.”
Let me stop you right there.
This is one of the most common — and most costly — mental blocks we see.
And the good news? It’s fixable.
Tomorrow morning on the Live Loan Officer Breakfast Club Zoom call (8:30–9:00am ET), we’re tackling this head-on.
We’re going to unpack why those calls start to feel “off” after a few weeks…
And more importantly, we’ll show you how to flip the script so they actually feel easy, natural, and even — dare I say it — fun.
There’s a right way to set people up for these follow-up calls so they expect to hear from you.
When done right, these calls aren’t “checking in” — they’re adding value, building trust, and keeping your pipeline humming.
So if you’ve ever found yourself pulling back after a few weeks of consistent outreach… or feeling like you’re just repeating yourself with nothing new to say… this call is 100% for you.
👉 Be there live: LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com
We’ll help you reframe how you think about follow-up — and give you the tools to make these calls feel effortless and impactful.
And hey — if something comes up and you can’t make it live, you can always get more info or catch a replay here:
👉 WantMoreLoans.com
Let’s squash the follow-up funk and make your calls a part of your business you actually look forward to.
See you tomorrow morning!
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links
Share this:
March 19, 2025
Tomorrow on LOBC Live: Owen Lee’s Market Update + Exclusive Slide Deck!
You know how fast things are moving in our industry right now—rates, guidelines, market shifts… it’s enough to make your head spin if you’re not staying ahead of the game. That’sexactly why you cannot afford to miss tomorrow morning’s Loan Officer Breakfast Club Zoom call.
We’ve got Owen Lee joining us for this week’s Mortgage Market Update—breaking down what’s happening right now and what it means for YOU and your business.
✅ What’s shifting in the market this week?
✅ How should you adjust your approach to win more loans?
✅ What’s coming next, and how can you stay ahead?
And here’s the kicker—Owen always brings an incredible slide deck that you can use in your own marketing to show clients and agents you’re the go-to expert. But here’s the deal… you’ve got to be on the live call to get it. No replays, no second chances—just show up and grab it while you can!
Join us LIVE at 8:30 AM ET / 5:30 AM PT. Grab your coffee, jump on, and start your day the right way!
👉 Click here to join: LoanOfficerBreakfastClub.com
See you there!
Powered by: Mortgage Marketing Animals
Important Links