In this episode of The Mortgage Guy Podcast, Adam Rose—Vice President & Senior Loan Officer at Western Ohio Mortgage—delivers a concise mortgage market update, breaking down where interest rates, housing inventory, and buyer activity stand as we head into the spring market. Mortgage rates remain flat following the latest Fed meeting, with no immediate rate cuts expected. Adam explains how a weaker U.S. dollar, rising gold and silver prices, and upcoming jobs data could influence inflation and future rate movement. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue projecting rates trending into the low 5% range later this year, depending on economic conditions. 🏡 Spring housing market outlook: Homes are taking slightly longer to sell, but well-priced, updated properties in strong locations are still moving quickly. Adam explains what buyers and sellers should expect in March, April, and the 2026 spring housing season, including the possibility of additional price adjustments. ⚖️ Major mortgage industry news: This episode covers a new class-action lawsuit filed against Rocket Mortgage, led by the same legal team involved in the 2024 NAR settlement. Topics include: Mortgage and real estate referral network models Potential RESPA compliance violations How referral fees may impact consumer interest rates and closing costs Possible ripple effects for Zillow, USAA, and other large platforms 🎓 Mortgage professionals: Adam also announces the Ohio Mortgage Bankers Association Future Leaders Program, beginning March 3rd. The program includes live virtual sessions, national industry speakers, and an in-person Day at the Ohio Statehouse focused on advocacy, ethics, and consumer protection. This episode is essential viewing for homebuyers, homeowners, real estate agents, and mortgage professionals looking to stay ahead of market trends and regulatory changes. 👉 Subscribe on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. 📞 Questions about buying a home or improving your mortgage readiness? Reach out to the team at Western Ohio Mortgage—we're happy to help. 📲 Contact Adam Rose Western Ohio Mortgage MB #9601 Adam J. Rose NMLS #870301 📞 937-497-9662 📧 arose@westernohiomortgage.com 🌐 www.westernohiomortgage.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for weekly mortgage insights 📱 TikTok: @the_mtg_guy 📘 Facebook: @TheMortgageGuy24 📸 Instagram: @adam.rose.92102

🔔 This Week on The Mortgage Guy Podcast In this episode, Adam Rose, Vice President and Senior Loan Officer with Western Ohio Mortgage, breaks down several major developments impacting today's housing and mortgage markets. 🏡 Real Estate & Agent Trends New research from Zillow reveals a major shift in how home sellers are finding real estate agents. While word-of-mouth once dominated, 36% of sellers now find their agent online, more than doubling since 2018. Adam explains what this means for agents, digital presence, Google reviews, and consumer behavior. 💳 Rising Credit Report Costs Credit reporting fees are increasing dramatically heading into 2026, with reported hikes of 40–50%. Adam explains why this is not lender greed, how these costs impact both consumers and lenders, and why the industry is pushing back. He also shares comments from Bill Pulte, Director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, regarding growing scrutiny of credit bureau pricing strategies. 📉 Mortgage Rates & MBS Market Update The episode closes with a major announcement: a proposed $200 billion mortgage-backed securities purchase plan involving Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Adam explains how renewed MBS buying could improve yield spreads, increase liquidity, and potentially drive mortgage rates lower in the near term. 🎧 Topics Covered Digital shift in real estate agent discovery Zillow consumer research insights Credit bureau cost increases and industry impact FHFA and Bill Pulte's response Mortgage-backed securities and rate movement What this means for buyers, sellers, and lenders 👉 Subscribe on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify so you never miss an episode. 📞 Questions about buying a home or improving your mortgage readiness? Reach out to the team at Western Ohio Mortgage—we're happy to help. 📲 Contact Adam Rose Western Ohio Mortgage MB #9601 Adam J. Rose NMLS #870301 📞 937-497-9662 📧 arose@westernohiomortgage.com 🌐 www.westernohiomortgage.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for weekly mortgage insights 📱 TikTok: @the_mtg_guy 📘 Facebook: @TheMortgageGuy24 📸 Instagram: @adam.rose.92102

Rent vs Buy — is renting really cheaper than owning a home? In Part 2 of our Rent vs Buy series, Adam Rose explains the real financial difference between renting vs owning, focusing on equity, inflation, and long-term wealth building using a clear 10-year comparison. This episode breaks down why renters build zero equity, while homeowners can create significant net worth through principal paydown, appreciation, and stable mortgage payments. Adam also explains when renting makes sense, when buying is the better financial decision, and why time in the market matters more than timing the market. In this episode, you'll learn: Rent vs buy explained with real numbers Renting vs owning over a 10-year period Why rent payments build no equity How homeownership builds long-term wealth How fixed mortgage payments help protect against inflation When renting makes sense based on life stage and career How home equity can be used as a financial safety net If you're asking "Should I rent or buy?", this episode gives you the clarity and financial framework to make a confident decision. 👉 Watch Part 1 for the full cost breakdown 👉 Subscribe for weekly mortgage, housing market, and home-buying insights 📞 Questions about buying a home or improving your mortgage readiness? Reach out to the team at Western Ohio Mortgage—we're happy to help. 📲 Contact Adam Rose Western Ohio Mortgage MB #9601 Adam J. Rose NMLS #870301 📞 937-497-9662 📧 arose@westernohiomortgage.com 🌐 www.westernohiomortgage.com 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for weekly mortgage insights 📱 TikTok: @the_mtg_guy 📘 Facebook: @TheMortgageGuy24 📸 Instagram: @adam.rose.92102