Episodes

  • What is FHA and how does it work? // Top 1% Loan Officer Explains
    Jan 25 2024

    Join Jeff Smith, a renowned Top 1% Loan Officer, as he guides you through the intricacies of FHA Loans in this comprehensive podcast. Discover the true versatility of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan process, made simple for everyone.

    🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn About:

    What is an FHA Loan?
    - An easy-to-understand breakdown of FHA loans, their benefits, and unique advantages.

    Common Misconceptions: Not Just for First-Time Homebuyers
    - Jeff debunks the popular myth that FHA loans are exclusively for first-time buyers, expanding on how they can be a smart choice for many different homeowners.

    Who Qualifies for FHA Loans?
    - Find out the criteria and see if you're eligible!

    FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans
    - A comparative analysis to help you decide which loan type suits your needs.

    The FHA Loan Application Process
    - A detailed guide through the application process, step by step.

    Pro Tips for a Smooth FHA Loan Journey
    - Insider advice for navigating the FHA loan process effectively.

    📚 Why This Episode Is a Must-Listen:

    Expert Insights: Leverage the expertise of Jeff Smith, a top authority in the loan industry.

    Clarifying Myths: Gain clarity on common misunderstandings about FHA loans.

    Demystifying Home Buying: Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or a potential first-time buyer, this episode is your key to understanding FHA loans.

    Stay Updated: Get the most recent updates and requirements for FHA loans.

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    10 mins
  • Mortgage rates are dropping. Here’s what to expect in 2024 if you want to buy a home
    Jan 15 2024

    Dive into the intricacies of the 2024 real estate market in this enlightening episode of our podcast, where we unravel the complexities of mortgage rates and their impact on the housing landscape. We kick off the discussion by reflecting on the tumultuous journey of mortgage rates in 2023, highlighting the longest rising rate cycle in four decades that peaked in the third quarter. But the story takes a turn as we examine the dramatic fall in rates, marking the steepest one-month drop witnessed in 30 years.

    Join us as we explore the various factors shaping this scenario, including economic slowdown, shifts in the labor market, and the substantial decrease in inflation rates. We also delve into the influence of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy changes and the effects of global geopolitical tensions, such as the Ukraine-Russia and Israeli-Hamas conflicts, on the economy and mortgage rates.

    This episode goes beyond just numbers; it's a deep dive into the overall real estate market dynamics. We discuss how decreasing mortgage rates fuel housing demand and subsequently affect property prices. Our conversation also covers the persistent issue of housing inventory shortages and its implications for home values. Plus, we offer expert advice for realtors and potential homebuyers on timing their market entry in 2024.

    Tune in for a comprehensive understanding of the real estate market trends for the upcoming year, crucial for anyone interested in real estate, whether you're an industry professional, prospective homeowner, or a market enthusiast. Remember to subscribe for more insightful episodes on real estate and market trends!

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    14 mins
  • How To Calculate Your Monthly Mortgage Payment: A Guide // Mortgage Calculator // Jeff Smith
    Jan 8 2024

    If you're considering purchasing a home or refinancing your current one, you likely have many questions. These may include concerns about interest rates, expected monthly payments, and potential savings through early loan repayment.

    Jeff Smith, founder of Tiger Home Loans, will guide you through the process of calculating your mortgage payment step by step. Additionally, he will provide insights into the variables that constitute this equation, offering strategies to save money and improve your financial preparedness. He will also introduce various mortgage calculators tailored to different scenarios.

    Breaking Down Your Monthly Mortgage Payment:

    Your monthly mortgage payment consists of various financial components, including the loan amount, interest rate, loan term, and other factors:

    **Loan Amount:** For homebuyers, input the home price and deduct your down payment. In refinancing, use the expected balance after closing.

    **Interest Rate:** Focus on the base rate, not the annual percentage rate (APR), as it affects monthly payments more. The majority of initial payments primarily cover interest.

    **Loan Term:** Longer terms, like 30-year mortgages, result in smaller monthly payments but higher overall interest costs. Shorter terms, like 15-year mortgages, have the opposite effect.

    **Mortgage Insurance:** If your down payment is less than 20%, you may pay private mortgage insurance (PMI). Its rate depends on factors like down payment, credit score, loan type, and occupancy.

    **Property Taxes:** Account for property taxes, often included in your mortgage payment, as a cost of homeownership.

    **Homeowners Insurance:** Lenders mandate homeowners insurance; it can be included in monthly payments or paid separately.

    **Homeowners Association (HOA) Fees:** These are not typically included in monthly payments but can impact your budget and loan eligibility.

    Calculating Your Mortgage Payment:

    You can calculate your payment manually using this formula:
    ```
    M = P [ I(1 + I)^N ] / [ (1 + I)^N − 1]
    ```
    Breaking it down:
    - M = Monthly payment
    - P = Principal amount (loan balance)
    - I = Interest rate (monthly rate, not APR)
    - N = Number of payments (loan term in months)

    Alternatively, use a mortgage calculator for simplicity.

    Types of Mortgage Calculators:

    1. **Purchase Calculator:** Helps determine financial readiness by considering sale price, down payment, credit score, income, other debt, ZIP code, and HOA fees. Provides insights into cash needed for a down payment and affordability.

    2. **Refinance Calculator:** Assists in evaluating refinancing options based on goals (e.g., lower payments, faster payoff, cash-out), current loan amount, estimated home value, credit score, mortgage balance, other debt, and expected duration in the home.

    3. **Amortization Calculator:** Displays principal and interest payments over the loan term. Input current loan amount, loan length, interest rate, and location. Discover the impact of additional payments on interest savings and loan duration.

    Ready to take the next step in your homeownership journey? Start your mortgage application online with Tiger Home Loans and Jeff Smith today to secure your fina

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    21 mins
  • Will Mortgage Rates Go Down in 2024? // Mortgage Interest Rates Forecast
    Dec 5 2023

    Forecasting Mortgage Rates for 2024: Insights and Predictions for Home Buyers and Investors

    As we step into the future of real estate and finance, a pressing question on everyone's mind is: What will mortgage interest rates look like in 2024? Jeff Smith, CEO and loan officer at Tiger Home Loans, with 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry, shares his expert insights. This video dives into the factors influencing mortgage rates, providing clarity and guidance for potential homebuyers and investors.

    Historical Context and Recent Trends:
    November 2023 marked a historical moment in the mortgage industry, witnessing the most significant improvement in mortgage rates in 40 years. This shift can be attributed to several factors, including changes in inflation, governmental policies, and global economic trends.

    The Role of Inflation and Government Policies:
    Mortgage rates have traditionally been closely tied to inflation. Post-COVID, with the end of low rates and easy monetary policy, we saw a substantial rise in inflation due to government spending and relief programs. This increase in inflation led to a hike in mortgage rates as they align closely with long-term bond rates, which are sensitive to inflation expectations.

    The Impact of the Federal Reserve's Actions:
    The Federal Reserve's rate hikes aimed to control inflation indirectly influenced mortgage rates. However, an interesting observation made by Smith is that despite a decrease in inflation in the past year, mortgage rates remained high, contrary to historical patterns. This anomaly can be linked to the resilience of the economy, despite rate hikes, and an enlarged money supply by 40% during COVID-19.

    Predictions for 2024:
    Looking ahead, there are expectations of a slowdown in the U.S. economy, with jobs numbers weakening and the Federal Reserve potentially ending its cycle of rate hikes. This could lead to a significant drop in mortgage rates. Smith anticipates that we might not see rates as low as 3% unless triggered by an unforeseen event, but there's a strong likelihood of continued improvement in rates, particularly if the Fed implements cuts in 2024.

    Opportunities in the Mortgage and Real Estate Markets:
    This evolving landscape presents a unique opportunity for those in the mortgage business and potential homebuyers. Lower mortgage rates are expected to heat up the real estate market, driving demand for home purchases. For buyers, locking in rates now with the possibility of refinancing later at a lower rate seems to be a strategic move.

    Conclusion:
    As we navigate through these changing economic times, understanding the dynamics of mortgage rates is crucial for making informed decisions in the real estate market. While certain factors like global events and policy changes remain unpredictable, the current trends and expert predictions point towards a more favorable environment for mortgage rates in 2024.

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmiththl/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    E

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    14 mins
  • Steal This Client Pre-Qual Consultation
    Nov 13 2023

    On this episode, mortgage veteran Jeff Smith of Tiger Home Loans opens the vault on his 18-year tenure to share a meticulously crafted method that has cemented his reputation as a linchpin in the mortgage industry.

    For Realtors:
    - Learn how Jeff's pre-qual consultation ensures a seamless, transparent, and supportive journey for your clients, setting the stage for a harmonious homebuying experience.
    - Discover the strategies that pre-emptively tackle common questions and objections, fostering a proactive environment that cultivates trust and eases anxieties.
    - See how partnering with a lender who prioritizes client education and preparation can elevate your service and client satisfaction to new heights.

    For Lenders:
    - Gain insight into an expertly refined process that addresses every conceivable client concern, equipping you with the tools to enhance your consultation effectiveness.
    - Understand the nuances of a system that not only wins clients but also establishes a foundation of trust and authority from the first interaction.
    - Consider the opportunity to join forces with Jeff at his brokerage, where this proven process is just the beginning of setting industry standards.

    This episode doesn't just spotlight a successful consultation—it invites you to witness a masterclass that transforms potential obstacles into stepping stones for client assurance and success. Whether you're guiding clients through the thicket of mortgage planning or looking to sharpen your own advisory skills, this is your roadmap to a process that guarantees success.

    Tune in and redefine your approach to the pre-qualification consultation with insights that only decades of experience can forge. Elevate your practice, join an alliance of excellence, and ensure every client journey is not just a transaction, but a milestone of financial triumph with Jeff Smith.

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    29 mins
  • How the N.A.R. Lawsuit Could Change Real Estate Forever
    Nov 6 2023

    In this pivotal episode, Jeff delves into the seismic shift happening in the real estate world following a landmark ruling that could transform the home-buying process in America. A federal jury has found the National Association of Realtors and major brokerages guilty of conspiring to inflate commissions — a verdict with staggering implications for the industry.

    The jury's decision not only mandates nearly $1.8 billion in damages, potentially tripling to over $5 billion, but also signifies a potential end to the longstanding “cooperative compensation rule.” This rule traditionally required home sellers to pay the buyer's agent commissions, a practice now scrutinized for its fairness and competitiveness. With this verdict, agents may now set their own rates, leading to more competitive pricing and possibly slashing commission rates.

    But the repercussions don't stop at commission structures. The ruling casts a critical eye on the N.A.R.'s influence, which has been further questioned following recent leadership controversies. The association, despite its intentions to appeal, faces a growing distrust among real estate professionals — many of whom are now questioning the value of their membership dues and the organization's leadership.

    Jeff not only examines the court's decision and its immediate aftermath but also ventures into the broader implications of this verdict on the real estate landscape. How will brokerages adjust their business models? What does this mean for home sellers and buyers in the United States? And importantly, Jeff explores how individual realtors, like Jason Haber, view the judgment and the future of their profession.

    In the second segment, Jeff doesn't lose sight of the practical — he transitions into the indispensable strategy of leveraging referrals and reviews to grow your business. With the industry at a potential turning point, learning how to effectively harness the power of your clientele's voice is more crucial than ever. Discover actionable tips on how to encourage and manage referrals and reviews, elevating your business amidst a rapidly changing market.

    This is not just an episode; it's a masterclass for every real estate professional, homeowner, or buyer who wants to navigate the turbulent waters of a changing industry. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge to thrive in the new real estate era and learn the art of business growth in times of industry upheaval.

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    16 mins
  • Are Lower Mortgage Rates on the Horizon? (Rates Update Special)
    Nov 3 2023

    Navigating the turbulent mortgage rate landscape has never been more crucial. In this special Rates Update episode, Jeff, an industry-seasoned mortgage broker lays out the economic influences impacting mortgage rates today. After 18 months of relentless rises, hitting a peak not seen since the nineties, the market seemed stalled — but there's a change in the wind.

    Jeff breaks down the intricate relationship between inflation, the Federal Reserve's policies, government debt, and geopolitical uncertainties, and how these factors have driven rates to where they stand. However, the tides may be turning. With the Fed's recent pause on rate hikes, a decrease in inflation, and a potential shift in the geopolitical landscape, there could be a cap on rising rates, signaling a time of stabilization we've been hoping for.

    This deep dive is essential for anyone with a stake in the mortgage industry, whether you're a professional looking to navigate these changes for your clients or a homeowner wondering how this could affect your mortgage. Jeff provides insightful analysis, backed by years of experience, to help you understand these complex dynamics and what they could mean for the future of mortgage rates.

    Watch now to stay ahead in the game and understand why there's a reason to be cautiously optimistic about the direction of mortgage rates, and how this could influence the broader real estate market as we move into an election year. This is not just a rates update; it's a glimpse into the potential ceiling of this cycle and what comes next for everyone involved in the journey of home financing.

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    11 mins
  • How to make boatloads of money in the mortgage business with Lead Generation
    Oct 9 2023

    What if the secret to becoming a top-performing loan officer was just one step away? In this episode, Jeff pulls back the curtain on that crucial, singular factor that sets the high-flyers apart from the rest: lead generation. That's right, it’s not about just knowing your loans and market trends, but about creating and nourishing new referral sources and client databases.

    Jeff takes a deep dive into the three main sources of leads for the highest-performing loan officers – realtors, existing client databases, and social media. Learn how to nurture relationships with real estate agents so their referrals become a game-changer for your business. Discover how to turn your existing client database into a goldmine with the right post-closing marketing. And hear about the correct way to utilize a social media presence and strategy in the loan industry. This episode is packed with valuable insights and strategies to elevate your business to the top tier. So, come along, grab your clubs, and let's tee off into the world of HOME LOANS!

    Important Links & Info:
    Follow Jeff:
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeffsmithaz/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002927397116
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-smith-40627016/

    Jeff Smith - Tiger Home Loans
    📲 480.909.4000
    📩 jeff@tigerhomeloans.com
    🔗 www.tigerhomeloans.com
    Equal Housing Opportunity
    Tiger Home Loans NMLS: 2425582 NMLS: 413643

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    12 mins