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Mark's Mortgage Guide

Mark's Mortgage Guide

By: Mark Zachary
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We tackle some of the most frequently asked questions and latest news in the mortgage and real estate industries. Our goal is to help our listeners understand the home financing and home buying process and to deliver the latest news and market movers that can shape the mortgage world. We also, from time, interview top real estate professionals to learn best practices when buying and selling a home. From staging, to selling to buying and everything in between, Mark's Mortgage & Real Estate Guide covers it all.Mark Zachary Economics
Episodes
  • What Is a Closing Disclosure? | How to Read a Closing Disclosure
    May 27 2026

    Think you’re ready for closing day? Not so fast. Before you sign the final mortgage paperwork, there’s one document that can reveal hidden fees, payment surprises, and costly mistakes — the Closing Disclosure. In this episode of Mark’s Mortgage Guide, Mark Zachary breaks down exactly what a Closing Disclosure is, how to read it, and the key numbers every home buyer should review before closing on a home.

    Buying a home can feel overwhelming, especially when you receive the final mortgage paperwork known as the Closing Disclosure. In this episode of Mark’s Mortgage Guide, Mark Zachary explains what a Closing Disclosure is, why borrowers receive it before closing, and how to review it with confidence.


    You’ll learn:
    • What information is included in the Closing Disclosure
    • How to review your loan terms and monthly payment
    • What “cash to close” really means
    • Common errors and fee changes buyers should catch
    • Why the 3-day review period matters before signing


    Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or simply want to better understand the mortgage process, this episode will help you avoid surprises at the closing table.


    Interested in being a guest on Mark’s Mortgage Guide or know someone who would make a great guest? Reach out today.


    Mark Zachary

    Broker/Owner

    Certified Mortgage Advisor

    NMLS# 201166

    Next Step Home Loans, LLC

    NextStepHomeLoans.com

    Ofc: 832-504-9014

    NMLS# 1746763

    #MortgagePodcast #ClosingDisclosure #HomeBuying #MortgageTips #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #RealEstateEducation

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    22 mins
  • Why Is My Mortgage Payments Rising?
    May 20 2026

    Why does your mortgage payment keep increasing even when you have a fixed interest rate? In this episode of Mark’s Mortgage Guide, Mark Zachary breaks down one of the most common and frustrating questions homeowners ask.

    You’ll learn:
    🏠 Why fixed-rate mortgages can still have changing monthly payments
    📈 How rising property taxes affect your escrow account
    💰 Why homeowners insurance premiums continue increasing
    📋 What an escrow shortage really means
    ✅ Practical steps homeowners can take to reduce future payment surprises.


    With over 30 years of mortgage and real estate experience, Certified Mortgage Advisor Mark Zachary explains complex mortgage topics in a simple, practical way homeowners can actually understand.

    If your mortgage payment recently increased—or you want to avoid future surprises—this episode is a must-listen.


    📞 Contact Mark Zachary at Next Step Home Loans
    Office: 832-504-9014
    Email: Mark@NextStepHomeLoans.com


    🎙 Interested in being a guest on Mark’s Mortgage Guide? Reach out today!


    #MortgagePodcast #Homeownership #MortgageTips #Escrow #TexasRealEstate #PropertyTaxes #HomeInsurance #MortgageEducation


    Mark Zachary

    Broker/Owner

    Certified Mortgage Advisor

    NMLS# 201166

    Next Step Home Loans, LLC

    NextStepHomeLoans.com

    Ofc: 832-504-9014

    NMLS# 1746763

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    13 mins
  • What Is Title Insurance in Real Estate? | Title Policy Explained
    May 13 2026

    🎙️ NEW EPISODE LIVE NOW on Mark’s Mortgage Guide!

    What is title insurance, and do you really need it when buying a home? In this episode, Mark Zachary breaks down the meaning of title insurance, what a title policy protects, and why title policy protection matters long after closing day.

    We discuss:
    ✔️ Title insurance meaning
    ✔️ What is a title policy?
    ✔️ Home title policy protection
    ✔️ Owner’s vs lender’s title insurance
    ✔️ Why buyers purchase title insurance
    ✔️ Common title issues homeowners face

    If you’re buying a home, refinancing, or investing in real estate, understanding your title policy could save you from costly legal and ownership issues later.

    Hosted by Mark Zachary, Certified Mortgage Advisor and owner of Next Step Home Loans. With more than 30 years of mortgage and real estate experience, Mark helps simplify the home financing process with practical, real-world guidance.


    📞 Call/Text: 832-504-9014
    📧 Mark@NextStepHomeLoans.com


    Interested in being a guest on Mark’s Mortgage Guide or know someone who would be a great fit? Reach out anytime!

    #TitleInsurance #TitlePolicy #HomeTitlePolicy #RealEstatePodcast #MortgageTips #PurchaseTitleInsurance #DoINeedTitleInsurance #HomeBuying #TexasMortgage #MarksMortgageGuide


    Mark Zachary

    Broker/Owner

    Certified Mortgage Advisor

    NMLS# 201166

    Next Step Home Loans, LLC

    NextStepHomeLoans.com

    Ofc: 832-504-9014

    NMLS# 1746763


    Show More Show Less
    16 mins
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