Episodes

  • Q1 2026 Mortgage Market in Plain English with Leah Mormando and Charlie Werder

    Q1 2026 Mortgage Market in Plain English with Leah Mormando and Charlie Werder
    Apr 30 2026
    The 2026 mortgage market is evolving. Lenders and homebuyers alike are navigating a new landscape of mortgage rates, affordability challenges, and rising housing costs. In this episode of Mortgage Chit Chat, host John Giordano, CEO of First Heritage Mortgage Services, is joined by mortgage experts Leah Mormando and Charlie Werder to break down what’s really happening in the mortgage environment in Q1 2026.From managing payment shocks caused by rising property taxes and homeowners insurance to understanding the growing role of AI in mortgage lending, the conversation covers the key issues shaping today’s housing market and mortgage industry trends. The team also discusses strategies lenders can use to grow purchase business, support first-time homebuyers, and stay competitive in a year expected to bring steady but challenging conditions.If you’re trying to understand where the mortgage market is headed and what opportunities still exist for buyers and lenders, this episode provides practical insights from professionals working on the front lines of the mortgage industry.What You Will Learn in This Episode:✅ How lenders should plan for 2026 if rates stay around 5.5% to 6% and affordability remains challenging✅ Strategies to grow purchase loans, including first-time buyer programs, portfolio options, and DSCR investment loans✅ How to reduce payment shock by educating buyers on taxes, insurance, budgeting, and long-term affordability✅ Where AI is truly saving time in mortgage lending, and why compliance and privacy still come firstReady to take the next step toward homeownership? Visit firstheritage.org to connect with First Heritage Mortgage Services and explore personalized mortgage solutions that fit your goal.Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Mortgage Chit Chat: First Heritage Mortgage Services mission01:00 Q1 2026 mortgage environment and guest introductions03:08 How lenders should plan for 2026 with rates near 5.5% to 6%05:32 Growing purchase loans as home prices rise and inventory stays tight08:00 Protecting first-time buyers from payment shock and rising costs10:02 AI tools that reduce friction, improve verification, and speed up underwriting12:42 2026 regulatory priorities: fair lending, privacy, and fraud protection16:11 What to focus on: resales, refi’s, home equity, and why geography matters19:17 Borrower education that works and correcting common down payment myths26:00 Wrap up: maintaining profitability in tighter margin environmentsKey Takeaways💎 2026 is likely a steady year, not a boom, so lenders need flexible staffing and a purchase-first mindset💎 Payment shock is real and growing, so taxes, insurance, and budgeting must be part of every buyer conversation💎 The lenders who win in 2026 will pair strong first-time buyer programs with clear education and efficient techAbout the HostJohn J. Giordano currently serves as CEO of First Heritage Financial, LLC and has been in the mortgage industry for over 30 years. He has been employed by First Heritage Financial the last 16 years, starting as Vice President of Mortgage Services and promoted to CEO in early 2012. Prior to working at First Heritage Financial, he was Vice President of the NTO Division at Eastern Mortgage Services, Inc., Regional Vice President of Affinity Products at National City Mortgage, and Vice President of NTO Production for Phoenix Mortgage. Mr. Giordano is a member of the Radian Group National Advisory Board for Credit Union Mortgages and a member of Villa Victoria Academy Board of Directors for the last six years. Mr. Giordano attended Vanderbilt University, receiving a BA degree with a concentration on Business Administration. Mr. Giordano has received an Executive Certification from MERS CORP and is also personally licensed for Mortgage Origination in Pennsylvania and Maryland.Resources & LinksConnect with First Heritage Mortgage Services for tailored mortgage solutionsKeywordsMortgage Chit Chat Podcast, John Giordano, First Heritage Mortgage Services, Q1 2026 mortgage market, Mortgage rates 2026, First time homebuyer programs, Down payment assistance grants, Payment shock property taxes, Homeowners insurance increases, DSCR loan program, Non-QM mortgage lending, Credit union mortgage solutions, Borrower education homeownership, AI in mortgage underwriting, Fair lending and data privacy
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    27 mins
  • Why Fall 2025 Could Be the Best Time to Buy a Home in Today’s Housing Market

    Why Fall 2025 Could Be the Best Time to Buy a Home in Today’s Housing Market
    Sep 10 2025

    The mortgage market is shifting, and fall 2025 may just be the sweet spot for buyers. In this premiere episode of Mortgage Chit Chat, host John Giordano, CEO of First Heritage Mortgage Services, breaks down the current real estate trends and explains why this fall’s housing market offers unique opportunities for those ready to purchase.

    From stable mortgage rates to an increase in housing inventory, John shares 8 key reasons why homebuyers should pay close attention this season. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to step into the home buying process, this conversation will give you clarity and confidence.

    What You Will Learn in This Episode:
    • Why fall 2025 could offer the best homebuying conditions in years
    • How a 29% increase in housing inventory is shifting the market
    • What stable mortgage rates mean for buyer confidence and planning
    • Why fewer bidding wars and more concessions give buyers the upper hand

    Ready to take the next step toward homeownership?

    Visit firstheritage.org to connect with First Heritage Mortgage Services and explore personalized mortgage solutions that fit your goal.

    Timestamps
    • 00:00 Welcome to Mortgage Chit Chat
    • 00:54 Why fall can be a prime season for home buying
    • 02:12 Housing inventory up 29% year-over-year
    • 03:30 Predictable mortgage rates shaping buyer budgets
    • 04:12 National home prices flattening and slight declines ahead
    • 05:06 Price cuts, incentives, and concessions from sellers
    • 05:54 A shift toward a more balanced housing market
    • 06:42 Fewer bidding wars, more negotiation power for buyers
    • 07:36 Why fall 2025 is a strong window of opportunity

    Key Takeaways

    • Inventory Surge – More homes are available now than at any time in the last five years, making it easier to find the right fit.
    • Stable Mortgage Rates – Forecasts suggest mortgage rates will hover between 6.3%–6.5%, giving buyers budget predictability.
    • Negotiation Leverage – With fewer bidding wars and more price cuts, buyers hold stronger bargaining power.
    • Balanced Market – After years of extreme competition, the real estate market is entering a more stable and buyer-friendly phase.

    About the Host

    John Giordano has been managing First Heritage Financial Mortgage Services for the last twenty years. First Heritage is a credit union owned company that offers seamless first mortgage solutions for credit unions and financial institutions. Our experienced first mortgage professionals identify exemplary service levels for your members and operate under the credit union philosophy of people helping people. We help all credit unions of every asset level strengthen their member relationships and increase revenue stream to improve their bottom line. John has worked in the mortgage industry for over 40 years. He is sought for his business innovation and non-traditional mortgage banking ideas. He has continuously been included as an advisory board member and speaker for FNMA, Freddie Mac, Radian Group, CMGMI, NACUSO and the MBA.

    Resources & Links
    • Learn more: firstheritage.org
    • Connect with First Heritage Mortgage Services for customized mortgage solutions

    Keywords

    Mortgage Chit Chat Podcast, John Giordano, First Heritage Mortgage Services, fall 2025 housing market, best time to buy a home, mortgage trends 2025, real estate market forecast, homebuyer tips, housing inventory 2025, mortgage rates fall 2025, home buying advice, real estate podcast, credit union mortgage services, mortgage rate predictions, buyer’s market 2025
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    9 mins