Mortgage 101 Podcast: Episode 25 - Showdown at the O.K. Corral: Winning with Strategy

In Episode 25, hosts Anthony and Manley, joined by guest Jenaro "Jay" Roberts of G6 Legal, tackle the 2025 housing market with an O.K. Corral theme. Jay discusses his work in consumer protection laws, including ending debt parking and addressing the student loan credit hit that impacted 11 million borrowers in February 2025.

The episode covers market signals from mortgage-backed securities (MBS) and the 10-year Treasury (at 4.126%), affordability fatigue, the power of rent reporting for credit boosts, and fall strategy over timing. They review the 2025 rate tracker (September at 6.43%) and share a buyer win story, emphasizing preparation like Wyatt Earp to navigate uncertainty.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/gInz3VbxDFk

[00:00] Welcome to Mortgage 101: Episode 25

Anthony: Today’s lineup: We’re joined by Jenaro "Jay" Roberts of G6 Legal, who’s helped buyers boost credit scores to the 700s.

Manley: Jay will cover consumer protection laws, the student loan mess, and shutdown risks. We’ll also hit market moves (MBS and 10-year Treasury), affordability fatigue, rent reporting as a credit weapon, fall strategy, the 2025 rate tracker, and a buyer win story.

Anthony: Like, follow, subscribe, and comment with topics you want us to cover!

[01:12] The O.K. Corral: 2025 Shutdown Risks

Manley: Picture 1881 Tombstone—guns drawn, tension high. Now picture Congress 2025: one side wants the government running, the other threatens a shutdown.

Anthony: Buyers are caught in the crossfire. Shutdowns can delay IRS transcripts, stall USDA loans, and pause flood insurance, risking closings.

Manley: Be Wyatt Earp—calm, steady, armed with facts. Strategy, not panic, wins.

[02:21] Guest Spotlight: Jenaro "Jay" Roberts, G6 Legal

Anthony: Jay’s helped buyers for 15 years, fixing credit and navigating collections to secure closings.

Manley: He’s also helped write laws, like banning debt parking—where collectors hide debt then ambush during mortgage pulls.

Anthony: Jay raised alarms on the February 2025 student loan credit hit, impacting 11 million borrowers post-forbearance.

Jay on Student Loans:
Jay: In February, 11 million borrowers saw credit hits when forbearance ended. The issue: you can’t go from current to 90 days late without 30- and 60-day notices, per law. The Department of Education was overwhelmed, lacked manpower, and didn’t notify borrowers. The system auto-marked accounts 90 days late, tanking scores.

Manley: What’s the biggest myth hurting buyers?

Jay: The myth is claiming “it’s not mine” or “identity theft” fixes everything. Biometrics (e.g., facial scans at stores) and data verification are closing that loophole. Social media “credit hacks” are 99% lies—real solutions come from experts, not influencers chasing likes.

Anthony: How can listeners reach you?

Jay: Text (770) 231-1078. I don’t advertise, but I’ll call back. Now’s the time to act—tools like rent reporting and credit strategies are at their peak.

Manley: Jay’s not just for low scores. He helps elevate 700s to 800s, leveraging credit to live like you earn more. A client earning $62,000 owns a $475,000 home and is buying an airplane by mastering credit.

[12:45] Market Moves: MBS and Treasury Signals

Anthony: Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are testing the 25-day average. If they break higher, rates could rise, like a horse bolting through a fence.

Manley: The 10-year Treasury is just above 4.126%, under its 25-day average, signaling caution. A slip could shift the fight.

Anthony: Shutdown risks, like a canceled jobs report, create uncertainty. Historically, shutdowns nudge yields lower short-term, but lenders play defense, so don’t expect cheaper rates.

Manley: Fed’s Hammack stays hawkish, Bowman hints at Operation Twist or selling MBS, which could push rates higher.

[14:47] Affordability Fatigue

Anthony: Affordability is like carrying water in a desert—every step costs more. Buyers worry about jobs, side hustles, and family plans, slowing decisions.

Manley: Hesitation is like standing still in a gunfight. Know your budget, have paperwork ready, stay flexible on neighborhoods, and strike when the right house appears.

[16:11] Rent Reporting: Your Secret Weapon

Manley: Rent, your biggest bill, now boosts credit. 80% of renters reporting payments see score increases, especially for thin files.

Anthony: This shifts you from ignored to approved. Start reporting now for 2026 buying—walk into lenders like Wyatt Earp, ready and steady.

[17:16] Fall Strategy Season

Anthony: Summer was a standoff—homes sat, sellers pulled back, buyers got frustrated.

Manley: Fall rewards strategy. Motivated sellers are listening; clean files win. It’s not about perfect timing but showing up prepared, like Wyatt and Doc Holliday. Patience won’t save you—strategy will.

[18:34] Rate Tracker: September 2025 Update

Anthony: 2025 rates: January 6.65% (sticky inflation), February 6.73% (strong labor), March 6.81% (year’s high, fewer cuts expected), April 6.74% (inflation eased), May 6.68% (weaker data), June 6.64% (Fed patience), July 6.71% (hot inflation), August 6.57% (weaker jobs), September 6.43% (stability, shutdown risk looms).

Manley: Post-March, rates stayed in a tight range—not 4%, but not skyrocketing. Stability means opportunity—act like Wyatt with a steady hand.

Anthony: We’re close to our 6.125% year-end prediction.

[20:47] Big Win: Doc Holliday Moment

Manley: A buyer with rough credit used Jay’s roadmap and rent reporting, boosting their score in 90 days. Facing a resistant seller and stalled listing, they leveraged a clean file for a win.

Anthony: Strategy turned a standoff into a home purchase, saving them from bleeding rent money.

[21:49] Final Thoughts

Anthony: Shutdowns, Fed chatter, and affordability create a dust storm, but strategy beats panic. Prep credit, report rent, lock smart, and strike fast.

Manley: Be Wyatt Earp—steady hands, clear aim, and a plan to win the keys.

[23:07] Knock-Knock

Anthony: Knock, knock.

Manley: Who’s there?

Anthony: Doc.

Manley: Doc who?

Anthony: Doc Holliday—if you don’t send your docs today, you’re history!

FAQ

What’s debt parking?
Collectors hide debt off reports, then it appears during mortgage pulls. Jay helped make this illegal, protecting buyers.

How did student loans hurt credit in 2025?
Post-forbearance, 11 million borrowers were marked 90 days late without proper 30- and 60-day notices, tanking scores due to system errors and lack of manpower.

Why report rent?
80% of renters see credit score boosts, helping thin files qualify for loans. Start now for 2026 buying.

How do shutdowns affect buyers?
They delay IRS transcripts, stall USDA loans, and pause flood insurance, risking closings. Prep early to avoid delays.