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Data Reports
2025 Refinance Mortgage Closing Cost Data Report
The national average total closing costs for a purchase mortgage transaction were $2,403. This amount consists of a national average of 0.72% of the home sales price.
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Lending Leaders
How to Invest in Creativity
This one’s all about keeping creativity alive, even and especially when the market is uncertain. LodeStar’s Director of Revenue, Alayna Gardner, chats with Marketing Content Manager Tim Austen to discuss creativity, and how to invest in it—no matter what’s happening in the industry.
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A Tale of Two Mortgages
Did Ya Lock Yet?
Horace confronts the uncertainty of the present market…
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Lending Leaders
Innovation in a Tough Market
LodeStar’s Jim Paolino interviews Dave Savage of Trust Engine and Mortgage Coach. Together they chat about the spirit of innovation, how to weather tough markets, and the importance of customer service.
Lending Leaders
The Credit Union Movement
LodeStar’s own Jim Paolino chats with ACUMA President, Peter Benjamin, CMB, about the credit union movement, the American dream of homeownership, and the importance of community engagement.
Lending Leaders
Emphasizing the Borrower Experience
Alayna chats with longtime LodeStar friend, John Hardesty, General Manager-Mortgage Division at Argyle, about the borrower experience, the importance of education, and how technology moves the industry forward.
Lending Leaders
Reflecting on 2023
Get ready for an eyeful of holiday sweater… Alayna and Jim sit down with Dave Spektor to reflect on 2023 and look forward to 2024.
Lending Leaders
The Power of Vulnerability
Raquel Borras, host of Raq the Boat and Women Who Shred, talks with Alayna Gardner about bridging the generational gap, fostering accountability, and bringing a spirit of fun to the workplace.
Lending Leaders
The Impact of the NAR Ruling
Jim chats with longtime LodeStar friend, Matt Einheber, Principal at TitleEQ and Creator of Title Box, about the impact of the NAR ruling and the future of real estate.
Lending Leaders
More Than Just Surviving
LodeStar’s Alayna Gardner chats with the indefatigable Liz Short, CEO of Short Solutions, about how to do more than just “Survive Till ’25.”
Lending Leaders
A Better World Through PMI
This week’s guest is a new friend, Nomi Smith, Founder and CEO of PMI Rate Pro. She and Jim Paolino chat about Nomi’s amazing story, her journey into mortgage lending, and her expertise in the world of mortgage insurance.
Lending Leaders
Key Takeaways from MBA 2023
Two hosts for the price of one! Jim and Alayna regroup at LodeStar HQ to recap MBA Annual 2023 in Philadelphia. They discuss key takeaways, shifts in focus in mortgage tech, and—of course—Philly food.
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