podcast, our Data Reports, the "A Tale of Two Mortgages" webcomic, and LodeStar Report Newsletter.
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Data Reports
2025 Purchase Mortgage Closing Cost Data Report
The national average total closing costs for a purchase mortgage transaction were $4,661. This amount consists of a national average of 1.06% of the home sales price.
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Full Disclosure
Vibe Check Before the Holidays
Here’s one last mortgage industry vibe check before the holidays. With just three and a half short weeks before break, Jim and Alayna give their take on the state of the mortgage industry.
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Full Disclosure
Small Company, Big Growth
2026 has been a whirlwind so far. It’s the end of February, but it feels like we’ve done a full year’s worth of work already. Jim and Alayna take a moment from their busy schedules to tell us about new products, plans for growth, and how LodeStar knocks conference season out of the ballpark.
Full Disclosure
Is Renting Throwing Your Money Away?
This week it’s “What Grinds My Gears,” the monthly segment where Jim and Alayna vent their frustration on a topic of their choosing. This month, Jim wants to talk about the common assertion, “Renting is throwing your money away.” With the current administration eager to prevent us from being “a nation of renters,” the issue of renting is due for a conversation.
Full Disclosure
Taking Time to Slow Down
This week, it’s all about slowing down the process. In an age of rapid productivity, Cal Newport’s book ‘Slow Productivity’ made an impression, not only on Jim, but on Alayna and Tim.
Full Disclosure
How Loan Officers Can Up Their Game in 2026
How can LOs differentiate themselves in the current market? For this month’s Mortgage Industry Vibe Check, Jim and Alayna discuss how lenders can find their niche. Also, some thoughts on conference season, and how lenders and vendors can find harmony in shared goals.
Full Disclosure
A Fresh Dose of Clarity
We’re ending January 2026 with the LodeStar update segment—except this month has something special… LodeStar is unveiling a new feature powered by AI which has already saved our clients tons of money. Listen to the episode to find out more!
Full Disclosure
Why New Years Resolutions Fail
This week on the Full Disclosure Podcast, it’s time for “What Grinds My Gears,” when Jim and Alayna vent their frustrations. Up for discussion: New Years Resolutions, why they fail, and whether snow is a good thing or a bad thing.
Full Disclosure
The Science of Scaling
This week we’re back to Jim’s book club, our regular segment on the Full Disclosure Podcast where we get to hear what Jim is reading lately and how it’s affected business at LodeStar and SettleWise.
Full Disclosure
Diving Into 2026
It’s officially 2026, and Jim and Alayna are kicking off a new year of the Full Disclosure podcast with a brand-new mortgage industry vibe check.
Full Disclosure
Looking Back and Looking Ahead
For the final Full Disclosure episode of 2025, Jim and Alayna are taking a moment to reflect on the past year and look ahead to changes in 2026.