podcast, our Data Reports, the "A Tale of Two Mortgages" webcomic, and LodeStar Report Newsletter.
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Data Reports
2025 Refinance Mortgage Closing Cost Data Report
The national average total closing costs for a refinance mortgage transaction were $2,207. This is an average of 0.67% of the refinance loan amount.
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A Tale of Two Mortgages
Something Not Right
Boris really, really, really likes title.
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Full Disclosure
June 2026 Full Episode
Summer is JUST around the corner, and we’re loving the sunshine and warmth as we discuss all things mortgage, housing, and title. Join Jim, Alayna, and Tim for the June 2026 episode of Full Disclosure!
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How to Build Trust
This week’s Lending Leaders is a special crossover event… On her other podcast, Thirsty Thursday, Alayna Gardner had the pleasure of interviewing Greg Sherđ„
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Growth and Profitability
Alayna Gardner interviews Nick Friedman to talk about the relationship between profitability and growth in the mortgage industry.
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How to Deliver At Scale
It’s all about scalability this week. Jim sits down with Optimal Blue’s Director of Product Management, Kevin Foley, to discuss how tech vendors can deliver solutions at scale.
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A Realtor’s Take on Mortgage
LodeStar’s own Amanda Benincasa, a Philadelphia area realtor, sits down with Alayna Gardner to share her take on the home buying and mortgage processes.
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A New Vision for 2025
How do you drive down loan origination costs? Jim and Alayna sit down to discuss LodeStar’s new vision for 2025 and onward, and how lenders can push back against the rising costs of loan origination.
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The Rundown on Regulation
Jim takes an opportunity to visit longtime friend, Matthew VanFossen, CMB, CEO of Absolute Home Mortgage and The Big Point-of-Sale. They chat about regulation and what’s ahead for 2025.
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Community and Continuing Education
Alayna sits down with Space Coast Credit Union’s Malik Wilkes, CMB, AMP, a passionate advocate for tech-forward loan origination, diversity in the mortgage community, and the value of continuing education.
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What’s Ahead for 2025?
Jim sits down with Todd Hougaard, CEO of BLITS, to discuss the evolution of tech in the mortgage and title spaces, and what’s ahead for 2025.