podcast, our Data Reports, the "A Tale of Two Mortgages" webcomic, and LodeStar Report Newsletter.
FEATURED
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.
VIEW POST
FEATURED
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.
LISTEN NOW
FEATURED
A Tale of Two Mortgages
Did Ya Lock Yet?
Horace confronts the uncertainty of the present market…
VIEW POST
Loan Estimate Challenges
Florida’s Biggest LE Challenges
Florida is another state in which title insurance rates are promulgated (set by regulatory authority). However, the rates may vary by type of mortgage transaction. Refinance mortgages are of particular interest, as a substitution discount or reissue may be available.
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.
Loan Estimate Challenges
Tennessee’s Biggest LE Challenges
Home to The Grand Ole Opry, the longest running radio show in the world for any genre, Tennessee is also the birthplace of cotton candy, Mountain Dew and the Moon Pie.
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.
A Tale of Two Mortgages
“Holding My Breath”
Rates are starting to slip, and Horace doesn’t want to jinx it.
Deeper Thoughts
How to Get the Most Out of Tech You Already Have
Buying tech is one thing. Getting your team to effectively and efficiently adopt it is another story. It’s not impossible—far from it—but it takes intentionality and leadership.
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.”