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
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.
Loan Estimate Challenges
Utah’s Biggest LE Challenges
Utah is home to a flat, statewide recording fee. The state of Utah has no transfer or mortgage taxes. In Utah, title insurance rates are uniform statewide.
Deeper Thoughts
The Story of “A Tale of Two Mortgages”
Ever wonder where we got the idea to publish a weekly comic strip for the mortgage industry? Read the story of “A Tale of Two Mortgages.”
Loan Estimate Challenges
Arkanasas’s Biggest LE Challenges
Known as “The Natural State,” Arkansas is a fairly straight-forward place when it comes to LE challenges for real estate transactions.
A Tale of Two Mortgages
Just Use RON
Horace’s refusal to embrace technology has consequences for
Loan Estimate Challenges
Wyoming’s Biggest LE Challenges
Known as “The Equality State,” Wyoming holds the distinction of being the first state in the nation to have a county public library.
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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.
Loan Estimate Challenges
West Virginia’s Biggest LE Challenges
West Virginia has a few unique features with regard to its real estate closing fees. Recording fees are consistently priced statewide in West Virginia.